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Roker Park MBC

 Model boats have a long history of sailing within Saltwell Park.  The Gateshead Model Yacht Club was formed in 1886 and models have been using the lake off and on ever since.  

    In 1983 a group of model boat enthusiasts started meeting at the lakeside on a regular basis to sail and discuss model boats.  Gradually more people gathered and this club resulted in the official forming of the Saltwell Park Model Boat Club in 2002.  This year we have over 60 full members covering all age groups and thirteen junior members (under 16).  We have several disabled members and having access to the electric powered wheelchairs from the park when required helps get them to the lakeside.  Membership is open to all members of the public and covers areas in the north east as far  as Lanchester, Durham, North & South Shields, Seaton Delaval, Washington and all areas in between.  High speed electric powered and i/c engine boats are not able to sail due to the local wildfowl which live on and visit the lake.

  Sailing takes place on Saturday and Sunday mornings all year round and on Wednesday afternoons extending into the evenings during the summer months. Club members meet at the Portacabin next to the boathouse by the side of the lake and in the Training Wing during the winter months.  Members of the public are always made welcome and if required, advice on our hobby is willingly given.

  Models within the club are wide and varied ranging from sailing yachts to electric powered craft of all descriptions.  Tugs, warships, paddlers and fishing vessels to name but a few.  Sizes vary from 300mm to 2.5m long and some models date back to the mid 1900’s or earlier.  The quality of models in the club range from excellent to well worn forty year olds, the main point being that we enjoy the hobby and do the best we can.

  Events during 2008 included two static shows in the Towers in April and September, two sailing days where we encourage people to ’Have A Go’.  We had a days sailing in support of the Spring Flower show which was held in the park giving members of the public a chance to have a go sailing the model boats.

 We aim to visit as many model boat shows as possible usually arranging a car share system for transport.