About
Poole Radio Yacht Club was formed in 1950 and continues a tradition of sailing and racing model yachts in Poole dating back to 1890 when Poole Park was created.
Today we have a progressive and vibrant club with six classes of yachts racing 7 days a week.
Our members have won many National, International and Open Events and taken a major role in developing Radio Yacht Racing through our national body the MYA.
The Club has a busy scale section with highly skilled members building a variety of vessels ranging from Traditional Pilot Cutters to RNLI Life boats.
The aim of the Club is to promote the skills, expertise and sportsmanship associated with sailing, racing and building radio controlled yachts and boats in a pleasant and inclusive environment.
Club History
The history of Poole Radio Yacht Club is inextricably linked with the development of the Sport of Model Racing and the technology that has transformed the sport.
Originally Yachts were raced and navigated by Wind Vane self steering systems, the Skipper was assisted by a crew whose duty was to receive the yacht at the other side of the lake, or with the aid of a long pole tack the yacht upwind from either bank of the walkway.
While Vane Sailing continues Poole Radio Yacht Club moved into Radio Controlled racing in the 1960s and was at the vanguard of the development of Radio Sailing when technology was in its infancy.
The Club Today
The Club today remains true to its traditions of development and competitive sport.
The Club is busier than ever with racing for six different classes taking place 7 days a week.
Today’s yachts are high tech craft often using exotic construction materials including epoxy resins, carbon fibre and film sails.
Digital Electronics and powerful winches and servos contribute to handling and performance of today’s racing yachts.
The Future
The vision that has taken Poole Radio Yacht Club from the early days of cotton sails and vane-controlled yachts will be the driving force of the club tomorrow.
The Club has recognised that members need high performance low cost yachts, which can be acquired quickly and inexpensively, and provide a direct entry into the sport of RC Yacht Racing.
In 2020 the Club adopted the Dragon Force 65 with great success, and in 2022 the Club adopted its younger and larger sister the Dragon Flite 95, which has developed into a thriving class with over 35 members.
Poole Radio Yacht Club is not simply a Yacht Racing Club.
The Club offers members the encouragement, facilities and support to develop model building skills and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a faithful replica of full sized craft.
The Lake and Club facilities are large enough for both Scale and Racing members to enjoy.
