The Club was originally the Manchester Branch of the International Radio Controlled Models Society to cater for the interests of local modellers, the majority of members formed the Manchester Radio Controlled Models Club in late 1950s. The membership at first included Aircraft and Boat modellers, but very soon the Aircraft modellers joined clubs affiliated to SMAE and the remaining Boating members decided that the club should affiliate to the MPBA, Which happened in about 1960. Since then various Club members have been active in the MPBA at both the National and Northern Area level. At that time the Club had home water at Heaton Park, where regular well-attended regattas were frequently organised. The Regatta events included steering, speed steering and speed The Club’s interest was Power boating of all kinds. The Club was one of the first to introduce events with more than one competitor taking part at the same time. At first this consisted of pairs racing around a rectangular course. With improvements in radio equipment Multi Racing consisting of several boats was introduced and eventually accepted internationally on an M-shaped course.

In the late 1970s water at Debdale Park was acquired. This was better suited to Multi Racing which Became the principal interest of the majority of Club members. Owing to the Club’s interest being exclusively boating, the Club changed its name to the Manchester Radio Controlled Boat Club. During most of the period, the main means of propulsion was by Glow Plug Ignition Engines using Methanol fuel. Only a few members used Spark Ignition and Petrol fuel. In the late 1980s interest in spark ignition engines spread from the continent to include a number of Manchester Club members who became leading competitors in that category at National and International level. At present the Club membership is at an all time low, owing to the difficulties of obtaining waters suitable for power boating. This situation is felt nation-wide not just in the Manchester area.

This year the Club is holding a number of club regattas at Salford Quays, in the Huron Basin. Anyone interested in finding out more, please come along. We are only too glad to help in any way possible