17th July 2009

Paddy and Rory’s Weymouth adventure

By Tom Glover

TV cameras descended upon Weymouth as the Weymouth International Maritime Modelling Festival was visited by two celebrity guests.

Hundreds of model boats and displays were being exhibited and raced across the three locations. At Radipole Lake there was yacht racing and live warship battles, at the pavilion were club exhibitions and the matchstick fleet and down on the Pleasure pier was the OMRA National Grand Prix Model Boat Championship.

The event was jointly organised by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and the South West Association of Model Boat Clubs with chief organiser Barrie Stevens taking charge of proceedings.

Model boat clubs came from as far afield as France and Denmark to show off their boats but the Weymouth and Portland model boat club were not out shone with an extensive display both at the pavilion and down at Radipole Lake.

The festival, now in its 15th year, also had a special visit from celebrities Rory McGrath and Paddy McGuinness who were filming their Show Rory & Paddy’s Great British Adventure.

The TV show sees the pair going head to head in a variety of very British challenges around the country and after taking a walk around the exhibits the duo took control of radio controlled powerboats on the Pleasure Pier.

Paddy found it a bit of a change from last years visit to Dorset, he said: “I’m a bit nervous because some of these boats cost thousands of pounds and I don’t want to break them. It’s nicer and a bit more sedate than the nettle eating we took part in last year though.”

Rory played down his chances of winning, “I think Paddy will win this one today. I’m left handed and it’s a curse when it comes to things like this,” he said.

Viewers will have to tune in when the series airs in October to find out who took the glory.

If anyone is interested in joining the Weymouth and Portland model boat club they can contact Andy Bishop on 01305 775660.

PICTURE: Rory McGrath (above left) and Paddy McGuinness (right) with organiser Barrie Stevens