About Our Club

Richmond Park in Glasgow has had a long tradition in model boat sailing. The earlier model boat club used to have almost entirely sailing boats. In those days remote control systems were not available and the boats had mechanical wind vane systems. Depending on the direction of the wind, the wind vane system was set in an optimum position and the boats were set to sail from one end of the pond. The sailors then had to run to the other end of the pond and turn round the boats and reset the wind vane system as required for the return leg.

The Glasgow Richmond Model Boat Club was started in November 1984 by a group who aimed to continue with the sailing tradition such that model boat builders could sail their boats at leisure. The club now has over sixty members ranging from five year old juniors to seniors aged over eighty. Many people think that model boat building is mainly dominated by males, WRONG! There are many female members who actively enjoy building and sailing model boats and take part in competitions at our open days.

The majority of the boats are motor vessels of various types such as frigates, submarines, lifeboats, tugs, etc. Most of these boats are powered by batteries and controlled by remote control apparatus. The club members also sail steam powered boats. The steam engines, boilers etc. are purpose built by the members. The club is very conscious of safety and all steam powered boats have to pass safety tests before they are allowed to sail.
(The club has several members who are qualified to issue steam boiler safety certificates.)

Some members also sail sailing boats. In this type of boat remote controls are used to operate the rudder and the position of sails depending on the direction of wind. Some boats also have auxiliary engines to get back to the edge of the pond when their boat is becalmed.

The Glasgow Richmond Model Boat Club's primary objective has been to promote the hobby of model boat building and sailing. However, The club has through its displays raised money for many charities ranging from Marie Curie Cancer Care, the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow, the King George V fund for sailors to the RNLI. The club has also raised money for children's homes and charities which help disabled persons, such as Spina Bifida and other charities, such as the PDSA and the RSSPCA.

The club is housed in comfortable premises and has good facilities for disabled persons. They can reach the club premises using their own transport where members are always available to help them launch their boats in the pond.

The club meets throughout the year on:

Wednesdays     1300 hours to 1700 hours

Sundays            1300 hours to 1700 hours

During winter times are altered to suit hours of daylight in the afternoon.

Club Activities

The club has a very active programme of events and meets throughout the year. The main activities can be divided into four groups. These are covered on separate pages of this website and these pages can be accessed by clicking the links below:

1. Sailing Model Boats
2. Displays and Shows
3. Model Boat Building
4. Raising Funds for Charity

We are a bunch of friendly modellers and if you have any problems relating to model boats you can be rest assured that help is not far away.

Model boating is an affordable leisure pursuit. Initially, you can try a member's boat and see if you would like to take up this hobby. Once the bug catches you and we are sure that this will happen, you can think of acquiring your own equipment, Depending on your circumstances, a number of options are available and the costs could range from about £50 upwards.

Membership

Details of membership to the club can be viewed by visiting the  Membership  page.