About SMMBC

SOUTH MANCHESTER MODEL BOAT CLUB

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About SMMBC

Scale Tug Towing Scale Sail Racing Yachts Fast

We were established in 1980 as the Platt Fields Model Boat Club with two objectives:

	To promote the construction and sailing of model boats
	To organise, hold and attend model boat competitions

In 1998 we decided to change the name of the Club to the South Manchester Model Boat Club so as to better reflect our location and the area of population we serve.

The Club has the exclusive use of the Platt Fields Park boating lake (see Find Us) and sails there every Sunday morning from 9.30 am until approx. 1.00 pm. Visitors are always welcome, but why not become a member. Sailing is permitted at other times on this water provided permission is first obtained from the Park Managers office, and a current Club membership card is produced.

We have established a reputation for being a relaxed and friendly Club and currently our membership stands at 28. Although a small club, we have a very large a varied selection of models, with no specialisation or favour given to any particular branch of our hobby (scale, warship, sail, fun, fast electric, etc.) - just have a look at our gallery.

Our well equipped Club also has exclusive use of a large club room at the lakeside with kitchen facilities where we hold our club meetings on the first Sunday of each month at the end of the scheduled sailing period.

	Our main sailing area with the 2000 National Veterans M Championship in progress. The clubhouse is behind in the right hand end of the old boathouse. The water is deep enough for anything up to and including R10R yachts and is completely surrounded by a vertical hard edge and tarmac walkway.
	The main model control area, separated from the public by railings. In the background is the large central island in the lake
	A further view of the sailing area, with sailing in progress and the island to the left background
	Some of the local fauna - definitely not under control!
	Its not always so peaceful - the result of high winds (yes, we do get them!) leading to us abandoning a club sailing competition
	A picture of our stand at the Ellesmere Port convention, 2001
	And another of our 2002 stand at Ellesmere

To view these photographs, click on the thumbnail. Return to this page by clicking the 'back' button on your browser

All types of radio controlled models are accommodated including:

	Scale - electric or steam powered (yes, we have our own boiler testing facility and Club boiler tester)
	Tug towing - becoming increasingly popular
	Scale sail
	Racing yachts (principally IOM)
	Fast electric

We even also have various novelty models in the club

To find out more about any of the above, click on the links provided

We have a full programme of events with both the sail and scale sections holding regular 'members only' events throughout the year (except December, January and February) which contribute to a league table to produce the annual club champion for each section. Although we are not currently holding any open competitions at the moment, we hope to re-establish these next year.

The Club is affiliated to the Northern Association of Model Engineers (NAME) and has boiler testing facilities and a boiler tester.

An important benefit of membership is that all our members are covered by third party liability insurance. This is a 'must have' for sailing on virtually any public water - any member wishing to 'play away' (on the water at least!) can obtain a certificate as proof of cover.

PLEASE NOTE: IC powered models are not permitted on our water

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This site created and maintained by Steve Booty

Send us e-mail

Or address snail mail to our Secretary: Mrs J Booty, 26 Amberwood Drive, Baguley, Manchester M23 9ND

Or telephone 0 161 998 1204