We are the model boat club based in Weymouth in West Dorset, UK.
The clubs objectives are to:
- Promote the hobby of model boat building and sailing for sail, electric and steam models.
- Organise meetings and sailing events
- Maintain 3 sailing waters in West Dorset. Radipole, Mangerton and Symondsbury.
- Attend local shows with static and sailing displays.
- Sailing events are organised from Easter to the end of September.
We have a club social meeting on a monthly basis for discussion and presentations throughout the year.
About
Members design, build and operate a wide range of models for sail, electric and steam power.
We have no restrictions other than we cannot use internal combustion engines on our sailing waters. Other considerations on model size are that there is limited depth of water at all lakes, so usually models do not draw more than about 30-50cm.
Help and advice is always available from our friendly bunch. Several members have joined over the last couple of years with little experience and soon become confident at sailing and building.
Some members find it hard to stop building new models!
Our membership covers mainly West Dorset and South Somerset. If you are interested in finding out more about this friendly club please use the Contact Form and we will be pleased to get back to you.
You can also find our latest news on facebook…. but you will need to login to facebook..
Venues
Club Night
The club meets on the first Wednesday of every month (except January) at: St Francis of Assisi, Merredin Close,Weymouth DT3 6S
The meeting begins at 7:00, first 20 minutes or so for tea and biscuit. Usually club business and organisation of sailing dates is discussed. Although occasionally bring & buys, talks or presentations will take place.
Sailing Venues:
Radipole Lake:
The club has arrangements with the council to use this lake which is situated in central Weymouth. Sailing of model boats takes place south of the Swannery bridge. Usually sailing is on the second and fourth Sunday of each month although other club events may conflict so check the calendar for proposed dates.
In the summer 2 Wednesday evenings are also used for sailing. There is a car park adjacent to the lake and if you don’t mind carrying your boat a little further parking in the south corner of the large Swannery carpark north of the Swannery bridge is a little cheaper.
Please use the contact form if you are interested in sailing at Radipole.
Club Contact – Mike Greenham
Sailing at Radipole is planned to resume in October 2024 – dates to follow
Mangerton Mill:
We visit this pond at the invitation of the Mill’s owner. Situated ~2.5miles north of Bridport near the village of Bradpole, follow signs off the Beaminster road.
There are usually 14 sailing days there a year. This is a pleasant rural location in the Manger valley. The mill is now run as a tourist attraction and has a tea room, selction of art & craft shops and toilets.
The venue is the ideal venue for casual sailing. On our allocated days we have all day to sail, ususally starting from about 10:00am ( all depending on the weather!). The venue’s location and facilities provide enough interest for a family day out.
Club Contact – Charles Hallsworth
Sailing Dates – 2025
| Sunday | 6th | April | |
| Sunday/Monday | 20/21 | April | Easter Weekend |
| Sunday/Monday | 4/5 | May | Early May Bank Holiday |
| Sunday/Monday | 25/26 | May | Spring Bank Holiday |
| Sunday | 15th | June | |
| Sunday | 29th | June | |
| Sunday | 13th | July | |
| Sunday | 27th | July | |
| Sunday | 10th | August | |
| Sunday/Monday | 24/25 | August | Summer Bank Holiday |
| Sunday | 14th | September | |
| Sunday | 28th | September | |
| Sunday | 26th | October |
Symondsbury:
Club sailing days are arranged here every Wednesday, generally from mid March to the end of October – weather dependent!
Access to the pond is good as cars can be taken near to the lake. However the site should be avoided after heavy or sustained rain to avoid tearing up the grass. Users must ensure that the gate to the site is closed and secure as the farmer does have livestock in the field. This venue does have toilets.
Sailing usually starts about 10:00am to about 14:00pm or until the weather deteriorate!
Club Contact – Charles Hallsworth
Sailing 2025:
Wednesdays From | 26th | March |
| To | 22nd | October |
Membership
If you wish to find out more about taking part in model boat building or sailing then come along to a club meeting or find us at either Mangerton Mill or Radipole lake on our scheduled sailing dates.
See our venues page to find us and calender page for when. We also attend some local exhibitions where you can talk to members.
We are open to new members. Please contact our Membership Secretary who can supply a welcome pack and membership form.
Please use the Contact Form to email us.
> Annual Fees
– Adult including Family – £50
– Introductory membership fee – joining in 2024 – £25
Committee
Chairman: Mike Greenham
Vice Chairman: not elected
Secretary: Robin Searle
Treasurer: Michael Boyall
Membership Secretary: Julian Carter
Catering Officer: Andy Bishop
Webmaster: Charles Hallsworth
Sailing water co-ordinators…
Radipole Lake: Mike Greenham
Mangerton Mill: Charles Hallsworth/Julian Carter
Symondsbury: Charles Hallsworth
Contact
If you would like to know more about the club or wish to join please complete this form and we will reply promptly….