Start of Seaon Sail 2010

What can I say it was windy, cold and cloudy. Not the most ideal conditions for a start of season sail. But you know what, it was memorable. Members from GSSMS, Richmond, Elder Park, Ayr, Knightswood and Hugh Gavin joined us to mark the start of a new sailing season in Queens Park. Planned activities included a static show, hands on boats and a Wee Nip race. This was to be complimented with some new ideas regarding Nips, cocktail sticks and balloons. More on this later.

The Start of season sail has historically been a small affair in GSSMS and this was no different. The atmosphere, however, has always been electric and this event was no different. Even thought the weather conditions were not ideal the resolve of those who turned up made it that extra bit special. The same resolve resulted in GSSMS holding onto (and exceeding) its current record of having the most Wee Nips on the water at any one time.

Simply the Best

This year thirteen Wee Nips took part and after a little confusion the race got under way. This was perhaps the quickest race I have witnessed with all boats apart from Mr Clarkes over the line inside of thirty minutes. As always everyone is a winner in a nip race but there is only room for a 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize. The next challenge came in the form of Nip Combat. This is a hilarious challenge where a balloon is attached to the stern of the boat and a cocktail stick to the bow in an everyone for him/herself (Note could also be adapted for team) challenge. There was a little skepticism at first but that soon waned as the fun begun. Unlike the race there is only one winner in this game and that ironically was RNLI Nip.

To the victor the spoils

Still don’t think I have finished laughing from this one. Special thanks to all who turned up and made it that little bit extra special. The Next display in Queens Park will be on the 22nd of May at the South Side Festival. Hopefully I will have my nip ready by then. Don’t forget that GSSMS is open every Sunday from 1pm – 4. Anyone wishing to sail is welcome and we are always on the lookout for new members.

One day to go!!!!

Hi all Just a quick note to let you know that there is only one day to go to the Start of Season. Yes its that time again. Dust down your favorites bring put the new and sail sail sail. Tomorrow there will be an opportunity for free sailing (non model boaters – that’s sailing that is unrestricted by scale, type or speed of model) only the usual frequency restrictions apply. There should be a small but interesting will static display of models and plenty of time to have a chat over a cuppa or two with the boys. For non-model boaters the club has some models available to try for a small fee (these are our hands on boats available for kids to try).

One of the novelty class buzz boats

For the more experienced and should I say up for a challenge modeler (who own a Wee Nip) there will be a Wee Nip race with top prizes to be won for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Last year we managed to attract 11 Nippers lets have a lot more this year. Prizes include decorative sail stickers, quality confectionery (on recommendation of the Skipper Nipper Eddie) and lots lots more. Also available for sale are micro rc model speed boats. Ideal for the modeler that just cannot wait to get to the pond for a sail.

Show starts at 12noon till 4 or 5pm

The Weather

Well its amazing to think, given the glorious sunshine we have had this weekend that the pond had about 3 inches of ice cover over it little over two weeks ago. Last weekend was perhaps the first day we had, as a club, to actually get the boats into the water and by jove we did – and it was great! For me it was a welcome break from studying even though it was only for a few hours. It was enough time at least to clear the head and undertake some much needed reflection and of course a good old natter with the boys.

for more information on both these ships visit Tarantul Class Corvett and Castle class patrol vessel

It’s amazing what you find on a Bank Holiday Monday

Just two weeks away from GSSMS’s Start of Season show and guess what turned up. Yes some photographs of by gone days in Glasgow South. Most intriguing are the photos from the exhibition at the Royal Concert Hall, Buchanan Street, Glasgow. If you have ever visited the Concert Hall you will realise that providing a display of model boats to fill the foyer is no mean feet. However, pioneering as it was for the time, GSSMS put on a display to remember and one that contributed to the City of Glasgow awarding the club a Civic Award in 1989.A decision to take on such an event, going from personal experience, would not have been taken lightly and it is more than likely down to these guys (and many others like them) that resulted in the display going ahead. As you will notice from the photo above and the one to the left a lot of preparation must have gone into the construction of the display stands and the final layout. The next few photos show that GSSMS still packs a punch when it comes to drawing a crowed into Queens Park. These are photos of a regatta held on the 11th Aug 1991. Here you will see that there are a number of people who have stopped to see the models in the water. I expect this it a time when there were fewer restrictions on the use of pyrotechnics within many Glasgow clubs and model warship displays always went with a bang. I remember as a kid my father taking me to some of the shows and being in-awe at the loud bangs.

My how the pond and clubhouse have changed since then. Do you have any old photos of days gone by in GSSMS. Do you have any of the Queens Park Model Yacht Club? If so and you are willing to share them along with some commentary then please don’t hesitate in getting in touch with the webmaster. If you know of anyone who was involved or recognise any of the models on the displays then please don’t hesitate on replying to this piece.