Boat club hosts their third annual exhibition

Model boats filled the dam on 28 October as the Gauteng Model Boat Club hosted their third annual exhibition.

Those that visited Emmarentia Dam on the day saw something different floating and cruising on the water. The club’s members got the chance to show off their latest creations and boating skills. People passing by the dam joined the friends and family of club members to enjoy the engineering that had gone into the model boats.

Warships, tugs (with working fire pumps to spray and cool the crowd in the hot weather) and a fully-functional submarine put smiles on the faces of many on the day. A series race was also held for spectators to show them just how competitive this activity can get. The skilled boat captains manoeuvred their boats while strategising on how to outwit their rivals. Non-club members were also given the chance to try out the hobby. The experience was so enjoyable that some immediately pledged their willingness to join the club.

The chairperson of the club, Andries Lennerer said, “There are two aspects to the club. The first is sailing, which varies in competitiveness, and the second is the building of the boats.” He added that the boats could take as long as six months to build but the task was worth it once the boats hit the water.

Lennerer said the club gave people a chance to do something different yet rewarding in their free time.

The club described themselves as ‘a bunch of enthusiastic miniature boat builders who are more than willing to share their hobby with members of the public’.

The club is always keen on opening their doors to new members. For more information on joining the club, you can contact them at info@gmbc.co.za or visit their website, https://gmbc.co.za/index.htm