Peter WalshCowes might traditionally be the place where yachts compete in one of the country's most prestigious races, but Whitlingham Broad is fast becoming a popular destination for boating enthusiasts as well as wild life lovers.Peter Walsh

Cowes might traditionally be the place where yachts compete in one of the country's most prestigious races, but Whitlingham Broad is fast becoming a popular destination for boating enthusiasts as well as wild life lovers.

The waters of the broad, which are within Whitlingham Country Park at Trowse, near Norwich, lured dozens of model boat owners over the weekend to compete in a special sailing event.

The Norwich Model Yacht Club hosted the first of three regattas to be held at the park this year on Sundaywhere entrants competed for The Whitlingham Trophy.

Scores of model boat fans took their international class radio Marblehead yachts to the still waters of the broad for a day of fast and exciting racing, bathed in glorious spring sunshine.

The boats, which have two metre masts, proved popular with families taking their children out for a walk round the attraction on one of the first sunny days of the year.

Ronald Mobbs, secretary of the Norwich Model Boat Club, said: 'A tremendous number of members of the public stood and watched the racing.

'Some were very knowledgeable and I heard them explain to their youngsters and wives what was going on and how the course was set up, which boat was in the lead and that sort of thing.

'There was a lot of people about down there - it was the most we've seen so far this year. The car park was absolutely full.'

In all there were 15 registered competitors taking part on Sundaywith some travelling from outside Norfolk to compete in the event which was eventually won by DenisAstley from Chelmsford.

Mr Mobbs said those taking part in the racing were impressed with the venue, which has been home to the Norwich Model Boat Club, which was formed in 1996 and has about 35 members, since 1998.

He said: 'They said the facilities were absolutely excellent - the car park was close to the water and there were toilet and restaurant facilities.'

Later this year Whitlingham Broad will host two more boating events organised by the Norwich Model Boat Club. On Sunday, June 20 International one metre yachts will compete for The Yare Cup, while on Saturday, September 11 there will be a Micro Magic event for small boats.

Racing for these events will start at 10.30am and go through until 4.30pm.

To find out more about the events or to become a member, log on to www.norwichmodelyachtclub.co.uk or email Ronnie.mobbs@btinternet.com

Have you got a story about an unusual hobby? Call reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk