Adventure on the low seas

Steamer, tug and sailboat

Avast ye land lovers, even if yar have no sea legs, this is one way to enjoy the mariner's world. Vancouver's lower mainland has an abundance of ocean front, rivers and lakes, so ships, boats and docks play a key role in our daily lives as a means of providing food and other goods, transportation and recreation. A fascination with all things marine has kept the Burnaby Association of Marine Modelers rowing in the same direction for 51 years. Every Sunday and Wednesday these mariners get together in the lower pond at Burnaby's Central Park to sail their mostly self-constructed fleet.

Mooring the dock

Recreated water front harbour

This ain't no timothy tug boat

Riding the radio waves

 Past regatta winner

These are not toy boats. Just ask Mike Campbell, who has been a member for 6 years and has a fleet of 4 ships including a detailed to scale replica of the St  Roch. To see the life size St Roch, an RCMP schooner built to patrol the Arctic, go to Vanier Park and the Maritime Museum. AccessecoBC will visit the park and its attractions soon. Another model mariner is 83 year old Bud Moore. Bud got into the hobby while recovering from a stroke: "It was very therapeutic in recovering  eye, hand and dexterity skills". His son got him into it and he has been a member since 1979, now serving on the club's elected executive. He has a large fleet with several ships but his prize is a miniature recreation of an old paddlewheeler that took years to build and includes intricate detail such as several 1/4 inch lanterns he turned out on a lathe. Bud likes the fact that it makes boating affordable. Do it yourself kits start at around $250.00 but you can get a ready made ship with all the bells and whistles for just under $1000.  Second hand is cheaper but not easy to find. Many modellers are former boat owners who have found this a less expensive way to explore their passion. Jim Mortimer, a 3 year member, enjoys operating his submarine. He also owns the sailboat in the top photo pictured alongside the steamer that is using real steam to propel. The sailboats are wind powered and use radio signals to set the rudder for steering and to position the gybes as opposed to the mainsails for tact and speed. No gas boats are allowed as petrol leaves toxic pollutants that harm pond life.

The club operates year round and if the pond freezes over they have ice breakers as seen in the video below. If this is the kind of thing that floats your boat, just head down any Saturday or Wednesday morning. Bud starts setting up about 7:30 am and others join in throughout the day into the early afternoon. For a real show, check out the club's annual regatta featuring tug pulls, schooner, sail and motor races and of course a Grand Parade. Club dues are $30 a year.  If you are not a joiner, no problem. You can use the pond and launch for free anytime.

For park details check out my post "Burnaby's Central Park: reach out and touch nature". There's accessible parking at the main entrance near the lower pond and just a few feet from the accessible model boat launch. Don't be intimidated if you don't know much about the hobby: this merry band of mariners will be happy to help you along the way. Check out their Yahoo group site BurnabyRCModelboatClub. It's a members page open to anyone and offers a group forum to problem solve or brag about the latest creations and announce upcoming events.

Until next time. "Oh lord above, send down a dove with beak as sharp as razors, to cut the throats of them there blokes that sell bad beer to sailors."  - Tom Lewis sailor's prayer