AN ARMADA of little ships was on display at the Windermere Steam Boat Museum's annual model boat regatta.

Inside the museum, all manner of detailed models, from submarines, steamboats and trawlers to battleships, tugs and cobles, competed for best model in the various classes.

Museum manager David Addison said the level of entries was good and more people than last year had turned out to enjoy the event.

Meanwhile, outside on the boating lake beside Windermere itself, steam-powered craft were manoeuvred carefully by remote control around a course to compete for the Basil Harley Trophy.

Also outside, among stands selling refreshments and boats and parts for enthusiasts, more intricately-made models were on show.

Trevor Bulcock, secretary of the Windermere Model Boat club, said: "There are some lovely boats here today, some of the steam boats in particular are very good."

He explained club members met every Thursday and Sunday all year round, sometimes even breaking the ice to sail their boats in winter. But members tended to hold back during the regatta to let non-members take centre stage while they helped out with the competition.

The club is always willing to take new members. Anyone interested should contact club chairman Alan Wedgbury on 015394-42241.

May 15, 2003 15:34