Some background information about

RAWDON Model Boat Club

There has been a model boat club on Larkfield Tarn since c1930. The original club, known as The Bradford Model Yacht Club, was formed in 1886 and after a number of years sailing on other lakes and ponds, they settled on Larkfield Tarn in the early 1930’s.  Please see yeadonsailingclub.co.uk/history/

The club has gone through good times and bad over it's long history and has changed it’s name a few times to suit the changing requirements of the model boat club as it evolved.

In 2003 the club went through another evolution and reformed as the Rawdon Model Boat Club, (RMBC). Those far sighted original members of RMBC invested their funds into buying the lake, improving the boat shed and the club house, as well as rebuilding the dock and landing stage on the edge of the lake.

Our clubhouse is one of the best in the North of England! We have kitchen facilities, a comfortable social room, running water, WC's, mains electricity and lots of outdoor seating to enjoy the lake and watch the boats. It’s a great place to be, even on a rainy day.

We are wheelchair friendly!  We have ramps inside and out.  However we would prefer wheelchair users to stay on the upper dock for their own safety.  We also welcome assistance dogs. But please bear in mind that the dogs must be kept under strict control at all times.  But that aside, your dog will be as welcome as you are and will no doubt receive a lot of fuss and attention!

We have around 100 Full Sailing members and approximately 40 Social and Junior members. They come from all backgrounds and ages, some travelling from Harrogate, Doncaster, Malton, Knaresborough, Huddersfield and many parts of Leeds and Bradford.  

Our members build and sail all types of scale model ships and boats. From submarines to schooners and everything you can think of in between, including Trawlers, Tugs, Warships, Cargo ships, Fast Electric Racing boats and Racing Yachts.  

Please note; Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) are not allowed.

We sail every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, starting as soon as there is someone on site with a key to open up for us!  We continue sailing until the last keyholder calls it a day!  We also race model yachts (usually IOM's) on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

A long time ago, a member who is sadly no longer with us said, about sailing model boats, “It’s one of those odd-bod sports, like curling. But once it grabs you, you’re hooked”!

Why not come and see for yourself and find new hobbies to enjoy in your leisure time?  

I say "hobbies" for a reason: 

There is more to model boating than meets the eye!

RAWDON Model Boat Club

Larkfield Road, Rawdon, Leeds. LS19 6EQ.