Club history

Manor Park Model Yacht Club: a brief history

Late 2005 and early 2006 saw a small group of model yacht enthusiasts searching for a suitable piece of water to sail their boats. Constant problems with weed and water depth had led 5 members of the Burton on Trent MBC to search for this water, along with two members of the disbanded Staffs & Cheshire MYC. Their search centred on water along the Trent Valley.

During this search Cyril Horobin and Noel Sneyd attended an open day at Manor Park Sailing Club. The warm welcome and already established facilities convinced them that this would be a perfect venue for the soon to be formed Manor Park Model Yacht Club.

After some discussions and a couple of false starts, a control point was agreed on, based at the top of the sailing club boat park. Although the perfect spot, there was one problem: you couldn’t see the water! So the original members spent some time and considerable effort in removing a large number of trees and bushes to open up the view. During these first 6 months, using materials kindly donated by members and the sailing club (along with a £30.00 wooden shed), a jetty was designed and built, steps were cut into the bank and safety rails erected.

This effort has paid off handsomely, with a control point that is now considered to be one of the best in the Midlands.

Late 2006 and the club was affiliated to the Model Yachting Association and became an active club within the Midland District of the MYA, with its 1st IOM Open meeting held.

Steady progress has been made between 2006 and 2010, with a doubling of members, the introduction of a club race league and the formation of a committee to oversee the future running of the club. The main role of the committee is to ensure the focus remains on competitive but friendly racing within Manor Park MYC.

The continued good relationship with the Sailing Club has allowed Manor Park MYC to agree to host not only regular rounds of the Midland District Championship and continue to provide facilities for the MYA seminars, but in 2010 to host the RA National Championships.

Manor Park MYC is proud of its achievements over a short period of time and we hope that although a new member of the MYA “family” we will continue to grow and create a history of our own. Watch this space!