The weekend of the 23rd/24th June sees the Manx Model Boat Club holding their major competition of the year, Mannanan 2012. This competition is an open event, not restricted to Manx Club members, but open to other Clubs and the public provided they have completed the required entry forms. Saturday is all day at the Onchan Park boating Lake and Sunday is all day at Silverdale boating Lake, starting both days at 10am.

Onchan stages the steering competitions in the morning and tug towing is during the afternoon. The steering competition is broken down into 4 classes, all based on length of vessel, the micro (under 400mm) the mini (under 600mm) and the under 1m and over 1m. The tug towing consists of two classes, under and over 1m, the length of tow is specified and the course and requirements laid down.

Silverdale hosts the “on-the-water-scale” in the morning. Using a special judge to decide whose vessel displays the best of sea keeping and appearance. This year a retired Steam Packet captain! The static competition has four classes, kit, semi-kit, scratch and static (for non floating boats and dioramas) and all are assessed by two judges for skill, accuracy and style of build. Last year there were some 25 boats to score. The “best in Show” is by secret ballot amongst the competitors on the day.

Whilst the static judging continues free sailing and “have-a-go” boats will be available. The last event is the ever popular “fun competition”. In this entrants contend in a melee of boats to capture polystyrene floats and retrieve them to the bank side. Each float has a different point value, so it’s a question of get as many as possible. Last year saw one entrants boat “blowing-up” and pouring smoke, much to the delight of the watching crowd.

For entry details and further information please contact the officer in charge, John Williams, on 823156 or at vector@manx.net.