No, building and sailing model boats isn't embarassing, why should it be? It's a satisfying and rewarding hobby, and if others can't see it, then that's their problem, just be yourself. Most people don't have any real hobbies or creative interests at all, you'll find them spending their leisure time in the pub, or sitting watching TV, and that's something to be proud of? Most modellers are creative people, many that I know also do things like painting in oil or watercolours, woodturning, photography, stuff like that, and many of their wives and partners have creative hobbies of their own, because like-minded people tend to find each other and pair off. I've never been shy of admitting to being a modeller, the pub goers and couch potatoes might be laughing at me, though I don't think so, but who cares? I certainly don't. Years ago, I've suffered a few dates like pointy described in his original post, but as we never got around to discussing the finer points of modelling, I don't think my hobby interests had much to do with it. Women find self confidence attractive, even a turn-on, so be self confident about your boats, really, I'm being serious here. A woman who shows no interest in a potential partner's worthwhile leisure pursuits isn't likely to be interested in much else either, and I'd guess that the majority on this forum have wives & partners who actively support their men in what they do. Right, that's enough of that, I'm off to my morris dancing club.