Silverdale Lake, in Silverdale Glen, Ballasalla, provides the ideal setting for this, the Manx Model Boat Club’s second active event of 2012 next Sunday the 6th May starting at 10am. A nautical expert from the World Ship Society will be present to perform the judging duties and will be quite busy as there are three competitions, a Static judging, the Best model on show with a Manx connection; and the On-the-Water displays. Spectators are most welcome to come along and see some quality built models and impressive skilled sailing under pressure. And before you ask, yes accidents do happen!
The Static competition involves assessing the detail of scale build and there will be a wide variety of model vessels entered such as fishing boats, tugs, naval vessels, coasters and lifeboats. Each is classified according to build type [kit, semi-scratch or scratch.]. The Manx connection can be to any class of model, but there must be a proven link to the Isle of Man.
It will be the On-the-Water competition that tests the modeller’s nerves most as they will have to demonstrate their ability and skills with radio control of the model whilst afloat. The object is to impress the judge with the scale appearance of the model and then to sail it in an appropriate manner through a simple buoyed navigation course. At the end of the course the entrant has the choice of “docking” in the harbour at the lakeside, or he can perform a “party piece” maybe demonstrating in-built functions, and one year there was even a controlled sinking! (deliberate of course). There is a time limit and there are penalties for not negotiating the course properly.
The event is free to watch and visitors are very welcome to come along. However, any person wishing to participate in the competition must be, for insurance purposes, a member of the club. The event will commence at Silverdale boating lake at 10am and will continue until around 1pm. If the weather is inclement the competition may be postponed until the following weekend.
More information can be obtained by contacting the club secretary mmbc@manx.net or from John Williams, coordinating officer via newsMMBC@wm.im
Image Caption: FV Vervine, built and sailed by Roy Watterson, winner of “On-the-Water” 2011, demonstrating her trawling skills in miniature.
