A Guide to the Best of Southern California : HANDMADE : The Hot-Tub Yacht Club

Trim the sail, set the rudder. Then lean back in the hot tub and watch her glide over the brineless bubbles. Totally risk-free yachting is available from Tippecanoe Boats--no muss, no fuss, no slip, no insurance. (Hint: Father’s Day is June 16.)

The unassembled 10-inch model (about $21.50), with a single sail, has a Western red cedar hull and brass fittings. The 15-inch Junior T-Class model ($32) is a sloop-rigged sailboat.

Another tack: Set up the wind racer on the roof or lawn. With this model, two 10-inch landlocked yachts whirl in the wind, one at either end of a rod mounted on a swivel ($45). For those who would rather duck indoors, there is a wall stand ($2.50) and table stand ($4), both in brass.

Tippecanoe Boats are available at Litchfield’s Toys, 717 E. California Ave., Glendale, (818) 241-3158; or directly from Tippecanoe, 4305 Nordum Road, Everson, Wash. 98247, (206) 966-SAIL.