May at the lake in Etherow.

May at Etherow Model Boat Club.

Not done much this month on the site, but I fell foul of the Nasty Tricks with Windows Ten!, its been in the news that Windows changed the X in the top right hand corner of the box asking if you wanted to change to Windows Ten!. normally if you clicked this box it meant you didn't want it, but Windows had changed it to mean you did!!.

I found out that if you acted within the month you could change back to your old system which most people were used to, which I managed to do with the help of my Son John, who is the other moderator on the site here, thankfully!.

Anyway if you have any problems contact me and I will try to help, but the free Windows Ten ended at the end of May so if it's not happened to you by now you should be safe.

On to pleasanter things, plenty of sailors visiting the landing stage and the weather picking up a bit now!












On YouTube.

As you can see on the video the weather has picked up in the past few weeks but with it seems, alternate days of good and bad weather, though at this entry it seems to be getting slightly warmer!.

Will try to keep it more regular this month.

Happy sailing to you all.

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Who invented Break Dancing?,
A guy trying to steal hubcaps off a moving car!.

Diarrhoea is hereditary, it runs in your jeans!.

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Next events.

1000     5th June           Sunday                  Fiesta Racing                 Landing stage
2000  8^th June            Wednesday       Club night                      Clubhouse

1100      19th June         Sunday                  Steering Comp              Landing stage

2000      22^th June         Wednesday             Club night                      Clubhouse     

1500       25^th June         Saturday                Time Trials                   Landing Stage
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Today at the Lake.

Today at the Lake.

It was a beautiful sunny day at the lake today with plenty of Sailors enjoying the sun and enough breeze to sail their yachts.

 There as been reports on the internet that this weather is going to last for the next three months but we will have to wait and see about that hey!!.

Still lets enjoy it whilst we can hey.

You've probably noticed that one of the Coots is building a nest against one of our boundary posts, there again its Club 500 racing tomorrow night so perhaps it will change it's mind after that!.

There was a bit of a Ker-Fuffle on Monday when one of the Members and I had a bit of a disagreement  about Pepe being on the table's, obviously not a dog lover still it takes allsorts, wouldn't it be  a strange world if we all felt the same.

I had a word with the Commodore  today and as many of the members in attendance to see if this was an isolated incident and if not I wouldn't go again with Pepe, but I was assured that it was only the one member concerned and have had an email off Al the COM to the effect that he brings his dogs at times and would continue to be doing so in the future.

So its alright for dogs to be at the lake as long as they are accompanied by well behaved owners!.

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Fred said his dog was so obedient, that if he said "Attack", the dog had one!

I had to shoot my dog yesterday said Fred!.

"Was he mad" said Sid.

Well he wasn't too pleased about it!.

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Next Events.

1900     15^th April         Wednesday      Club 500 Racing            Landing stage

1100     19th April        Sunday               Steering Comp              Landing stage

2000     22^nd   April      Wednesday         Club night                     Clubhouse

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Wild and windy at Etherow

Today at the Lake it was wild and windy though it didn't put off the hardy crowd that usually get there on a Tuesday, though some of them did spend a bit longer in the cafe lingering over their bacon butties.

I had mine put in a box and Pepe and I sat in the car watching the sailors struggling with the wind.

I'm still on track with my cholestrol as long as I don't have anything else to eat until a week on Friday!.

One of the regular ladies that come to the lakeside Cafe most days was showing me the headlines of the local paper, think it was the "Tameside Trumpet" where it was stated that the next few weeks were going to be really bad with temperatures going down to -9 Degrees!, never mind sit in front of the fire and watch the Tuesday sailors battling the wind today!

                          

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After  Fred answered the phone yet again he said to his young wife.

"Thats funny, we must have a number similar to the Weather Bureau, that's the third bloke to ring and ask if the coast was clear!.

It rained Cats and Dogs, Poodles everywhere!

It was so cold the local flasher was spotted describing himself to a group of ladies.

It was as cold as a barmaids heart!.

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Fiesta Report October 2014.

Fiesta report 5/10/2014

 This was the last Fiesta competition of the season so keep your eye on the results at the AGM to find out who has won the trophy.

Hi to all

 We had good day, with not much wind for a change ? the weather was OK. Six  turned up too sail. Only had nine races, with the wind being so light, but did get better later on.

The results are :-

TREVOR REDFORD 1^ST,  Terry Miles 2^nd, David Lee 3^rd, Andy Spencer 4^th,  Bob 5^th, Harry Tootell 6^th, Tom 7^th.

Thanks to all of you for coming to sail, it was a very good turn out keep um coming.

See you all next Year.  Happy New Year.

David Lee.

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After the fiesta racers had all gone home for their Sunday dinners there were a few sailors still there, ie Rob and his friend Alan sailing their "J" Class yachts.

You may have noticed that there are some pictures on the club's Facebook page that are not on this site!, that is because I have a new App on my phone that allows me to take pictures at the lake and publish them on the Facebook page in real time, in other words whilst I'm still at the lake, so keep your eye on the facebook site as well as here, you might be on there.

This is one taken and published on the day.

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Next events

2000hrs  8^th October      Wednesday  Auction Night       Clubhouse

(membership badges must be worn) 

1500hrs  12^th October      Sunday          Club 500 Racing   Landing stage

1100hrs  19th October     Sunday          Steering Comp     Landing stage

2000hrs  22^rd October    Wednesday   (Quiz and Hot Pot)    Clubhouse

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A Summer Thursday August 2014.

This Thursday (21st August), saw a good selection of Motorised and Sailboats at the lake.

A bit cool for August but at least the rain stayed off and the food at the cafe was nice and hot!.

  

                                  

The duck and goose deterrent is still working well on the landing stage and the floor is looking all the better for it and no brushing and sweeping off before starting to sail, boat on the water straight away and off we go!.

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Next events.

23^th-24^th August, Model Boat Convention 
          Haydock Park. Club Stand 

 Model Boat Convention

           Haydock Park. 

Club Stand.

Model Boat Convention 

Haydock Park Racecourse

Newton-le-Willows

WA12 0HQ

Contact: Jean Barlow

Tel: 01492 583433

Mob: 07789 348817

Website: www.modelboatconvention.co.uk

2000hrs 27^th  August  Wednesday  Club night               Clubhouse
                                                         Venetian Sail/BBQ     

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Danger men at work, part 2

After the work day at the lake yesterday, I went to the lake again today to see the reaction of the regular Thursday sailors.

Upon arrival I found a happy bunch of sailors who reported that "We have never been here and not had to wash off the landing stage" BUT today not a bird poop anywhere!.

Happy sailors

Moored up, "J" Class.

German Raider "Atlantis", film was on the TV this week about this ship called "Under 10 flags"

String on posts!

And there is the proof that Mike's idea works, as clear today as we left it yesterday!.

Yeah of little faith!!.

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He was responsible for feeding the pelicans at the Zoo.

It wasn't much of a job but it filled the bill..

My wife does bird imitations, she watches me like a Hawk.

He thought a Lieutenant commander was the Lieutenant's wife.

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Next events.

 Your next events,

1000hrs 6th July          Sunday         Fiesta Racing          Landing stage 

After the fiesta racing!

Warship event in aid of the Help 4 Hero's fund

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Colwyn Bay Model Boat Club – Mayor’s Cup Regatta

Sunday 13^th July 2014

Colwyn Bay MBC are again holding their regatta this year and we have been invited over for the day to sail on their lake behind the Colwyn bay Civic Offices.

There is plenty of free parking within yards of the lake and there is no admission charge.

The ‘Commodore’s Regatta Trophy’ is open to any visitor who displays a boat and fills in an application form. There are two classes, 1 – actually sailing on the lake, 2 – static display.

Arrivals from 08.00am, most people depart around 4.00/5.00pm.

For those who have not been before, go down A55 and turn off at junction 22, left on to ‘The Promenade’, to island. 4^th exit ‘Abergele Road’, turn right at Civic Offices to end of road. Alternatively plug LL29 8AR in to your ‘Sat Nav’.

You will notice that this event is in the tabs a the top of the page so you don't keep having to scroll back here 

Last visited

The last time I visited the lake was Tuesday 6th May 2014.

There were the usual regulars in attendance with their "J" class yachts and also Le Commodore with one of his Big naval vessels, he described it as a sloop, but not being a naval man I will leave that to you more knowledge guys!, enough to say it is to Alan's usual standard with plenty of detailing on board.

There as usual is Dave's USS battleship in the background

Here are some of the notes from the exhibition Sec about the arrangements for the Lyme Park Do in June, it will soon be upon us before we know it, where did March and April go??.

You will hopefully notice that there is a tab at the top under the header that will remain there until after the event so you can refer to the arrangements without scrolling back to this post every time!.

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Lyme Park Exhibition 15^th. June 2014

Guidance notes

     After some discussion we are again going to be able to enjoy a day’s sailing at Lyme Park this year. This will be in conjunction with a major event at Lyme Park itself on Father’s Day the 15^th. June, which they do each year. They will be staging a number of attractions and activities on the day and we will be one of them, i.e. we are there to enhance the Public’s day and make it more interesting and enjoyable for them, consequently we will have to fit in with their ideas on the subject, although in reality they are being as flexible as they can.

     Therefore it is absolutely imperative that we comply with their wishes, which I realise will make problems for some of our disabled members, but if we want to get back there then we will have to try and work round it. If this goes well they are already considering the option of another day in late September.

     We will be sailing on not one but two lakes, namely the Mill Pond Lake by the tea rooms which we used to use before, and also the Garden Reflections Lake behind the Hall. They will NOT allow any IC engines or fast speed boats, anything else is fine. We are expected to engage with the public and to be friendly and approachable at all times. Mention at the entrance that you are with our Club as an Exhibitor and parking is free.

Mill Pond Lake

     Arrive 08.30hrs, vehicles have access to the pond until 10.30hrs when they all MUST be parked in the main car park. This includes members who are blue badge holders and/or NT members. For blue badge holders an area of the main coach park will be roped off nearest to the lake. There will be a Lyme Park electric buggy available to shuttle people back and forth. It is essential that members of the public who are also blue badge holders have access to the limited parking area by the lake. The path from the timber yard to the play area must not be obstructed. We will have our Gazebo erected on the small grassy area which we used before. Launching can take place directly from the water’s edge by the path.

      Vehicles will not be allowed back by the lake until after 16.00hrs, please aim to vary the time so that all cars are not there at the same time.

Garden Reflections Lake

     Arrive 08.30hrs and drive up to the main Hall and through the gates, to the right hand corner entrance by the large wrought iron railings, a member of the garden team will open the gate. There will be a large Lyme marquee on the lawn to the right of the Hall, we have 3 tables (they will supply) for our display purposes, heavy boats can be transported down the path by car, BUT NOT ON THE GRASS. All vehicles must then be removed to the main car park by 10.30hrs. Again a buggy or minibus will be available for those who need it. Finish time/comments as other lake.

     It is around 50 yards from the marquee to the lake at the rear of the Hall across the main lawn, so either bring a ‘light weight’ boat or a trolley if you want to sail on it. The garden lake is around 5feet deep in the middle but shelves off to nothing at the gravelled edge so keep deep keeled boats for the Mill Pond. I suggest you bring a pair of ‘wellies’ anyway. For those not familiar with the Park, to get up to the Hall you have to climb a steep stepped slope from the car park once you have parked, which is about 100+ yards to their main marquee – so ensure you don’t forget anything when dropping off.

     Any queries please give me a call. 

Gordon Longworth – Exhibition Secretary     Tel:   Home 01663 810288     Mobile 07949 578297

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After the sad passing of Henry Hollis if you go to the "For Sale" section you will see that Andy Wagstaff  a close friend of the family is helping the family to sell on his boats, fancy another yacht to your boatyard?.

Thats all for now, happy sailing and fair winds

Year end report from the Yacht Rep 2013

 THE FINAL "FIESTA" and "Jay" type

Hi to all Fiesta and Jay type sailors, a good years sailing was had by all, weather was good for a change and we even had wind most of the time.

We have had up to eight Fiesta’s sailing but, more are welcome to sail with us, we also have seven Jay type yachts in the club, of which we race on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday if weather OK.

RESULT FOR 2013 ARE AS FOLLOWS

Fiesta

TREVOR REDFORD 1^ST, TERRY MILES 2^ND, DAVID LEE 3^RD.

David Swain Trevor Redford 1^st.

Jay type

Trevor Redford  1^st, David Lee 2^nd, Bob Dunkerley 3^rd.

Thanks for the report Dave, you are always on the ball with your reports, I'm sure everyone is glad to hear from you!.

Peter.

Check out the Wanted section, Member looking to join in the fun!

Notice the festive header, thanks to other moderator John!.

Sunny Sunday at Etherow 22nd Sept 2013

After the poor previous weeks weather, arrived at the lake on Sunday to a beautiful sunny day, as the Club 500 guys have changed their dates for the next couple of months due to the nights getting too dark to race, it was racing day for them. I think there was quite a few sailors there early to get in a sail before the afternoon racing got going.
As I'm probabell-y  known as the guy who turns up with a camera and a dog instead of a boat it must have been a surprise for some to see me sailing with my Micro Magic and then my No 57 Fiesta, I  then got out the camera to video the others there enjoying the beautiful sunny conditions  

After a bite of lunch at the cafe where some of the other guys were dining and we had set the world to rights it was back to the lake for another sail before the fast guys got started!.

I didn't stay too long after the racing got started, I'm more of a relaxed yacht sailor myself, I know I'm supposed to be impartial but I don't like to see grown men crying when their boats flip over!, only joking really.
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Nice picture taken by Andy Wagstaff of his Panart Anteo Tug

That's Glynn's cabin cruiser in the background.

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Still a few bargains to be had in the "For Sale" section.

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Get your pictures ready for Wednesday night, boat related of course!. 

2000hrs  25^th  September Wednesday   Photo competition  Clubhouse 

Club night 8th May 2013

Last night's club night saw Dave Lee with his "J" Class yacht, giving a talk on the rigging and adjustments  required to get the best out of your yacht sailing.

And here is Dave's yacht "Blue Jay" and Charlie in the back ground hanging on every word!.

I think Dave deserves a thank you for his very interesting talk, he didn't get one last night as the usual compère was on holiday and it got missed in the general chatter afterwards, so I'm sure everyone who was there will join me in thanking you Dave for a very interesting talk!.

In case you missed some of the technical terms check out this.

And if you are not knowledge-abell with the inner working of R/C yacht controls check out this.

 

I personally found the most important bit was the tensioner to keep the lines round the steering winch taut and use one of those ponytail rings ladies wear in their hair.

There were a couple of newish members there with their builds looking for information and inspiration, it's a daunting task that first build isn't it and some manufacturers don't want to know once they have your money. still that's the beauty of joining a local club isn't it with the wealth of knowledge and experience avail-abell, I know these members went home a lot happier afterwards!.

This week Trevor was out with his brush and paint and gave the rescue boat a coat after it's repairs the previous week

Thanks for that Trevor, looks like new again!

The same day Alan was there again with his Submarine putting it though it's paces

Dry dock.

Going 

Going 

Gone!.

Didn't manage a video, perhaps next time I'm at the lake, though you wouldn't see much of the boat would you.

That's it for now folks

There's another "AZIZ" for sale in the "For sale" section check it out!.

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Flag Pole at Anfield

The Anfield Flag Pole from SS Great Eastern Telegraph Cable ship

The topmast of the SS Great Eastern, one of the first iron ships, was rescued from the ship breaking yard at Rock Ferry, and was hauled up Everton Valley by a team of horses, to be erected alongside the new Kop. It still stands there, serving as a flag pole in the famous Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool Football Club.

Bet most of you didn't know that, there are lots more interesting facts about this great ship 

To see more click here!.

Article sent by Bob (Ace reporter) Abell.

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It was reported to me at the lake yesterday that the Quiz and Hot pot supper was another success, so good that members stayed longer than the usual 9-o'clock, it being 10-o'clock before the last ones left!.

At the lake yesterday saw the usual sailors there enjoying the sunshine and though it had been quite cold during the night, both lakes were ice free.

There was Garth with his Tug, Eric with his "Aziz" and the Commodore with his Submarine, yachtsmen instead of their usual "J" class's had a variety of One metre boats on the water which was a nice change to see!.

Spoke to Mike the social Sec and his operation for a new hip joint was finally done on the 20th of this month and he is now back home, some of you will have seen him at the Quiz night!, now taking it easy so it knits to-gether alright, I'm sure all the members will join me in wishing him a speedy recovery!.

Is this him from now on?

Do you remember this guy??.

That's all folk's.

Jaunty J's at Etherow

Yesterday, (Thursday) I was at the lake and it was nice and sunny, but that was only the half of it, as there was still ice on the water!.

Those hardy yacht sailor's had to get the boat out and break up the ice before they could sail, it was only thin ice, but ice is cold ice what ever thickness it is!.

There was a good turn out as usual on Thursday's and the usual banter and laughter made you tend to forget the cold breeze, there again any breeze is welcome to these sailors!.

My hound Pepe enjoyed himself as it got to dinner time, the various sailors got out their sandwiches and it was time for him to put on his begging act, Will have to get a new disc for his collar "Don't feed me"!

A short video to give you a flavour of the events on the day. 

A slight collision on the lake and Colin's warship was knocked on it's side but recovered and found to be filled with water, the electrics were still working but intermittent, so that was a good excuse to pack up and Donald, Colin, myself and the hound retired to the Cafe for a drink and a bite to eat.

So although it was cold on the landing stage with the breeze, the balcony at the Cafe was nice and sunny and warm, another good day at the lake!.

That's all folks

Smit Nederland at Etherow.

To-day at the lake it was very cold but there were still the hardy "J" Class sailors there,

Blue Jay stuck in the ice

You'll have to get the rescue boat out Dave!

All wrapped up against the cold.

Then Donald arrived with his refurbished Smit Nederland Tug for its first sail after his revamp, complete with Mixer Unit and Sound Unit

            

Nice one Donald!.
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One of Bob's  
A new dinosaur has just been spotted!.....The Duckiesawus!

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That's all folks.

Matchstick Masterpiece

Want a challenge? 

How about this chap's model!.

Not much going on at the lake at the moment due to the bad weather we have been having lately, still its not as bad as a lot of people round the world are experiencing.

The lake is now free of ice!, the last time I was down to the lake Trevor and Bob were sailing with their yacht's round the ice berg's and enjoying every minute of it, that's dedication for you!.

Pictures from to-day's visit with Pepe

Landing stage looking nice but empty!

Cafe,Toilets and warden's office

Weir under green bridge in full flood!.

Nice walk round to keep warm and see the wildlife.

There are some swans back at the moment 1 adult and 3 cygnets, hopefully they might stay, not had any for the last couple of years.

Next big event at the club will be the Quiz and Hotpot supper 

27th February 2013

More to follow shortly, poster will be on landing stage as well!.

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That's all for now folks.

Duckie, News on the 10th, Etherow, 2013

As is unusual at the moment it wasn't raining in Thursday the 10th Jan 2013, so it was off to Etherow with Pepe to see if the Thursday crowd were there and I wasn't disappointed.

Not much of a background view looking in that direction is it!

Colin with his new scratch-built barge 

Cold but enjoying the company.

2013 Diary on the notice board in the background!.

And there to my surprise was another Aziz, the maiden voyage by Eric. That's two in the club (including mine above in the header picture) and I know there is another one in Frank's workshop at the moment should be finished for the Spring, must be popular!.

Different deck load than mine. 

Eric decided it needed some weight taking out of the stern end

As you can see there wasn't much wind for the yacht sailors, but you can't keep them off the water for long.

Garth's tug in the background waiting for a tow.

Another few tugboats to complete the set 

Commodore's Tug

So cool but dry what more can you ask for in January, Sunshine!! yes but your not going to get it so as these members make the best of what you've got.

There's one in every holiday snap isn't there!.

Not quite this bad on the day.

Duckie News at the 10th Etherow.

This week

This week there is the Cyril Driver competition on 

Sunday 21st Oct 2012

After the steering competition at 10-30AM.

Then there is the Quiz and Hot Pot Supper on the club night of the 24th Oct 2012

Not as big as this I'm afraid but usually very nice, with Apple pie and custard for afters!

As a point of interest whilst on holiday in Scotland came cross this in Dundee, Why there?

John googled it and found out that is where the publishers were from!

Also in Dundee visited the "Discovery" Centre

Captain Duckie

And how's this for some steering gear.

Back to the modelling, Bob (the) Abell found this website and thought it would be of interest to you yachtsmen

Click here

All about "J" class yachts

So don't forget the dates for this week.

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