While the morning was perfect, the event was cut short in the early afternoon when the still waters of Riverstone Castle chopped up amid gnarly weather buffeting North Otago.
Event organiser and South Canterbury Model Engineers Society president Robin Jacobs said at its peak on Saturday there were about 100 model boats on the water, "but the weather chased a few away".
"Unfortunately we had the same last year."
However, keen model boat enthusiasts from as far as Southland and Christchurch brought their immaculate craft for the event which continued to grow in popularity.
North Otago community interest in the event was again keen, Mr Jacobs said.
"It does draw people in."
First time regatta participant Peter Sims, of Invercargill, said to be awarded boat of the show for his scale working model of a 1960s Italian Riva powerboat was "a real surprise".
He had built every aspect of the scale model himself over a year including its intricate metal components, upholstery and mahogany deck.
