Club History
History of the Nottingham Model Boat Club
The Club was originally formed in 1931 under the name The Nottingham Model Yacht Club with 13 members. The Club was based at Highfields Park, just in front of the University buildings, and this water remains at the centre of our historic roots. As the name implies the models sailed were mainly yachts as before radio control these models were the most appropriate for “free sailing”.
Back in the day...waders were an important part of model boating. Yachts were launched by members in the water and aimed at the far side of the lake. When the yacht gets to the other side a second member would use a pole to turn the model and send it back. Some considerable skill was required in the design of the hull and setting the sails so that the yacht would steer an accurate course over both legs. More sophisticated models used a vane to aid steering.
Note the reference to "miniature" yachts!
Although this might look like an ordinary picture of men playing with their toys this picture bears closer scrutiny.
The yacht top left appears to have a novel hull design with a hard chine extending up to the bow and and a slight concave shape to the hull between the keel and the chine. The two yachts in the middle are flying spinnaker foresails, something of a challenge for todays model makers and the yacht lower left has two masts and twin foresails.
The introduction of radio control in the 1950’s and 1960’s introduced a wider range of craft and the name of the club was changed to The Nottingham Model Yacht and Power Boat Club but this was considered a bit cumbersome so in the 1990’s the name was changed again to the existing Nottingham Model Boat Club.
As Radio control became both more widely available and less expensive the look, and sound of the club changed and fast speed boats became popular, in those days propelled by light and powerful Glow Plug engines, powered by high octane and less stable nitrous fuels. These days these fuels are considered to be less environmentally friendly and so most faster speed boats use the more widely available petrol.
In the 1980’s the Club added Colwick Park as a water for member’s use. This is a bigger, deeper and more open water than Highfields and can accommodate a wider range of models and so has become a popular water with members. Highfields remains our historic base but the lake has silted up and trees have matured over the years resulting in a shallow, sheltered water suitable for smaller scale models only and access to members has become restricted by the owners to sailing on a Sunday morning in the summer months.
Not our contribution to the "dodgy hat" competition... This picture was taken for press use on the formal opening of Colwick Park by HRH Princess Margaret. The chap to the left is Steve Upton, who recently stood down as chairman.
We can't be sure what has attracted their attention but Her Highness seems amused, with a charming smile, whilst Steve's look is more one of concern!
Answers on a postcard.....
The decision to add Colwick Park in the 1980’s in hindsight was an inspired one. Members have unlimited access seven days a week all year round, we can park immediately next to the lake and the water has become popular with yachts, faster speed boats as well as smaller scale models although at times the water can become too choppy for small scale. Further, the owners Nottingham City Council are keen to encourage our use as its seen as a low impact use of the park which encourages members of the public to visit.
It would seem that all the factors are in place to ensure the club continues to provide a stable and secure platform for members to pursue their interest in model boats for many years to come.