• Radio-controlled boats race against the clock in competition.speed boat model sail to the left with swirl image by Alexander Zhiltsov from Fotolia.com
  
  Building and racing model boats provides many hours of fun for enthusiasts of the sport. Radio-controlled (R/C) boats skim across lakes and rivers at speeds of up to 125 miles per hour, almost as if they house tiny captains. The skill of the person controlling the boat from shore, however, determines whether a vessel wins or loses. To practice, compete and share the fun of their hobby, many R/C boat enthusiasts form clubs.
  
  

Heart of Texas Model Boat Club

• The Heart of Texas Model Boat Club holds races every month.yellow motor boat #1 image by Galaiko Sergey from Fotolia.com
  
  The Heart of Texas Model Boat Club (HOTMBC) is an active club promoting the building and racing radio-controlled boats. Located in West Houston, the club has access to two lakes, which they use for racing the first Saturday of every month, as of June 2010. They also get together for unofficial workshops and races the third Saturday of the month. Members range from experienced R/C boaters to newcomers. Everybody is encouraged to work together and ask questions so the club will work for all members, not only the old hands.
  
  

Central Texas

• R/C boats come in many different styles.white motor boat #4 image by Galaiko Sergey from Fotolia.com
  
  Operating in the Austin area, the Central Texas Model Boat Club (CTMBC) meets the second and fourth Sunday of every month at the pond in Round Rock's Old Settler Park. In mid-2010 the club had 21 active members but anyone interested in racing R/C boats is welcome to join. Membership dues are $20 per calendar year. The money goes to help pay for racing equipment such as the racing clock the club currently owns. To join, fill out the application on the club website. Members own nitro, gas-powered and electric boats. Safety is important to the CTMBC, and members are expected to follow all safety rules.
  
  

Lone Star

• Lone Star Model Boat Club holds races with some big prizes.finish of yellow motor boat image by Galaiko Sergey from Fotolia.com
  
  A large, active club in Houston, the Lone Star Model Boat Club (LSMBC) holds race events with prizes such as a trip to Las Vegas or a $1,000 gift certificate. LSMBC sells T-shirts and stickers with the club logo on them, then uses the money to cover club operating expenses. Anyone interested in joining the Lone Star Model Boat Club should go to the club website and follow the "Contact Us" link. The contact as of June 2010 is Dusty Fiedler.