Peterborough Area Model Boat Club

The Peterborough Area Model Boat club was formed in 1978 by a group of like-minded enthusiasts. The aim of the club is to further the hobby of constructing and sailing radio controlled model boats. We do this, by meeting regularly to discuss all sorts of matters associated with the hobby and by sailing our boats on the club waters. We welcome and encourage other individuals of all ages and abilities to join us in the enjoyment of the hobby.

We have a very active scale model section together with a small band of enthusiasts who construct and race sailing boats. Whilst the majority of our scale members favour electrically powered craft, some members use steam to power their boats. Those wishing to sail or race power boats are recommended to the Peterborough Model Power Boat Club.

Club members range in age from teenagers to those well into their retirement. Club facilities are generally accessible to our less able members, who regularly sail their boats on the lake.

Building and sailing radio controlled model boats is a good social and educational experience. Our membership encompasses all levels of ability and a range of skills. Members' models include kit and scratch built models as well as commercially built models. All our members regardless of their ability, skills or particular interests are considered a valuable resource by other members. Information, help and guidance is freely available to be shared by all.

On several occasions in the year, club members will provide a static display of their work at a fete or similar event. These events can often help toward raising funds for various bodies and gives non-members the opportunity to see examples of the wide range of models our members produce. Club members also exhibit their models at some major exhibitions. A few of our members, representing the club, travel to Germany each year to attend the huge modelling exhibition at Dortmund, and biannually a group of our members visit the Dutch Club at Lelystad in Holland, with which we have a very strong social link. Our Dutch friends visit us for a summer weekend break in the intervening years.

Prospective members are always made very welcome at our meetings or at the lakeside. It is probably the best way to investigate the club activities and meet some of the members. Our club meetings usually consist of a diary of events and reports, followed by an item of interest such as a discussion on some aspect of the hobby, a video show, a talk by a member from another club, a demonstration or a teach-in of modelling skills always accompanied by a lot of discussion and exchanging of ideas. The club also has a casual monthly luncheon arrangement, mainly for those retired members who are interested, which is usually held at a local hostelry.