Owning a full size yacht at the turn of the 20th century was only for the rich and famous. The average working man chose to express his interest in sailing by building and racing model yachts. Built purely for speed, these model yachts where the greyhounds of the yachting world. Not only where they at the cutting edge of naval architecture but their finely crafted wooden hulls, brass fittings and elegant lines made them undoubtedly one of the most beautiful art forms known to man.

In the days before internet and TV, evenings where spent being involved in an absorbing hobby. Model yachting became very popular, experimenting with new ideas during the dark winter months and competing in well organized races during the warmer summer months. It not only provided a healthy invigorating outdoor sport but also allowed the average working man to turn his own creative thinking into reality. This not only gave an escape from the drab routine of work but also an opportunity to beat his wealthier upper class fellow enthusiasts in a then very class conscious Great Briton.

Many clubs sprang up all over England and although model yachting ceased during World War One and Two there where over 3,000 model yachts registered with the MYA by the end of 1948. Constructed with the artistry of a fine violin, these miniature light weight racers where beautifully engineered with many ingenious ideas and concepts that went on to be used on full sized craft and so giving the sport a measure of credibility.

We are members of the Vintage Model Yacht Grouphttp://www.vmyg.org.uk/