Now, we know what you're thinking, "How did such a cool club come to be?"  

Well, it all started WAY back in 1977.....

A couple of young men (well, younger than they are today!) who had an interest in running RC boats got together with the hopes of finding a place to run their new, and expensive, toys.  Their names were Bill Roller, Fred Totten, JD Hammond, Harry Alberts, and Norris Sparks...I guess we could call them the "FOUNDING FATHERS OF CMBC".  (**Norris Sparks is still an active member of CMBC today!)  With their good looks and smart wit, these gentleman got permission to use the lake at Newton Golf Course to run their boats.  The "Founding Fathers" would gather at Newton to run their boats, learning from each others' mistakes and fast victories.  Unfortunately, this small group lost the use of the lake due to local citizens breaking onto the course at night and vandalizing the property.  Once the lake was gone, so was the "gathering".  

But wait!  That wasn't the END of CMBC...it was just the beginning!

Later, in 1982, the same "FOUNDING FATHERS" along with Lee Rains and Walt Brater (Also still active members) came together to show-off their RC boats during the Southern Ohio Model Expo held at Northgate Mall.  During this expo, JD Hammond took down the names and numbers of everyone who expressed interest in the RC boats.  (Hmmm....I wonder if any pretty ladies expressed interest in RC boating that day!?)  Afterwards, he called everyone who expressed interest, and had a meeting.  During the meeting, the boaters decided to declare themselves a sanctioned club...or at least to take the steps to become an IMPBA sanctioned club.  After completing the process necessary to become official, the group of RC boat enthusiasts became known as THE CINCINNATI MODEL BOAT CLUB, INC.  

There was only ONE LITTLE PROBLEM....NO LAKE!

That's right, believe it or not, this model boat club did not have a lake to test their boats on!  However, this did not stop them from meeting, or hosting races.  Through the years they were able to get permission to host races at Miami Whitewater, Lasourdsville Lake (Americana), and Coney island.  They would meet regularly to talk boats, show boats, and trade secrets.  Some of these places included Dunham Hospital, Steve Whissman's garage, and the Mt. Washington Bowling Alley.  During all of these meetings and races, they never had a lake to practice on.  Until....

THE CRESTVIEW MALL MODEL SHOW!

During this show, CMBC members once again had the privilege of showing-off their building skills and RC knowledge by displaying their boats and talking to interested folks.  A man by the name of Gordon Tucker came to the show late, just as CMBC was packing up.  He got to talking to some of the members about the sport.  The next day he called Lee Rains and suggested to the club that they ask permission from the owners of Four Seasons Marina for the use of their lake.  Tucker became a member, and CMBC got permission to use the Four Season's Lake.  Because of all of his support and help throughout the years, Gordon Tucker is a CMBC Honorary Lifetime Member!

Four Season's was a great lake for years....but things change. 

In this instance, the lake changed into a driving range!

With the change of the lake in 2000, CMBC was forced to find another lake.  This time, member Howard Shardine worked his magic and got permission from Algeier and Son to use their lake located on East Miami River Road.  Currently, this is the lake that CMBC uses to test and host races.  Without Algeier Lake, CMBC would be a bunch of boats out of water!  Howard Shardine is also another CMBC Honorary Lifetime Member, because of his strong dedication and support of CMBC and it's members.

PAST COMMODORES

Fred Totten

Steve Whissman

Scott Hedisheimer

Bob Hubbard

Bill McTague

Gordon Tucker

Norm Flynn

David Wedig

Brian Blazer