Model Yachting News • Week Ending August 15, 2026

Posted on

Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B.B. Wright, Diane Guerriere, Mark Whitehead
Captions and Layout
 by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Just a Glorious Day

It wasn’t an authentic dog day of summer, but there was sunshine and a good breeze for August’s first regatta. Forecasts actually hovered around the 87-degree temperature and 8-mph winds that were strong enough to push the Soling fleet through twelve races. There were eleven skippers from the Master Class and five from the Sailor Class. One gentleman had a boat problem that couldn’t be fixed so he wasn’t scored. Four skippers sailed from 12:00 to 1:00, transforming into cheerleaders for the rest of the day.

Weather Conditions Before the Start of the Regatta
Skippers prepare their boats for the regatta.
Launching Boats from the Dock
Austin Parent 88
Ted Monetta with a Boat from the San Antonio Collection That He Refurbished
Denis Boisvert's Schooner
Bruce Wilhelm 831, Genie Ware 74, John Barstow 72

Out on the Water

John Barstow seems to be on a roll, this week earning eight wins, three seconds, and a third for a very impressive first-place score of 1.20. Bruce Wilhelm had three wins to put a solid lock on second place with a score of 2.00. Genie Ware had two wins, scoring 2.90 for third place while our youngest skipper, Austin Parent, earned three seconds for 3.30 and fourth place. Charlie Lincoln’s three thirds and a score of 4.10 put him in fifth place.

Tim Wright led the Master Class fleet with nine wins and a score of 1.10. Just a smidge over one point behind, Jeff Witzel made a comeback this week with two wins and four seconds, scoring 2.30 for the second spot. Al Posnack took third place with one win and three seconds that raised his score to 3.40. Ted Monetta emerged from a slump scoring a second, three thirds, and a final tally of 4.20 for fourth. Rounding out the top five was Bob Pacini, whose second and two thirds landed him a score of 4.22.

Soling Masters start the race.
Coming in Hot to the Finish Line
Al Posnack 211, Ted Monetta 237, and Bob Pacini 1068
US12s start a race.

The US12 Sailors

We finally had a day of sailing and were extremely grateful to get back on the water. However, the temperature was in the 90s, the humidity was high, and the winds were extremely frustrating. Our scorekeepers, B. B. Wright and Diane Guerriere, both sought shade during each of the races. It was that hot!

The sailors had their own private battle with the wind. It wasn’t just variability of the direction and the velocity; often there was no wind at all and you never knew the source of the next breeze. While the boats never heeled enough to put the lee rail under water, at times they reached hull speed and threw up a big wake. It was a puzzle to figure out and also hard to believe we completed eight races. When it came time to have a ninth race or go home, the vote was unanimous to end the day.

US12s head to the first mark.
US12s round the second mark.

On the water, Tim Wright seemed to have his own breeze. His eight wins earned him a 1.00 scoring average and a win for the day. The rest of the fleet had very competitive racing where places changed constantly during each race. In second place, John Simms had a first and three seconds, and earned a score of 2.71. In third place, and in the first full US12 regatta he has sailed, Steve Leker had two seconds and two thirds to get a score of 3.43. In fourth, Kevin Bennet had his best regatta (also his second ever). He had three thirds and got a score of 3.86. In fifth, Bill Malay had a second and a third, ending with a score of 4.00. In sixth, Chuck Rudinsky had two thirds and a score of 4.57.

Bill Malay 7, Steve Leker 1257,
Chuck Rudinsky 412, John Simms 101
Chuck Rudinsky 412 and Tim Wright's Spare Boat 400
Sailed by Charlie Lincoln

Charlie Lincoln didn’t get to sail the full regatta due to boat issues. In an unusual yet cautionary tale, Charlie felt the boat was sluggish in the early races, then lost the ability to pull in his sail. He brought his boat to the dock as quickly as possible, and discovered a pinhole leak at the bottom of the keel. As soon as he pulled it out, the leak was evident. The moral of the story is to bring your boat in if it isn’t behaving normally. We know he will be back on the water to try again.

Many thanks again to the scorekeepers for dealing with the heat, and keeping us going on a difficult afternoon. We hope to see more boats next week.

Eight members of a biker gang stopped by to watch the US12s sail.
Skip Koehler and his family came to watch the Solings.
Try your hand at RC sailing.
Fun to Watch

Back Bay Sailing

The sailing season is well underway so join us on Tuesday or Thursday at 1 PM, weather permitting, to enjoy the fun. Wednesday is set aside if conditions on Tuesday or Thursday aren’t suitable. We welcome you to just watch the spectacle or ask to give it a try – we love to share.

Scores

2026-08-04 Sailor Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Barstow, John10/2 (100%)121.201
Wilhelm, Bruce10/2 (100%)202.002
Ware, Genie10/1 (91%)292.903
Parent, Austin10/1 (91%)333.304
Lincoln, Charlie10/2 (100%)414.105
2026 Sailor Class Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Butler, JeanneSailor0%0.005.50-5.50
Claire, HenryGuest0%0.00  
Corbett, DaveSailor0%0.004.29-4.29
Cundy, DonSailor12%1.00  
Hogenson, DaveSailor62%1.402.17-0.77
Opie, JimSailor62%2.402.88-0.48
Barstow, JohnSailor62%2.803.33-0.53
Ware, GenieSailor50%3.00  
Wolcott, ClintSailor38%3.334.50-1.17
Wilhelm, BruceSailor88%3.71  
Parent, AustinSailor12%4.00  
Lincoln, CharlieSailor62%4.40  
Malay, BillSailor25%4.50  
2026-08-04 Master Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim10/1 (91%)111.101
Witzel, Jeff10/2 (100%)232.302
Posnack, Al10/2 (100%)343.403
Monetta, Ted10/2 (100%)424.204
Pacini, Bob9/1 (82%)384.225
Boisvert, Denis10/2 (100%)525.206
Griggs, Doug4/0 (33%)215.257
Gerber, Ken10/2 (100%)575.708
Whitehead, Mark10/1 (91%)656.509
Quinn, Anthony4/0 (33%)358.7510
2026 Master Class Soling Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Wright, TimMaster100%1.001.07-0.07
Gates, RickGuest50%3.753.500.25
Witzel, JeffMaster88%3.864.64-0.78
Davis, LinwoodMaster88%4.005.07-1.07
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster88%4.438.80-4.37
Posnack, AlMaster100%5.005.38-0.38
Boisvert, DenisMaster50%6.507.58-1.08
Monetta, TedMaster100%6.504.671.83
Barstow, TomMaster50%7.507.55-0.05
Gerber, KenMaster62%7.807.300.50
Quinn, AnthonyMaster62%8.607.211.39
Pacini, BobMaster62%8.809.00-0.20
Whitehead, MarkMaster75%9.177.401.77
Griggs, DougMaster75%10.17  
Bennett, KevinMaster50%10.50  
2026-08-06 US12 Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim7/1 (100%)71.001
Simms, John7/1 (100%)192.712
Leker, Steve7/1 (100%)253.573
Bennett, Kevin7/1 (100%)273.864
Malay, Bill7/1 (100%)284.005
Rudinsky, Chuck7/1 (100%)324.576
Lincoln, Charlie4/0 (50%)276.757
2026 Season US12 Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Davis, Lin 0%0.002.00-2.00
Lincoln, CharlieSailor0%0.00  
Wright, TimSailor83%1.001.000.00
Laird, RickSailor17%2.003.80-1.80
Simms, JohnSailor83%2.603.08-0.48
Tonks, PhilSailor17%3.00  
Malay, BillSailor33%3.50  
Bennett, Kevin 17%4.00  
Leker, SteveSailor33%4.00  
Quinn, Anthony 33%4.004.22-0.22
Wilhelm, BruceSailor83%4.005.38-1.38
Rudinsky, ChuckSailor83%4.80  
Opie, JimSailor67%5.506.00-0.50
McBride, DonaldSailor17%7.003.503.50
Strodel, RobertSailor17%7.004.602.40
McBride, PaulSailor17%9.00  

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • June – October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesday – Alternate Rain Day
  • August 15, 2026 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
  • September 13, 2026 6th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
  • September 22, 2026 Soling Season Ends
  • September 24, 2026 US12 Season Ends
  • September 29, 2026 Soling Enduro
  • October 1, 2026 US12 Enduro
  • November 3, 2026 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending August 8, 2026

Posted on

Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B.B. Wright, Diane Guerriere, Mark Whitehead
Captions and Layout
 by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Just a Glorious Day

It wasn’t an authentic dog day of summer, but there was sunshine and a good breeze for August’s first regatta. Forecasts actually hovered around the 87-degree temperature and 8-mph winds that were strong enough to push the Soling fleet through twelve races. There were eleven skippers from the Master Class and five from the Sailor Class. One gentleman had a boat problem that couldn’t be fixed so he wasn’t scored. Four skippers sailed from 12:00 to 1:00, transforming into cheerleaders for the rest of the day.

Weather Conditions Before the Start of the Regatta
Skippers prepare their boats for the regatta.
Launching Boats from the Dock
Austin Parent 88
Ted Monetta with a Boat from the San Antonio Collection That He Refurbished
Denis Boisvert's Schooner
Bruce Wilhelm 831, Genie Ware 74, John Barstow 72

Out on the Water

John Barstow seems to be on a roll, this week earning eight wins, three seconds, and a third for a very impressive first-place score of 1.20. Bruce Wilhelm had three wins to put a solid lock on second place with a score of 2.00. Genie Ware had two wins, scoring 2.90 for third place while our youngest skipper, Austin Parent, earned three seconds for 3.30 and fourth place. Charlie Lincoln’s three thirds and a score of 4.10 put him in fifth place.

Tim Wright led the Master Class fleet with nine wins and a score of 1.10. Just a smidge over one point behind, Jeff Witzel made a comeback this week with two wins and four seconds, scoring 2.30 for the second spot. Al Posnack took third place with one win and three seconds that raised his score to 3.40. Ted Monetta emerged from a slump scoring a second, three thirds, and a final tally of 4.20 for fourth. Rounding out the top five was Bob Pacini, whose second and two thirds landed him a score of 4.22.

Soling Masters start the race.
Coming in Hot to the Finish Line
Al Posnack 211, Ted Monetta 237, and Bob Pacini 1068
US12s start a race.

The US12 Sailors

We finally had a day of sailing and were extremely grateful to get back on the water. However, the temperature was in the 90s, the humidity was high, and the winds were extremely frustrating. Our scorekeepers, B. B. Wright and Diane Guerriere, both sought shade during each of the races. It was that hot!

The sailors had their own private battle with the wind. It wasn’t just variability of the direction and the velocity; often there was no wind at all and you never knew the source of the next breeze. While the boats never heeled enough to put the lee rail under water, at times they reached hull speed and threw up a big wake. It was a puzzle to figure out and also hard to believe we completed eight races. When it came time to have a ninth race or go home, the vote was unanimous to end the day.

US12s head to the first mark.
US12s round the second mark.

On the water, Tim Wright seemed to have his own breeze. His eight wins earned him a 1.00 scoring average and a win for the day. The rest of the fleet had very competitive racing where places changed constantly during each race. In second place, John Simms had a first and three seconds, and earned a score of 2.71. In third place, and in the first full US12 regatta he has sailed, Steve Leker had two seconds and two thirds to get a score of 3.43. In fourth, Kevin Bennet had his best regatta (also his second ever). He had three thirds and got a score of 3.86. In fifth, Bill Malay had a second and a third, ending with a score of 4.00. In sixth, Chuck Rudinsky had two thirds and a score of 4.57.

Bill Malay 7, Steve Leker 1257,
Chuck Rudinsky 412, John Simms 101
Chuck Rudinsky 412 and Tim Wright's Spare Boat 400
Sailed by Charlie Lincoln

Charlie Lincoln didn’t get to sail the full regatta due to boat issues. In an unusual yet cautionary tale, Charlie felt the boat was sluggish in the early races, then lost the ability to pull in his sail. He brought his boat to the dock as quickly as possible, and discovered a pinhole leak at the bottom of the keel. As soon as he pulled it out, the leak was evident. The moral of the story is to bring your boat in if it isn’t behaving normally. We know he will be back on the water to try again.

Many thanks again to the scorekeepers for dealing with the heat, and keeping us going on a difficult afternoon. We hope to see more boats next week.

Eight members of a biker gang stopped by to watch the US12s sail.
Skip Koehler and his family came to watch the Solings.
Try your hand at RC sailing.
Fun to Watch

Back Bay Sailing

The sailing season is well underway so join us on Tuesday or Thursday at 1 PM, weather permitting, to enjoy the fun. Wednesday is set aside if conditions on Tuesday or Thursday aren’t suitable. We welcome you to just watch the spectacle or ask to give it a try – we love to share.

Scores

2026-08-04 Sailor Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Barstow, John10/2 (100%)121.201
Wilhelm, Bruce10/2 (100%)202.002
Ware, Genie10/1 (91%)292.903
Parent, Austin10/1 (91%)333.304
Lincoln, Charlie10/2 (100%)414.105
2026 Sailor Class Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Butler, JeanneSailor0%0.005.50-5.50
Claire, HenryGuest0%0.00  
Corbett, DaveSailor0%0.004.29-4.29
Cundy, DonSailor12%1.00  
Hogenson, DaveSailor62%1.402.17-0.77
Opie, JimSailor62%2.402.88-0.48
Barstow, JohnSailor62%2.803.33-0.53
Ware, GenieSailor50%3.00  
Wolcott, ClintSailor38%3.334.50-1.17
Wilhelm, BruceSailor88%3.71  
Parent, AustinSailor12%4.00  
Lincoln, CharlieSailor62%4.40  
Malay, BillSailor25%4.50  
2026-08-04 Master Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim10/1 (91%)111.101
Witzel, Jeff10/2 (100%)232.302
Posnack, Al10/2 (100%)343.403
Monetta, Ted10/2 (100%)424.204
Pacini, Bob9/1 (82%)384.225
Boisvert, Denis10/2 (100%)525.206
Griggs, Doug4/0 (33%)215.257
Gerber, Ken10/2 (100%)575.708
Whitehead, Mark10/1 (91%)656.509
Quinn, Anthony4/0 (33%)358.7510
2026 Master Class Soling Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Wright, TimMaster100%1.001.07-0.07
Gates, RickGuest50%3.753.500.25
Witzel, JeffMaster88%3.864.64-0.78
Davis, LinwoodMaster88%4.005.07-1.07
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster88%4.438.80-4.37
Posnack, AlMaster100%5.005.38-0.38
Boisvert, DenisMaster50%6.507.58-1.08
Monetta, TedMaster100%6.504.671.83
Barstow, TomMaster50%7.507.55-0.05
Gerber, KenMaster62%7.807.300.50
Quinn, AnthonyMaster62%8.607.211.39
Pacini, BobMaster62%8.809.00-0.20
Whitehead, MarkMaster75%9.177.401.77
Griggs, DougMaster75%10.17  
Bennett, KevinMaster50%10.50  
2026-08-06 US12 Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim7/1 (100%)71.001
Simms, John7/1 (100%)192.712
Leker, Steve7/1 (100%)253.573
Bennett, Kevin7/1 (100%)273.864
Malay, Bill7/1 (100%)284.005
Rudinsky, Chuck7/1 (100%)324.576
Lincoln, Charlie4/0 (50%)276.757
2026 Season US12 Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Davis, Lin 0%0.002.00-2.00
Lincoln, CharlieSailor0%0.00  
Wright, TimSailor83%1.001.000.00
Laird, RickSailor17%2.003.80-1.80
Simms, JohnSailor83%2.603.08-0.48
Tonks, PhilSailor17%3.00  
Malay, BillSailor33%3.50  
Bennett, Kevin 17%4.00  
Leker, SteveSailor33%4.00  
Quinn, Anthony 33%4.004.22-0.22
Wilhelm, BruceSailor83%4.005.38-1.38
Rudinsky, ChuckSailor83%4.80  
Opie, JimSailor67%5.506.00-0.50
McBride, DonaldSailor17%7.003.503.50
Strodel, RobertSailor17%7.004.602.40
McBride, PaulSailor17%9.00  

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • June – October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesday – Alternate Rain Day
  • August 15, 2026 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
  • September 13, 2026 6th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
  • September 22, 2026 Soling Season Ends
  • September 24, 2026 US12 Season Ends
  • September 29, 2026 Soling Enduro
  • October 1, 2026 US12 Enduro
  • November 3, 2026 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending August 1, 2026

Posted on

Written by Mark Whitehead
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B.B. Wright, Mark Whitehead
Captions and Layout
 by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Spring Series Awards

There are two series of races during the season, consisting of nine races each — one in the spring and one in the summer. Weather plays a factor, so the series don’t always have nine races.

The top skipper in the Sailor Class for the spring series was Dave Hogenson, Jim Opie earning second, and Charlie Lincoln taking third along with a first-win certificate.

Dave Hogenson
Jim Opie receives 2nd-place certificate from Commodore Mark Whitehead.
Charlie Lincoln
Tim Wright

Tim Wright took top honors in the Master Class, Rick Gates was second, and Linwood Davis was third.

US12 Spring Series Awards will be given out at a later date.

Congratulations go to all those honored in the spring series.

Rick Gates
Linwood Davis

Tricky Winds

The weather was great Tuesday, July 28, and we did reach the 8-mph winds predicted, but there certainly was no consistency in direction or velocity. Hey, it’s Back Bay – the winds are always tricky. The fleet seemed to get up to speed and then float for a few minutes, repeating the process.

Twenty skippers competed in this week’s nine-race regatta, and there were three more who sailed early then only watched the competition. Seven sailed in the Sailor Class and thirteen in the Master Class.

The Soling Sailor Class is off to a good start.
Proper application of body English is an important part
of model sailing.
Genie Ware takes an early lead in the Sailor Class.
Breaking News: UAP (aka UFO) spotted helping Genie Ware
and John Barstow in a Sailor Class race.

Out on the Water

It was a family plan for the Sailor Class as John Barstow took top honors this week with three wins and very consistent sailing, scoring 2.38. Wife, Genie Ware, had two wins and three seconds, finishing at 2.50 for second place. Clint Wolcott sailed to a couple of wins as well for an impressive score of 2.75 and third place. Fourth went to Bruce Wilhelm, having two wins of his own and scoring 3.14. He was followed closely by Jim Opie at 3.50 in fifth. Bill Malay and Charlie Lincoln landed in sixth and seventh place respectively.

Gusty Winds at the Start for the Sailor Class
Smooth Sailing to the First Mark

Leading the Master Class as usual was Tim Wright with six wins and a score of 1.14. Chuck Rudinsky sailed to three seconds, found a patch of weeds in Race #3, but managed to earn 3.38 for second. Jeff Witzel crossed the finish line in first place for two races, and held third place overall with his score of 4.14. It was a tie for fourth between Linwood Davis and Ken Gerber, both at 5.25.

Tim Wright 58 is off to an early lead after the start.
Tim Wright maintains his lead as he approaches the first mark.
It's a close race for the Master Class at the second mark.
Skippers and Scorekeeper
US12s

More Bad Luck for the US12s
One thing or another has caused cancellation of the US12 regattas this summer — rain, too much wind, and accommodation to waterskiing events. Channel 9 as well as online forecasts by the National Weather Service, AccuWeather, and the Weather Channel claimed the afternoon would be a soggy one, so Mark and Tim made a logical conclusion to cancel the regatta. No precipitation arrived, however, and, in fact, sun prevailed. This was a bummer because more sailors have become involved with the weekly gathering for US12 competition. Perhaps we can’t fight Mother Nature, but we sure can grumble about meteorologists!

Back Bay Sailing

The sailing season is well underway so join us on Tuesday or Thursday at 1 PM, weather permitting, to enjoy the fun. Wednesday is set aside if conditions on Tuesday or Thursday aren’t suitable. We welcome you to just watch the spectacle or ask to give it a try – we love to share.

Young skippers may receive sailboat kits.
2026-07-28 Sailor Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Barstow, John8/1 (100%)192.381
Ware, Genie8/1 (100%)202.502
Wolcott, Clint8/1 (100%)222.753
Wilhelm, Bruce7/1 (88%)223.144
Opie, Jim8/1 (100%)283.505
Malay, Bill8/1 (100%)384.756
Lincoln, Charlie8/1 (100%)526.507
2026 Sailor Class Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Butler, JeanneSailor0%0.006.12-6.12
Claire, HenryGuest0%0.00  
Corbett, DaveSailor0%0.004.71-4.71
Cundy, DonSailor14%1.00  
Hogenson, DaveSailor71%1.402.17-0.77
Opie, JimSailor71%2.403.12-0.73
Ware, GenieSailor43%3.00  
Barstow, JohnSailor57%3.253.33-0.08
Wolcott, ClintSailor43%3.335.00-1.67
Wilhelm, BruceSailor86%4.00  
Lincoln, CharlieSailor57%4.25  
Malay, BillSailor29%4.50  
2026-07-28 Master Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim7/1 (88%)81.141
Rudinsky, Chuck8/1 (100%)273.382
Witzel, Jeff7/1 (88%)294.143
Davis, Linwood8/1 (100%)425.254
Gerber, Ken8/1 (100%)425.254
Quinn, Anthony7/1 (88%)375.296
Barstow, Tom7/1 (88%)456.437
Monetta, Ted8/1 (100%)546.758
Posnack, Al8/1 (100%)546.758
Whitehead, Mark8/1 (100%)668.2510
Griggs, Doug8/1 (100%)688.5011
Pacini, Bob8/1 (100%)698.6212
Boisvert, Denis8/1 (100%)708.7513
2026 Master Class Soling Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Wright, TimMaster100%1.001.07-0.07
Gates, RickGuest57%3.753.500.25
Davis, LinwoodMaster100%4.005.07-1.07
Witzel, JeffMaster86%4.174.64-0.47
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster100%4.438.80-4.37
Posnack, AlMaster100%5.295.38-0.10
Boisvert, DenisMaster43%6.677.58-0.92
Monetta, TedMaster100%7.004.672.33
Barstow, TomMaster57%7.507.55-0.05
Gerber, KenMaster57%7.757.300.45
Quinn, AnthonyMaster71%8.607.211.39
Whitehead, MarkMaster71%9.207.401.80
Griggs, DougMaster86%10.00  
Pacini, BobMaster57%10.009.001.00
Bennett, KevinMaster57%10.50  

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • June – October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesday – Alternate Rain Day
  • August 15, 2026 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
  • September 13, 2026 6th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
  • September 22, 2026 Soling Season Ends
  • September 24, 2026 US12 Season Ends
  • September 29, 2026 Soling Enduro
  • October 1, 2026 US12 Enduro
  • November 3, 2026 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending July 25, 2026

Posted on

Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B. B. Wright, Mark Whitehead, Diane Guerriere
Captions and Layout
 by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

A One-Race Regatta

We tried! It was just one of those days when meteorologists didn’t have a clue. The rain was predicted to be later in the afternoon, but it started right at race time. Two skippers checked weather reports on their phones – one said there would be a “hole” of clear before showers returned; the other claimed it was clear. Which only demonstrates how difficult it is to schedule regattas! Since raindrops continued to fall, we called it quits. As you might have guessed, the rain stopped right after everyone loaded up — along with the wind.

Top Five One-Race Scores
1 – Al Posnack
2 – Denis Boisvert
3 – Rick Gates
4 – Jeff Witzel
5 – Tim Wright

Sailboats and Skippers in the Rain
Al Posnack and Denis Boisvert
Scorekeeper Karen Enos
Anthony Quinn 937
Rain, rain, go away!
The Soling fleet spread out on the course.
Austin Parent 88
A Rainy Day at the Dock

Hurrah! The US12s Sailed!

On Thursday, July 23, the US12 fleet held its first regatta of the summer session. It was the first regatta in four weeks due to inclement weather, waterskiing competitions, and too much wind! We were treated to a wonderfully sunny day with good winds, though shifty and sometimes gusty. In all, it was a great day of sailing that challenged the sailors and the boats. Of the nine boats that started the day, there were only six at the end, and only five boats sailed in every race. Water in the bilge slowed down two boats, while a weak sail winch made pulling in the sails impossible on another. Still, after waiting so long, everyone was glad for the chance to get out on the water again. The sailors who pulled their boats stayed after the sailing. The sailors appreciated the scorekeepers, B. B. Wright and Diane Guerriere, for keeping us moving so we could complete twelve races. B. B. had to leave after the first hour, so Diane filled in for her. Thank you to both of you!

US12s are ready to start.
US12s start the race.
US12s head to the finish line.

On the water, Tim Wright led the way with eleven wins and an average score of 1.0. Finishing strong, Bill Malay had six second-place finishes in the last eight races. His 2.80 average earned him a second-place finish overall.

Now comes the very competitive part of the fleet. Only six-tenths of a point separated the third-place finisher from the eighth-place finisher. Bruce Wilhelm finished in third with a 3.60 average and had the other first-place finish as well as two seconds. In fourth, and battling electrical issues, was Chuck Rudinsky. His score was two-hundredths behind Bruce at 3.62. Despite the issues, Chuck had a second-place finish and a number of thirds. Jim Opie finished with a 3.90 in fifth, having five thirds, and easily resisted the temptation to sail his boat to the dock so he could throw it on the ground after a particularly frustrating mark rounding.

In a non-scored sixth, John Simms (4.0) finished only one race, after discovering that a large section of hull-to-deck joint had opened, causing his boat to take on water at a very fast clip. Hopefully we will see him back next week. In seventh, Bob Strodel sailed a strong regatta. His final average was 4.12 and would have been higher, but he got tangled at the third mark with Tim while leading the race.

In non-scored eighth-place, Lin Davis (4.20) sailed in only five races, coming in second in two of them, but his sail winch didn’t seem up to the task in the windy conditions. Kevin Bennett just added a new boat to the fleet. It was his first time sailing the boat, and the wind brought out several issues that need attention. He hopes to sail the boat again next week.

US12s encounter a strong gust of wind.
US12s are on the line for the first mark.
Bill Malay 7 and Chuck Rudinsky 412
Jim Opie 130 and Bill Malay 7 Wing-on-Wing at the Second Mark
Skippers and Scorekeepers

Overall, the sailing was competitive, the winds challenging, the weather delightful, but the best part was the friendship between the sailors, scorekeepers, and the trail walkers. Thanks to all who were there, whether sailing or not.

Back Bay Sailing

The sailing season is well underway so join us on Tuesday or Thursday at 1 PM, weather permitting, to enjoy the fun. Wednesday is set aside if conditions on Tuesday or Thursday aren’t suitable. We welcome you to just watch the spectacle or ask to give it a try – we love to share.

Join the fun!
2026-07-23 US12 Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim10/1 (91%)101.001
Malay, Bill10/2 (100%)282.802
Wilhelm, Bruce10/2 (100%)363.603
Rudinsky, Chuck8/1 (73%)293.624
Opie, Jim10/2 (100%)393.905
Simms, John1/0 (8%)44.006
Strodel, Robert8/1 (73%)334.127
Davis, Lin5/0 (42%)214.208
Bennett, Kevin2/0 (17%)168.009
2026 Season US12 Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Bennett, Kevin 0%0.00  
Davis, Lin 0%0.002.00-2.00
Wright, TimSailor80%1.001.000.00
Laird, RickSailor20%2.003.80-1.80
Malay, BillSailor20%2.00  
Simms, JohnSailor80%2.753.08-0.33
Tonks, PhilSailor20%3.00  
Quinn, Anthony 40%4.004.22-0.22
Wilhelm, BruceSailor100%4.005.38-1.38
Rudinsky, ChuckSailor80%4.50  
Leker, SteveSailor20%5.00  
Opie, JimSailor80%5.506.00-0.50
McBride, DonaldSailor20%7.003.503.50
Strodel, RobertSailor20%7.004.602.40
McBride, PaulSailor20%9.00  

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • June – October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesday – Alternate Rain Day
  • August 15, 2026 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
  • September 13, 2026 6th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
  • September 22, 2026 Soling Season Ends
  • September 24, 2026 US12 Season Ends
  • September 29, 2026 Soling Enduro
  • October 1, 2026 US12 Enduro
  • November 3, 2026 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending July 18, 2026

Posted on

Written by Mark Whitehead
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B. B. Wright, Mark Whitehead
Captions and Layout
 by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Beat-the-Heat Regatta

The forecast for the July 14 Soling regatta predicted temperatures in the mid-nineties. For safety, this week’s no-score regatta started at 11:00 before the “oven” was turned on, and we suggested that scorekeepers stay home by the air-conditioner. It was a truly no-score regatta — absolutely no statistics were kept. Just a relaxed fun sailing day.

Tim Wright, Michael York 47, and Jeff Hathaway 77
Gather round for the skippers' meeting.
Al Stevens and Tom Barstow

Skippers that we don’t see often who came Tuesday were Al Stevens delivering the new skipper name tags and our “official” statistician, the recently retired Wes Matchett. We look forward to both rejoining our weekly get-togethers in the near future.

Commodore Mark Whitehead with
Scoring System Designer Wes Matchett

Launch Day for New Skippers

Because of the water ski tournament this past weekend, we delayed launching new boats built at the recent workshop until the 14th. Participating in the launch were Lisa Lotter, Gary Dehnel, Jeff Hathaway, Carol Waghorne, Michael York, and Austin Parent.

Michael York and Lisa Lotter
Gary Dehnel
Jeff Hathaway
Carol Waghorne
Michael York and Ted Monetta
Michael York and Austin Parent
Ted Monetta and Michael York

Ted Monetta, Al Posnack, Tim Wright, Wes Matchett, and Bob Pacini jumped right in to help the group get off on the right foot, taking the new skippers under their wings. The newbies did a spectacular job, placing well in the rankings during the races.

Al Posnack and Austin Parent
Al Posnack and Austin Parent
Jeff Hathaway and Tim Wright
Charlie Lincoln, Carol Waghorne, and Tim Wright
Jeff Hathaway and Wes Matchett
Gary Dehnel, Jeff Hathaway, and Bob Pacini
The Solings are off to a slow start.
Solings head to the mark.
Michael York 47 has a good lead over Jeff Hathaway 77.
Gary Dehnel 1701
Austin Parent's Boat with No Number Yet

A Regatta for New Skippers

There were just too many conflicts to call the regatta for new skippers a success. Only Charlie Lincoln was able to make the event, but thanks to capable mentors he was able to have a productive day of sailing.

Tim Wright and Jeff Hathaway 77
The US12s were ready to sail.

US12 Regatta

The US12s don’t seem to have any luck at all. The fleet was looking forward to finishing the spring series, but instead they had no parking spots, very high winds, as well as showers. With heads hung low, they headed home.

Too Windy for US12 Races
Charlie Lincoln tried sailing in the gusty wind to see what it was like.
Bob Pacini demonstrates the controls.

Back Bay Sailing

The sailing season is well underway so join us on Tuesday or Thursday at 1 PM, weather permitting, to enjoy the fun. Wednesday is set aside if conditions on Tuesday or Thursday aren’t suitable. We welcome you to just watch the spectacle or ask to give it a try – we love to share.

Join the fun!

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • June – October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesday – Alternate Rain Day
  • August 15, 2026 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
  • September 13, 2026 6th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
  • September 22, 2026 Soling Season Ends
  • September 24, 2026 US12 Season Ends
  • September 29, 2026 Soling Enduro
  • October 1, 2026 US12 Enduro
  • November 3, 2026 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending July 11, 2026

Posted on

Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B. B. Wright, Mark Whitehead
Captions and Layout
 by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Anthony Quinn
Bruce Wilhelm

Model Yacht Building Week

Starting July 6, eight new skippers embarked on the adventure of building their own world-class Soling yacht. The one-meter Soling is an Olympic-Class design in miniature, and it’s well suited for most conditions that lakes offer. The boats were built from a kit, and the skilled instructors provided a fun and rewarding experience that will last for years to come.

Anthony Quinn made sails for each of the participants, and our dedicated instructors this year were team leader Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright, Bruce Wilhelm, Linwood Davis, Doug Griggs, Don McBride, and Henry Clare. Thank you all for a job well done!

Mark Whitehead
Doug Griggs
Linwood Davis
Tim Wright
Donald McBride
Henry Clare
Leo Ferrucci & Carol Waghorne
Austin Parent
Gary Dehnel
Lisa Lotter
Ty Babalis & Steve Babalis
Jeff Hathaway
Bob DiGiacomio
Michael York
Left to Right: Linwood Davis, Doug Griggs, Gary Dehnel, Lisa Lotter, Austen Parent, Ty Babalis, Steve Babalis, Leo Ferrucci, Carol Waghorne, Bob DiGiacomio, Jeff Hathaway, Michael York, and Mark Whitehead

Soling Regatta

The Soling skippers had a few challenges on July 7. First, we used a different course because the wind was coming down Back Bay from right to left. Second, the waterskiing practice seemed to bring some of the weeds up from the bottom, which slowed down sailors occasionally. Third, since the starts were left to right, it made the port/starboard meetings at the start further away and hard to judge.

Soling Masters start a race.
Skippers and Scorekeepers

The rain was threatening for most of the afternoon, and by 2:30 PM, it finally arrived. We managed to complete eight races, and the scorekeepers had to keep their score sheets dry for the last race. As the afternoon wore on, the wind increased and sailing was good, except, of course, for the weeds and the port/starboard issues. On a positive note, there were more 360° penalty turns done, which means people were taking ownership of their mistakes.

Sailing Under the Threat of Rain
Scorekeeper Karen Enos

Solings on the Water

In the Sailor Class, Dave Hogenson had five wins in eight races and finished first with a score of 1.29. In second place, Jim Opie had a first and sailed consistently well to finish with a score of 2.50. Clint Wolcott is getting back to form and had the other two firsts, finishing just behind Jim with a 2.71 average. Rounding out the top five were Bruce Wilhelm and Charlie Lincoln.

Soling Sailors start a race.
Anthony Quinn 937, Tim Wright 58, and Rick Gates squeeze around the last mark.

The Master Class had the closest regatta finish of the year so far. Although Tim Wright won the day, it was very close. After five races, Lin Davis was leading, having won three races in a row. Tim won the next three and finished less than 5/10 ahead. Tim’s average was 1.86 while Lin’s was 2.29. In third place was Rick Gates, with one win and a score of 3.86. Bob Pacini was in fourth with a 4.57, and Al Posnack won the first race and finished in fifth with a 5.00 average.

Two other items to mention. Wes Matchett, our offsite scorekeeper, was sighted at the Nick’s Farmers Market. He reported that he is now officially retired from Brewster Academy. He was thanked for his diligence in keeping the online scoring up-to-date. We’re wishing Wes a happy retirement and hope to see him sail before the end of the summer.

Soling Master Fleet
Henry Clare and Anthony Quinn sailed Tim Wright's spare boat
in some of the races.

 Secondly, I was witness to some kindness that should be mentioned. Ted Monetta came up to me, Tim Wright, at the end of sailing as the rain was starting to fall. He said I should put my boats away and he would cover the rowboat. I thanked him but told him that due to the waterskiing competition this weekend I had hoped to bring in the outer buoys so they didn’t get lost or moved during the event. The next thing I knew, Ted and Lin Davis were rowing out to get the buoys. It was above and beyond the call of duty and greatly appreciated, although very typical for those two helpful sailors.

Again, thanks to the scorekeepers for their diligence and putting up with rain when the sailors wanted to race just one more. This was the final race of the spring season, and next week will be a no-score regatta.

The Soling Fleet

US12 Sailing

The Wolfeboro Water Ski Club practice sessions for this weekend’s tournament postponed the July 9 US12 regatta. The Back Bay Skippers have an amicable working relationship with the ski club and share the bay.

US12s
Join the fun!

Back Bay Sailing

The sailing season is well underway so join us on Tuesday or Thursday at 1 PM, weather permitting, to enjoy the fun. Wednesday is set aside if conditions on Tuesday or Thursday aren’t suitable. We welcome you to just watch the spectacle or ask to give it a try – we love to share.

Scores

2026-07-07 Soling Sailor Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Hogenson, Dave7/1 (100%)91.291
Opie, Jim6/1 (86%)152.502
Wolcott, Clint7/1 (100%)192.713
Wilhelm, Bruce7/1 (100%)223.144
Lincoln, Charlie6/1 (86%)284.675
Claire, Henry3/0 (38%)155.006
Corbett, Dave6/1 (86%)355.837
Butler, Jeanne2/0 (25%)126.008
2026-07-07 Soling Master Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim7/1 (100%)131.861
Davis, Linwood7/1 (100%)162.292
Gates, Rick7/1 (100%)273.863
Pacini, Bob7/1 (100%)324.574
Posnack, Al7/1 (100%)355.005
Gerber, Ken7/1 (100%)385.436
Monetta, Ted7/1 (100%)395.577
Quinn, Anthony7/1 (100%)415.868
Barstow, Tom6/1 (86%)437.179
Rudinsky, Chuck7/1 (100%)547.7110
2026 Soling Sailor Class Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Butler, JeanneSailor0%0.006.12-6.12
Clare, HenryGuest0%0.00  
Cundy, DonSailor17%1.00  
Hogenson, DaveSailor83%1.402.17-0.77
Opie, JimSailor67%1.753.12-1.38
Malay, BillSailor17%3.00  
Lincoln, CharlieSailor50%3.33  
Ware, GenieSailor33%3.50  
Wolcott, ClintSailor33%3.505.00-1.50
Barstow, JohnSailor50%4.003.330.67
Wilhelm, BruceSailor83%4.00  
Corbett, DaveSailor17%7.004.712.29
2026 Season Soling Master Class Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Wright, TimMaster100%1.001.07-0.07
Boisvert, DenisMaster33%3.507.58-4.08
Gates, RickGuest67%3.753.500.25
Davis, LinwoodMaster100%4.005.07-1.07
Witzel, JeffMaster83%4.404.64-0.24
Posnack, AlMaster100%4.835.38-0.55
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster100%4.838.80-3.97
Monetta, TedMaster100%6.834.672.17
Barstow, TomMaster50%7.677.550.12
Gerber, KenMaster50%9.007.301.70
Whitehead, MarkMaster67%9.007.401.60
Quinn, AnthonyMaster67%9.257.212.04
Pacini, BobMaster50%9.339.000.33
Griggs, DougMaster83%9.80  
Bennett, KevinMaster67%10.50  

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • June – October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesday – Alternate Rain Day
  • August 15, 2026 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
  • September 13, 2026 6th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
  • September 22, 2026 Soling Season Ends
  • September 24, 2026 US12 Season Ends
  • September 29, 2026 Soling Enduro
  • October 1, 2026 US12 Enduro
  • November 3, 2026 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending July 4, 2026

Posted on

Written by Mark Whitehead
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B. B. Wright, Mark Whitehead
Captions and Layout
 by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Hot – Hot – Hot!

When we were pulling out of the parking lot after the regatta the thermometer read 90 degrees. Luckily there was a little bit of a breeze by the bay, but it was still hot. Prior to the regatta the skippers were warned to bring water and stay hydrated.

The June 30 Soling regatta signed up seventeen skippers, and we managed to complete six races. They weren’t the fastest races we’ve ever had, but for the most part the boats were at least able to keep moving. After all, this is Back Bay. You never know which way the wind will go, but you have to wait only a minute before it changes.

A huge – and warm – thank-you goes out to Karen Enos and B. B. Wright for braving the heat to keep score.

Scorekeeper and Skippers
Soling Master fleet prepares for the start.
Soling Sailors head to the first mark.
Tim Wright leads the Soling fleet on the second leg.
Skippers guide their boats on the second leg.
Solings at the First Mark
Solings round the final mark.
Jim Opie 130

Out on the Water

For the Sailor Class this week it was Jim Opie who topped the leader board, earning three wins and three seconds for a score of 1.40. Dave Hogenson had some boat issues but managed to clinch the second spot with one win and a second at 2.60. Charlie Lincoln and Bill Malay were tied for third with one win each and a score of 3.00. With a score of 3.80, Bruce Wilhelm sailed to the fifth position.

Dave Hogenson 303
Charlie French 8
Bill Malay 7

Tim Wright cruised to first place in the Master Class, this time tallying a perfect score of 1.00. Rick Gates didn’t sail enough races last year to maintain his Master Class status, but this year he’s been a regular guest. Because he’s such a good sailor, we’ve listed him as a Master. His three second-place finishes proved that he’s a Master as he earned second place overall this week with a score of 3.20. Linwood Davis had a second-place finish of his own to earn the third place on our podium with a score of 3.40. Tying for fourth with scores of 4.80 were the commodore, Mark Whitehead, and Al Posnack.

Tim Wright 58
Rick Gates 26
Linwood Davis 22
US12 skippers deserved a break after the perfect day of sailing at the AMYA US12 Region 1 Championship Regatta last Thursday.

US12 Sailing

To maintain safety for the US12 skippers, this week’s regatta was canceled because of extreme heat. The forecast was for temperatures near 100 degrees accompanied by a very high dew point – not safe no matter how much water is sipped.

Back Bay Sailing

The sailing season is well underway so join us on Tuesday or Thursday at 1 PM, weather permitting, to enjoy the fun. Wednesday is set aside if conditions on Tuesday or Thursday aren’t suitable. We welcome you to just watch the spectacle or ask to give it a try – we love to share.

Come sail with us! We often have a loaner boat available like this Soling 555 from the San Antonio Collection. You can also arrange to sail a boat from Rick Parent's fleet for a day or the season.
Join the fun!
Young skippers might receive sailboat kits.

Scores

2026-06-30 Soling Sailor Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Opie, Jim5/1 (100%)71.401
Hogenson, Dave5/1 (100%)132.602
Malay, Bill5/1 (100%)153.003
Lincoln, Charlie5/0 (83%)153.003
Wilhelm, Bruce5/0 (83%)193.805
2026 Soling Sailor Class Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Butler, JeanneSailor0%0.006.12-6.12
Corbett, DaveSailor0%0.004.71-4.71
Cundy, DonSailor20%1.00  
Hogenson, DaveSailor80%1.502.17-0.67
Opie, JimSailor60%1.673.12-1.46
Lincoln, CharlieSailor40%2.50  
Malay, BillSailor20%3.00  
Ware, GenieSailor40%3.50  
Barstow, JohnSailor60%4.003.330.67
Wilhelm, BruceSailor80%4.00  
Wolcott, ClintSailor20%4.005.00-1.00
2026-06-30 Soling Master Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim5/1 (100%)51.001
Gates, Rick5/1 (100%)163.202
Davis, Linwood5/1 (100%)173.403
Posnack, Al5/0 (83%)244.804
Whitehead, Mark5/1 (100%)244.804
Monetta, Ted5/1 (100%)275.406
Witzel, Jeff5/1 (100%)326.407
Quinn, Anthony5/0 (83%)418.208
Rudinsky, Chuck5/1 (100%)418.208
Gerber, Ken5/1 (100%)428.4010
Bennett, Kevin5/1 (100%)438.6011
Griggs, Doug5/1 (100%)438.6011
2026 Season Soling Master Class Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Wright, TimMaster100%1.001.07-0.07
Boisvert, DenisMaster40%3.507.58-4.08
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster100%3.808.80-5.00
Gates, RickGuest60%4.003.500.50
Davis, LinwoodMaster100%4.405.07-0.67
Witzel, JeffMaster100%4.404.64-0.24
Posnack, AlMaster100%4.805.38-0.58
Monetta, TedMaster100%6.804.672.13
Barstow, TomMaster40%7.007.55-0.55
Whitehead, MarkMaster80%9.007.401.60
Quinn, AnthonyMaster60%9.677.212.45
Griggs, DougMaster100%9.80  
Bennett, KevinMaster80%10.50  
Gerber, KenMaster40%10.507.303.20
Pacini, BobMaster40%12.009.003.00

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • June – October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesday – Alternate Rain Day
  • July, 2026 Model Yachting Day has been postponed until 2027.
  • July 6-10, 2026 Soling Building Workshop
  • August 15, 2026 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
  • September 13, 2026 6th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
  • September 22, 2026 Soling Season Ends
  • September 24, 2026 US12 Season Ends
  • September 29, 2026 Soling Enduro
  • October 1, 2026 US12 Enduro
  • November 3, 2026 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending June 27, 2026

Posted on

Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B. B. Wright
Captions and Layout
 by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

A Day Without Our Socks Blown Off

We have proof — the wind at one point was actually the five miles per hour that was predicted. Of course, this is Back Bay so it varied from zero and up but not too much more than the five miles. No twelve races this week, only six.

The June 23 Soling regatta recorded a season high of twenty-one skippers. An increase in the number of Sailor Class skippers was welcomed for a more balanced fleet, the class posting nine skippers while count for the Master Class was twelve.

Boat Launching
Master Class Start
Soling Master Class boats start the third leg.
Soling Skippers and Scorekeepers
Jeff Witzel 820, Linwood Davis 22, Al Posnack 211
Master Class Solings at the Start
Dave Hogenson

Solings on the Water

Leading the Sailor Class was Dave Hogenson with two wins, three second-place finishes, and a score of 1.60. Jim Opie also posted three seconds, giving him a score of 2.60. Bruce Wilhelm earned the third spot with four thirds and a score of 3.20. Just back from D.C., Clint Wolcott had a win in the fifth race, helping him to place fourth at 4.00, and John Barstow earned fifth at 5.40.

Jim Opie
Bruce Wilhelm

Tim Wright was at the head of the Master Class with four wins and a score of 1.20. Chuck Rudinsky had a strong showing with a win and three seconds for second place, his score at 2.20. One point behind was Al Posnack, taking third overall with a win of his own and a score of 3.20. Fourth went to Linwood Davis earning a score of 3.80, followed by Ted Monetta and Jeff Witzel tied for fifth with scores of 6.00.

Tim Wright
Chuck Rudinsky
Al Posnack

AMYA Region 1 US12 Regatta Skippers – left to right – B.B. Wright, Tim Wright, Rick Laird, Bruce Wilhelm, Paul McBride, Chuck Rudinsky, Don McBride, John Simms, Jim Opie, Phil Tonks, and Steve Leker

Rick Parent's Coast Guard Boat 1790 and John Simms 101

2026 US12 Region 1 Championship

On Thursday, June 25, the US12 fleet hosted the AMYA 2026 US12 Region 1 Championship. Our thanks to Phil Tonks for getting this regatta off the ground and coming to sail with us. The temperature was quite warm, and with the sun shining down, it was quite hot when not in the shade. Special thanks to our scorekeeper, B.B. Wright, for enduring the heat to keep track of the fleet and maintain honesty at the start of each race. B.B. keeping us close to the start line enabled us to complete nine races in the light air. Our Soling scorekeeper, Karen Enos, stopped by to watch the regatta but didn’t have to do any work — she just enjoyed the afternoon.

Ten US12s start the race.
US12s head to the first mark.

The light winds were fickle, shifting over 135°. It made sailing a challenge, and the racing was very close. In fact, in the nine races, seven different people came in second. Tim Wright won the first race and never looked back. He was nosed out in Race 4 by Rick Laird but won the rest. Rick, who drove up from Boston, came in second. In addition to his win, Rick had two seconds and three thirds. In third place was Phil Tonks. He also had two second-place finishes as well as one third-place finish. In fourth place was John Simms with a second-place finish of his own. The next four places were separated by less than half a point. Steve Leker came in fifth sailing a borrowed boat. Right behind were Bruce Wilhelm in sixth, Don McBride in seventh, and Chuck Rudinsky in eighth. Paul McBride sailed to ninth place. Jim Opie had a frustrating day and decided to call it quits a little early, totally understandable, considering the winds.

US12s round the second mark.
John Simms 101, Chuck Rudinsky 412, Tim Wright 438
Rick Laird 429
Don McBride 10
Rick Parent's Pirate Boat 1257 Sailed by Steve Leker
Bruce Wilhelm 267
Rick Parent's Coast Guard Boat 1790 Sailed by Paul McBride, and Jim Opie's Boat 130
Phil Tonks, AMYA US12 Class Secretary

The Back Bay Skippers would like to thank Phil Tonks for coming to sail with us. The conditions were frustrating but spirits were high. It was great to see ten US12s on the line for the first time in a number of years.

Phil Tonks 127
The fleet heads to the first mark.
AMYA US12 Region 1 Championship Regatta
Place  Name              Sail #      Score
 1     Tim Wright         438         1.00
 2     Rick Laird         429         2.75
 3     Phil Tonks         127         3.75
 4     John Simms         101         4.17
 5     Steve Leker       1257         5.13
 6     Bruce Wilhelm      267         5.38
 7     Don McBride         10         5.50
 8     Chuck Rudinsky     412         5.57
 9     Paul McBride      1790         8.14
 10    Jim Opie           130         9.67

Back Bay Sailing

The sailing season is well underway so join us on Tuesday or Thursday at 1 PM, weather permitting, to enjoy the fun. Wednesday is set aside if conditions on Tuesday or Thursday aren’t suitable. We welcome you to just watch the spectacle or ask to give it a try – we love to share.

B.B. Wright and a Young Skipper

Scores

2026-06-23 Soling Sailor Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Hogenson, Dave5/1 (100%)81.602
Opie, Jim5/1 (100%)132.603
Wilhelm, Bruce5/1 (100%)163.204
Wolcott, Clint5/1 (100%)204.005
Barstow, John5/1 (100%)275.406
Ware, Genie4/0 (67%)225.507
Corbett, Dave1/0 (17%)88.008
Lincoln, Charlie3/0 (50%)258.339
Malay, Bill3/0 (50%)   
2026 Season Soling Sailor Class  Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Butler, JeanneSailor0%0.006.12-6.12
Corbett, DaveSailor0%0.004.71-4.71
Malay, BillSailor0%0.00  
Cundy, DonSailor25%1.00  
Hogenson, DaveSailor75%1.672.17-0.50
Lincoln, CharlieSailor25%2.00  
Opie, JimSailor50%2.503.12-0.62
Barstow, JohnSailor75%4.003.330.67
Wilhelm, BruceSailor75%4.00  
Ware, GenieSailor50%4.50  
Wolcott, ClintSailor25%5.005.000.00
2026-06-23 Soling Master Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim5/1 (100%)61.201
Rudinsky, Chuck5/1 (100%)112.202
Posnack, Al5/1 (100%)163.203
Davis, Linwood5/1 (100%)193.804
Monetta, Ted5/1 (100%)306.005
Witzel, Jeff5/0 (83%)306.005
Gates, Rick5/1 (100%)326.407
Griggs, Doug5/1 (100%)326.407
Quinn, Anthony5/1 (100%)346.809
Bennett, Kevin5/1 (100%)397.8010
Gerber, Ken4/0 (67%)338.2511
Whitehead, Mark4/0 (67%)4411.0012
2026 Season Soling Master Class Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Wright, TimMaster100%1.001.07-0.07
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster100%2.758.80-6.05
Boisvert, DenisMaster50%3.507.58-4.08
Witzel, JeffMaster100%3.754.64-0.89
Davis, LinwoodMaster100%4.755.07-0.32
Gates, RickGuest50%5.003.501.50
Posnack, AlMaster100%5.005.38-0.38
Barstow, TomMaster50%7.007.55-0.55
Monetta, TedMaster100%7.004.672.33
Griggs, DougMaster100%9.50  
Bennett, KevinMaster75%10.33  
Quinn, AnthonyMaster50%10.507.213.29
Whitehead, MarkMaster75%10.677.403.27
Gerber, KenMaster25%11.007.303.70
Pacini, BobMaster50%12.009.003.00

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • June – October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesday – Alternate Rain Day
  • July, 2026 Model Yachting Day has been postponed until 2027.
  • July 6-10, 2026 Soling Building Workshop
  • August 15, 2026 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
  • September 13, 2026 6th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
  • September 22, 2026 Soling Season Ends
  • September 24, 2026 US12 Season Ends
  • September 29, 2026 Soling Enduro
  • October 1, 2026 US12 Enduro
  • November 3, 2026 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending June 20, 2026

Posted on

Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B. B. Wright, Mark Whitehead
Captions and Layout
 by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

In Memory of
George Greathead Jr.
Sail Number 126

George Greathead and Friend
George Greathead
George Greathead
at the Controls
George Greathead, Ned Lakeman, and Jim Opie Building US12s

January 26, 1941 – June 13, 2026

George Greathead lived a life defined by service, craftsmanship, and devotion to family. He proudly served as a police officer with the Wellesley Police Department for five years, earning the respect of colleagues and residents alike through his dedication, integrity, and commitment to helping others. He also worked for several private schools as a Director of Building and Grounds, such as Rivers Country Day School, Fessenden School, Milton Academy, and Fay School.

George was the ultimate “Mr. Fix-It.” There was rarely a problem he couldn’t solve or a project he couldn’t tackle. Whether repairing something around the house, helping a neighbor, or building something from scratch, he found joy in working with his hands and sharing his talents with others. George spent countless hours in his workshop creating beautiful pieces that reflected both his skill and patience, and his craftsmanship became a lasting legacy treasured by family and friends.

One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren. He loved teaching them to fish, kayak, and enjoy hikes on Mount Major. He also shared a love of building mechanical boats. He designed, crafted, and launched his creations with them, making memories that will be cherished for generations. Those moments reflected George’s gift for teaching, encouraging curiosity, and inspiring a love of creativity. As a member of the Back Bay Skippers, he built and raced his RC sailing boats and enjoyed every moment of it.

Day of Bluster
For the skippers and Mother Nature, Tuesdays have become the “day of bluster.” It certainly was the case during our June 16 Soling regatta. The skippers challenged and bragged to each other all the way through the twelve-race regatta. Twenty-two skippers attended and nineteen sailed for scores, thirteen for the Master Class and six for the Sailor Class – a dramatic improvement in numbers for the Sailor Class.

The dock is above the water, and mostly dry.
Skippers and Scorekeepers

The strong winds kept everyone alert, and there were mishaps along the way. Chuck Rudinsky won the prize for finding the most weeds, followed closely by Dave Hogenson. And weeds under these conditions are usually hard to find since high winds blow them quickly to shore. Dropping a mast after tangling with other boats was the top issue this week, with John Barstow, Genie Ware, and Bob Pacini experiencing the fun. The Commodore fell asleep at the controls, letting his stars and stripes get tangled in the ropes of the ski jump. After rowing to the jump, the boat decided it had enjoyed enough digression and released itself.

Soling Master Class Start
Master and Sailor classes mingle near the second mark.

Out on the Water

In the Sailor Class, guest Don Cundy led the way this week scoring 1.8. Tied for official first in the class were Dave Hogenson and Jim Opie at 2.20. That put Bruce Wilhelm in third with 3.14 and John Barstow in fourth with 3.25. Genie Ware sailed only five races due to rigging and radio issues so didn’t qualify for placement.

Don Cundy 70
Dave Hogensen 303
Jim Opie 130
Bruce Wilhelm 831 and Dave Corbett 143
Tim Wright 58

The Master Class once again was led by Tim Wright with a score of 1.30. Denis Boisvert was on a hot streak, placing second and scoring 3.70, followed closely by Jeff Witzel in third at 4.0 and Chuck Rudinsky in fourth at 4.20. Tom Barstow captured fifth at 4.70.

Denis Boisvert 44
Jeff Witzel 820

US12 Sailing – Or Not!

There was supposed to be a Region 1 US12 regatta this week, but Mother Nature had other ideas. The regatta has been rescheduled for next Thursday on June 25 when the AMYA US12 Region 1 Championship Regatta will be combined with normal US12 sailing. This is your chance to participate in an AMYA event right here in Wolfeboro. AMYA members can register for the regatta for free at the AMYA website, but all are welcome to sail.

US12s
Young skippers may receive sailboat kits. Join the fun!

Back Bay Sailing

Now that the sailing season is underway, join us on Tuesday or Thursday at 1 PM, weather permitting, to enjoy the fun. Wednesday is set aside if conditions on Tuesday or Thursday aren’t suitable. We welcome you to just watch the spectacle or ask to give it a try – we love to share.

Scores

2026-06-16 Soling Sailor Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Cundy, Don10/2 (100%)181.801
Hogenson, Dave10/2 (100%)222.202
Opie, Jim10/2 (100%)222.202
Wilhelm, Bruce7/1 (64%)223.144
Barstow, John8/1 (73%)263.255
Ware, Genie5/0 (42%)244.806
2026-06-16 Soling Master Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim10/2 (100%)131.301
Boisvert, Denis10/2 (100%)393.902
Witzel, Jeff10/2 (100%)404.003
Rudinsky, Chuck10/2 (100%)424.204
Barstow, Tom10/2 (100%)474.705
Davis, Linwood10/2 (100%)515.106
Posnack, Al10/2 (100%)515.106
Gates, Rick3/0 (25%)186.008
Quinn, Anthony4/0 (33%)297.259
Monetta, Ted10/2 (100%)737.3010
Whitehead, Mark10/1 (91%)767.6011
Griggs, Doug7/1 (64%)557.8612
Pacini, Bob10/1 (91%)959.5013
2026-06-16 Soling Master Season
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Wright, TimMaster100%1.001.07-0.07
Gates, RickGuest33%3.003.50-0.50
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster100%3.008.80-5.80
Witzel, JeffMaster100%3.334.64-1.30
Boisvert, DenisMaster67%3.507.58-4.08
Posnack, AlMaster100%5.335.38-0.05
Davis, LinwoodMaster100%5.675.070.60
Barstow, TomMaster67%6.507.55-1.05
Monetta, TedMaster100%7.334.672.67
Whitehead, MarkMaster67%10.007.402.60
Griggs, DougMaster100%10.33  
Bennett, KevinMaster67%10.50  
Pacini, BobMaster67%12.009.003.00
Quinn, AnthonyMaster33%12.007.214.79

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • June – October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesday – Alternate Rain Day
  • June 25, 2026 AMYA Region 1 US12 Championship at Back Bay 1PM to 3PM – Free to Register
  • July, 2026 Model Yachting Day has been postponed until 2027.
  • July 6-10, 2026 Soling Building Workshop
  • August 15, 2026 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
  • September 13, 2026 6th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
  • September 22, 2026 Soling Season Ends
  • September 24, 2026 US12 Season Ends
  • September 29, 2026 Soling Enduro
  • October 1, 2026 US12 Enduro
  • November 3, 2026 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending June 13, 2026

Posted on

Written by Tim Wright, Chuck Rudinsky
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B. B. Wright, Mark Whitehead
Captions and Layout
 by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Soling Regatta Tuesday, June 9

The Soling fleet was treated to a hot, windy and sunny day on June 9th. The winds were shifting and gusting at the beginning of the afternoon but decreased in strength and frequency as time went on. Another factor for the sailors to deal with was the return of weeds that snag keels and rudders. The conditions were ever-changing and the fourteen racers were challenged all afternoon. Thanks to our scorekeepers, Karen and B.B., for keeping us on task so we could complete twelve races.

Launching Solings from the Dock
Skippers and Scorekeepers
Solings start the race.
Dave Hogenson 303

Solings on the Water

There were only two racers in the Sailor fleet with Dave Hogenson finishing next to last (first) and newcomer Charlie Lincoln in second. Much credit goes to Charlie for finishing his first full day of racing without mishaps. He has reworked a boat given to him by Bill Malay and turned it into a reliable boat. Now his fun begins as do the challenges that come with learning such a multi-faceted sport. Where are the others in the Sailor Class? We miss you.

Charlie French 8 with Other Solings
Dave Hogenson 303 and Rick Gates 26 round the mark.

Tim Wright won the Masters fleet, winning seven of the twelve races. Second-place finisher, Chuck Rudinsky, had three wins, with Ted Monetta and Al Posnack each getting one win. Al came in third overall. It should be noted that Rick Gates was scored as a Sailor, but we know he is a Master. He also sailed consistently but, his actual position is not evident when this report was written.

Thanks to all who came out and made the afternoon very pleasant.

Tim Wright 58
Chuck Rudinsky 545
Al Posnack 211
Tim Wright 58 leads the fleet on the second leg.
Congestion at the First Mark
Rounding the Second Mark
Ted Monetta recently refurbished this Soling
from the San Antonio collection.
Ted sailed it for the first time after the end of the regatta on Tuesday.
Launching US12s at the Dock

US12 Regatta Thursday, June 11

This afternoon for the US 12s was a very similar day to Tuesday when the Solings sailed. It was a westerly wind, a bit shifty (normal for Back Bay) with up-and-down velocity.

We started the day with four sailors. When Jim Opie arrived for Race #2 all five sailed. We lost Anthony Quinn after Race #4 with a broken rudder and Chuck after Race #8 with continued rig issues. He had had a total rig failure before race five. His mast fell down. All the sailors used their boats to push Charlie’s boat to shore, exhibiting great sailing skill.

Jim Opie 130
Anthony Quinn 937 and Bruce Wilhelm 267 round the mark.

John Simms showed impressive speed and nice upwind tactics, winning seven of the nine completed races. Bruce Wilhelm won the fourth and fifth races, showing good speed as well. Before racing, Bruce said he moved his mast and was worried about weather helm. I think he figured it out. All sailors shared second or third place during the day’s races.

The day was cut short to nine races when Chuck also had to retire for the day.

John Simms 101 and Chuck Rudinsky 412 round the first mark.
US12s start the race.
Chuck Rudinsky 412, John SImms 101, Anthony Quinn 937, and Bruce Wilhelm 267
head to the first mark.
Chuck Rudinsky 412, John Simms 101, and Anthony Quinn 937 head to the first mark.

AMYA Region 1 US12 Championship

Thursday, June 25 is the AMYA US12 Region 1 Championship Regatta as well as normal US12 sailing. This is your chance to participate in an AMYA event right here in Wolfeboro. AMYA members, register for the regatta for free at the AMYA website, but all are welcome to sail.

Back Bay Sailing

The sailing season is underway, join us on Tuesday or Thursday at 1 PM, weather permitting, to enjoy the fun. Wednesday is set aside if conditions on Tuesday or Thursday aren’t suitable. We welcome you to just watch the spectacle or ask to give it a try – we love to share.

Join the fun! Young skippers may receive sailboat kits.

Scores

2026-06-09 Soling Master Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim10/2 (100%)131.301
Rudinsky, Chuck10/2 (100%)232.302
Posnack, Al10/2 (100%)393.903
Witzel, Jeff10/1 (91%)434.304
Monetta, Ted10/2 (100%)474.705
Davis, Linwood10/2 (100%)505.006
Barstow, Tom10/2 (100%)565.607
Griggs, Doug10/2 (100%)636.308
Bennett, Kevin10/2 (100%)686.809
Pacini, Bob10/2 (100%)737.3010
Quinn, Anthony10/1 (91%)949.4011
2026-06-09 Soling Sailor Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Gates, Rick10/2 (100%)111.101
Hogenson, Dave10/2 (100%)171.702
Lincoln, Charlie10/1 (91%)303.003
2026-06-04 US12 Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim10/2 (100%)101.001
Rudinsky, Chuck10/1 (91%)292.902
Quinn, Anthony8/1 (73%)253.123
Opie, Jim9/1 (82%)313.444
Simms, John9/1 (82%)313.444
Wilhelm, Bruce10/2 (100%)424.206
2026-06-11 US12 Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Simms, John8/1 (100%)111.381
Wilhelm, Bruce8/1 (100%)192.382
Opie, Jim7/1 (88%)192.713
Rudinsky, Chuck7/1 (88%)213.004
Quinn, Anthony4/0 (44%)123.004

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • June – October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesday – Alternate Rain Day
  • June 18, 2026 AMYA Region 1 US12 Championship at Back Bay has been postponed until next week, June 25.
  • June 25, 2026 AMYA Region 1 US12 Championship at Back Bay 1PM to 3PM – Free to Register
  • July, 2026 Model Yachting Day has been postponed until 2027.
  • July 6-10, 2026 Soling Building Workshop
  • August 15, 2026 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
  • September 13, 2026 6th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
  • September 22, 2026 Soling Season Ends
  • September 24, 2026 US12 Season Ends
  • September 29, 2026 Soling Enduro
  • October 1, 2026 US12 Enduro
  • November 3, 2026 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com