About Us
What we do
Metro Marine Modellers is a vibrant, not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing together enthusiasts of radio-controlled boating and model boat building. Based in the Greater Toronto Area, our passionate community welcomes individuals of all skill levels to share in the excitement of model boating, from competitive racing to intricate model crafting.
We offer a dynamic and inclusive environment for hobbyists. Our activities are divided into three divisions: sail, scale, and static (or display).
From May to October, our sailors gather most weekends at the Lakefront Promenade Marina in Mississauga for thrilling races. We also participate in regattas and championships, including CRYA National Championships and a unique New Year’s Day sail hosted by the Oakville Yacht Squadron, known as Canada’s first sailing regatta of the year, earning participants bragging rights! At the Toronto International Boat Show and in partnership with the Royal Canadian Yacht Club we participate in the indoor sailing regatta.
Beyond racing, Metro Marine Modellers is a hub for creativity and camaraderie. Our members collaborate to build a wide variety of detailed and challenging model boats, often supporting one another in the process. Regular group activities and events at Bluffers Park, Nathan Phillips square and Mel Lastman square provide opportunities for newcomers and seasoned modellers alike to connect and explore the hobby.
Model boating with Metro Marine Modellers is accessible, affordable and rewarding. Our boats are reasonably priced compared to full-scale vessels, easy to assemble and offer a fun way to engage in racing, building, and community. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced modeller, we invite you to join us and dive into the world of model boating!
The club holds a Spring GM in April and a Fall GM in November. These meetings start at 11 am to allow members their say in club affairs, an insight into club business, and an opportunity to meet others. There will normally be a swap meet and an interesting presentation from others.
Throughout the summer we hold weekly core events at Bluffers Park, generally on a Thursday starting at 10 am for our scale boats and Lakefront Promenade for our sail racing on Sunday starting around 9:30 am. Depending on interest, we are also able to sail and/or run our scale boats at Lakefront Promenade on other days.
Metro Marine Modellers Static Division and Scale Division meet on the second Tuesday of every other month (January, March, May, September, November) at a members home.
We actively engage with the community to promote the hobby of model ships and our members sail, operate and display their models at various events including:
- Toronto Boat Show
- Toronto Sportsmen’s show
- Nathan Phillips Square
- Mel Lastman Square
Club History
Metro Marine Modellers (MMM) is based in Toronto, Canada, and can trace its evolution over 50 years. Founded in the late 1950s, the club originated from a small group of enthusiasts who sailed free sailing and vane-steered boats in the 1940s. It was formally organized in 1959 and grew steadily, welcoming all types of model boats, including sailboats, scale models, display models and fast electric boats.
MMM gained popularity through events like the Toronto International Auto Show and later became a prominent feature at the Toronto International Boat Show, showcasing radio-controlled boats and hosting sailboat races. By the 1970s, the club had nearly 100 members and introduced competitive sailing classes like the 10 rater. It also initiated the Canada Cup Trophy and participated in international regattas, including the first Canada Cup in England in 1975.
The club played a significant role in advancing radio-controlled sailing in Canada, contributing to the formation of the Canadian Yachting Association (later the Canadian Radio Yachting Association). MMM also collaborated with the Ontario Science Centre to produce affordable Marblehead sailboats in the 1970s.
In the 1980s, MMM secured exclusive use of a model boat pond at Humber Bay Park, which became a hub for sailing activities. The club hosted major regattas, including the Marblehead ACCR and international events like the AMYA Region 1 International One Meter regatta. In recent years, MMM moved its sailing activities to the Port Credit Yacht Club [more recently, Lakefront Promenade Park], offering improved facilities for regattas.
As of 2008, MMM remained active with around 100 members, hosting regular events and supporting various sailboat classes, including Soling 1M, Victoria, IOM and Marblehead. The club continues to promote model sailing and boating, maintaining its legacy as one of the oldest and most inclusive model boat clubs in North America.
Over the years the club activities have expanded in the areas of scale (Powered, radio controlled) boats and static (museum quality display) models. The members currently run their scale models at Bluffers Park in Scarborough on a weekly basis and at Lakeside Prominade for special events. The static models are displayed at large events such as the Toronto Sportsman’s Show and other events around the city.
Constitution
Here is our Metro Marine Modellers constitution.