Saltcoats Model Yachting Pond

On the 9th of June 1934, the new Model Yacht Pond at Winton Circus, Saltcoats was officially opened, in front of a crowd of 5,000 spectators.

At the time, the new model yacht pond at Saltcoats was the largest in Scotland and was the third pond to be built by Saltcoats Town Council, the first being at Sandylands near the Miners’ Convalescent Home. The second pond, which lay adjacent to the Bathing Station opened in 1925.

The Saltcoats Model Yacht Club finding that the closeness of the Bathing Station to the yacht pond was proving to be a handicap to their regattas, approached Saltcoats Town Council to provide a new yacht pond suitable for holding international races.

With concrete walls varying from 5 to 7 feet, the new Model Yacht Pond sat 18 inches higher than the adjoining yachting pond beside the Bathing Station. It was built by Messrs Hugh Leggat Ltd., of Barrhead at a cost of £2,208, 6s. Between the new pond and the wall at Winton Circus, a broad platform was built necessitating the existing rocks being excavated. This work was carried out under the direction of George Harley, Burgh Surveyor.

Provost Andrew Kennedy presided at the official opening of the Model Yacht Pond on 9th June 1934. The opening ceremony was performed by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Cecil Russell Moore, C.B.E., M.P. for Ayr Burghs. Also present were Captain J. Cameron, commodore of the Saltcoats Model Yacht Club, and Captain J. S. Baillie, vice-commodore, along with representatives from the Scottish Model Yacht Association, members of Saltcoats Town Council and Burgh officials, and members of fourteen model yacht clubs in Scotland.

After the speeches, Lieutenant-Colonel Moore and Provost Kennedy proceeded to the flagpole gifted by Daniel McKay and hoisted the flag, gifted by Mrs Cameron. Bailie Young then presented Lieutenant-Colonel Moore with a silver coffee service in memory of the occasion.

Mr D. McPherson of the Scottish Model Yacht Association then addressed the crowd, thanking Saltcoats Town Council for the new pond which had been specially designed to the rules and specifications of the International Yacht Racing Association. The contractor, Mr Leggat, then gave a short speech and handed over a small gift to Provost Kennedy as a memento of the occasion.

With the speeches concluded, a large Regatta was held in which fourteen Model Yachting Clubs from around Scotland took part, sailing a total of 72 yachts of various sizes. The regatta was judged by officials from the Scottish Model Yacht Association.

Due to the large number of clubs taking part, the Saltcoats Model Yachting Club was only permitted to enter one “A” Class yacht (won by “Lexie” belonging to C. Blair, Saltcoats), three 12-metre yachts (won by “Neupon” belonging to H. Miller, Saltcoats), and six 6-metre yachts (won by “Thelma” belonging to R. Jack of Largs).

After the conclusion of the regatta, 160 guests, officials, competitors, and winners retired to the front lawn of the Westfield Hotel, Saltcoats, where the “Harry Kemp Shield” for 6-metre class yachts was formally handed over prior to the presentation of prizes, after which tea was served.