News Archives - NH Boat Museum

Model Yachting News • Week Ending June 18, 2022

Posted on June 19, 2022June 19, 2022 by Paul McBride

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

The Soling Challenge
As Soling skippers approached Back Bay on June 14, there was concern about wind reaching gusts of seventeen mph. When the countdown began, however, conditions settled for a great afternoon of sailing. Nineteen skippers launched for the challenging competition, twelve from the Sailor Class and seven Masters. Although the wind was swirling and inconsistent, the fleets completed ten fun races.

Out on the Water
The twelve Sailor Class skippers battled fearlessly for every position, with the competition very close in the entire fleet. Not having an officially scored win since 2019, Bruce Brown had three this week to top the leader board. It’s fantastic to see a skipper move up like that, so hearty congratulations go to Bruce! Arriving late, Tom Barstow participated in just enough races for his 50-percent requirement and pulled off second place this week. Although Anthony Quinn and John Russell sailed well, neither completed the required percentage of races to score. Third place was held by Jay Burns, fourth Al Stevens, and fifth Jerry Leach.

At the top of the Master Class was a new face. From beyond our eastern border, Howard Germon took top honers this week, scoring an impressive six wins. Only two tenths of a point behind was Tim Wright, earning the second spot. Snowbird Dan Masessa on his first 2022 regatta placed third, and always in contention was Steve Leker in fourth. In a tie for fifth were Paul McBride and Mark Whitehead.

Quiz and Game Fun Page - Updated 6/19/2022

The US12 Regatta

June 16th challenged everyone — with fickle winds, a variety of velocities, and extremely difficult inshore marks. The eight sailors got used to seeing boats traveling in the same direction on different tacks, or changing tacks without changing directions. Despite the wind, our sailors had a good time and managed to complete ten races.

Tim Wright won the day while Paul McBride sailed to a strong second place. John Simms topped Don Cundy for third by eleven hundredths. Fifth, sixth, and seventh places were all within three tenths of a point.

Bruce Wilhelm came back to join us this week, but had a breakdown before the first race. He used Tim’s backup boat, sailed with determination, and finished fifth for the day. Anthony Quinn finished close behind in sixth, and his new boat showed true moments of speed; it also displayed Anthony’s beautiful paint job. Jim Opie came in just behind in seventh place, and Paul Wallace finished in eighth place.

Our entire US12 fleet demonstrated determination, good sportsmanship, and a genuine love of sailing. It was a good day at Back Bay.

Sasquatch Footy Regatta
The blustery Sasquatch Regatta is now in the books. We were very concerned about the wind all week, listening to predictions of sixteen mph with gusts up to twenty-five that tend to overpower the small twelve-inch boats. Cancellation was considered, but having no real alternative, it was decided to run the regatta despite a feisty Mother Nature.

Trophy Room

The event turned out to be quite successful with twelve skippers attending — seven from the Minuteman Club and five Back Bay Skippers. Twelve traditional races were completed, the leading skippers taking heed of warnings and making stronger high-wind sails.

Once the spray settled, it was Alain Jousse from the Minuteman Club who earned top honors and the coveted Big Foot Trophy. Only eight points behind was Back Bay Skipper Rick Gates in second. The remaining top five belonged to the Minuteman Club, with Cliff Martin, last year’s winner, finishing third; John Lamport fourth; and Herb Dreher fifth.

Much appreciation goes out to our hardworking volunteers. Don Cundy was the race director; Kathleen Whitehead handled registration and scoreboard tallies; Karen Enos and B. B. Wright kept score; and Tim Wright assisted with setup and cleanup.

Our Fuzzy Spectator
Sadly we marked the passing of a faithful spectator named Jeb. He now waits for Mark and Kathleen Whitehead at the Rainbow Bridge.

Skippers Memorial

Videos and Photos

Back Bay Skippers Video (WMUR NH Chronicles)
Back Bay Skippers YouTube Channel
Latest Videos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
Latest Photos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
Photo Gallery

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Sailing on Back Bay
The radio-controlled model yachts are on Back Bay in Wolfeboro from 1 PM to 3 PM weekly, the Solings on Tuesday and the US12s on Thursday, weather permitting. Wednesday serves as an alternate day should sailing conditions be poor.

Join the fun! We love to share so don’t be shy about asking to try your hand at the controls. Come watch the show or take a picture. It’s a sight to behold.

Upcoming Events:

Saturday June 18, 2022 Sasquatch Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Series – Race Notice
Tuesday June 21, 2022 NHBM Model Yacht Open House, 1PM-3PM During Regular Soling Sailing
Saturday July 16. 2022 Scott Spacie Memorial Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Series, Needham MA
Saturday August 13, 2022 Sheila Ryan Memorial Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Series, Lily Pond, Gilford NH
Saturday October 1, 2022 Old Man of the Mountain Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Series, Nashua NH
Saturday October 22, 2022 Minuteman Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Series, Needham MA

Links: American Model Yachting Association, MinuteMan Model Yacht Club, Nashua Model Yacht Club, Marblehead Model Yacht Club, Greater Worcester Model Yacht Club, Sarasota Model Yacht Club, Space Coast Model Sailing Club, Sun Coast Model Sailing Club, Stowe Yacht Club, USS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild, Vac-U-Soling, 3D Printed Radio Yachts, US Vintage Model Yacht Group, Raritan Yacht Club RC Laser Fleet, Racing Rules of Sailing 2021-2024

Model Yachting News • Week Ending June 11, 2022

Posted on June 12, 2022June 13, 2022 by Paul McBride

Luck of the Draw
You never know what the weather will be here in the Northeast. This week, the Solings hit the jackpot with sunshine and a good breeze. The US12s, however, didn’t fair so well. It rained on the alternate day as well as on their regular sailing day. No sailing for the US12 fleet this week!

Wind on Wolfeboro Bay was kicking up a fuss, but for the Soling sailors on Back Bay it was just about right, even though a little swirly at times.

Quiz and Game Fun Page - Updated 6/12/2022

Twenty-one skippers launched for an eight-race regatta. The fleet was split by class, making it much less crowded at the marks. Master Class crossed the starting line first with those in the Sailor Class following one minute later.

Out on the Water
It was a hard-fought battle from front to back as skippers in both classes vied for those precious season points. When the spray had settled, it was Bob Brennan at the top of the Sailor Class fleet, earning bragging rights for the week. In a strong second place was our representative from Merrimack, Jerry Leach, followed by Jim Opie in third, Jay Burns in fourth, and Bill Malay in fifth.

Leading the way in the Master Class was Tim Wright. Don Cundy placed a strong second and was followed by Paul McBride in third, Steve Leker in fourth, and Joel Nelson in fifth.

The Footys Are Coming!
Saturday, June 18, the Footys will be in Back Bay (weather permitting) for the annual Sasquatch Regatta when Skippers from Massachusetts and New Hampshire will be competing for the coveted Sasquatch trophy. John Koziol of the Manchester Union Leader visited this week’s Soling regatta to find out what the event was all about and to interview several of our skippers.

Videos and Photos

Back Bay Skippers Video (WMUR NH Chronicles)
Back Bay Skippers YouTube Channel
Latest Videos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
Latest Photos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
Photo Gallery

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Join the fun! We love to share so don’t be shy about asking to try your hand at the controls. Come watch the show or take a picture. It’s a sight to behold.

Upcoming Events:

Saturday June 18, 2022 Sasquatch Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Series – Race Notice
Tuesday June 21, 2022 NHBM Model Yacht Open House, 1PM-3PM During Regular Soling Sailing
Saturday July 16. 2022 Scott Spacie Memorial Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Series, Needham MA
Saturday August 13, 2022 Sheila Ryan Memorial Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Series, Lily Pond, Gilford NH
Saturday October 1, 2022 Old Man of the Mountain Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Series, Nashua NH
Saturday October 22, 2022 Minuteman Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Series, Needham MA

Model Yachting News • Week Ending June 4, 2022

Posted on June 6, 2022June 13, 2022 by Paul McBride

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

Officially Official
The 2022 season is underway with the first scored Soling regatta held on May 31. A decent north wind held for the nineteen skippers who sailed to the completion of ten races. We tried all-in for this regatta, but there was too much congestion at the marks for us to follow that option at another regatta.

Leading the Master Class fleet was Tim Wright with Mainer Howard Germon closing in fast for second. Landing in the third slot with a very strong showing was Don Cundy. Steve Leker always seemed to be in the kerfuffle at the marks but managed to survive the traffic jam and finish fourth. Jack Minahan took fifth.

Quiz and Game Fun Page - Updated 6/5/2022

At the top of the Sailor Class was Tom Barstow with a blowout win in Race 3. Tom barely missed advancement to Master Class from last year so he appears determined to make the leap in 2022. Our sail maker Anthony Quinn took the second spot, followed by Bob Brennan in third, Jay Burns in fourth, and Jerry Leach in fifth. Jerry hasn’t sailed in a couple of years so it’s great to see him back in action.
.

US12 Spring Sailing Has Begun!

The first scored US12 regatta of the 2022 season is in the books. June 2 proved to be a great day for sailing. Wind direction was variable, as we are used to here on Back Bay. With the wind out of the east, six boats got in twelve races and proved to be a very competitive fleet. The winds were generally enough to keep the boats moving, and the shifts were manageable.

We were happy to see Anthony Quinn sail his new boat for the first time. Once on the water, he won the ninth race, making his launch day very successful. Bill Hagerup also sailed for the first time this year. A competitive racer, he placed second in three races. Don Cundy had his first full day of racing his new boat. He sailed to victory in the second race and had a second-place finish in the eighth race.

John Simms had a good day of sailing. He won two races and finished in second place six times. Paul Wallace also sailed well. His boat speed was more consistent and he made good judgment calls. Tim Wright was competitive – often tough to catch – but he too spent time pursuing other boats. In fact, each of our races showed the improvement our skippers have made over time. The result is fun, challenging sailing.

Thanks to our scorekeeper, B. B. Wright, for recording our weekly results.

Skippers Memorial

Videos and Photos

Back Bay Skippers Video (WMUR NH Chronicles)
Back Bay Skippers YouTube Channel
Latest Videos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
Latest Photos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
Photo Gallery

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

The Skippers Gather
On June 4, many in our family of skippers gathered to enjoy good food, fun, and the presentation of awards for the 2021 season. After a delicious potluck meal and camaraderie, victims were selected for Kathleen Whitehead’s game. The challenge this year was to identify nautical terms with all the vowels missing. Steve Leker’s thinking cap worked well as he answered all twelve problems correctly and carried home a basket of goodies for his performance.

All attending could guess how many fish candies were in a container, and it was Ellen Brand who was presented with a gift card to Dunkin. Her guess was only one number away from the actual total!

Tim Wright then presented a summary of the season’s sailing rules. Don Cundy was introduced as the new race director and squeezed in a few words.

2021 AWARDS

Certificates of Appreciation

Tim Wright — Sailing Instructor
Paul McBride – Web News and Treasurer
Kathleen Whitehead – News Editor & Proofreader
B. B. Wright – US12 Scorekeeper
Karen Enos – Soling Scorekeeper
Wes Matchett – Statistics
Bill Quayle – Model Yacht Building
Al Stevens – Model Yacht Building
Anthony Quinn – Model Yacht Building

Most Improved Skipper

Steve Leker with an 11.4-point improvement

Soling Sailor Class Champions

3^rd Place – Joel Nelson
2^nd Place – Paul McBride
Season Champion – Steve Leker

Soling Master Class Champions

3^rd Place – Dan Masessa
2^nd Place – Don Cundy
Season Champion – Tim Wright

US12 Champions

3^rd Place – Don Cundy
2^nd Place – John Simms
Season Champion – Tim Wright

Sailing on Back Bay

The radio-controlled model yachts are on Back Bay in Wolfeboro from 1 PM to 3 PM weekly, the Solings on Tuesday and the US12s on Thursday, weather permitting. Wednesdays serve as an alternate day should sailing conditions be poor.

Join the fun! We love to share so don’t be shy about asking to try your hand at the controls. Come watch the show or take a picture. It’s a sight to behold.

Trophy Room

Upcoming Events:

Saturday June 18, 2022 Sasquatch Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Series – Race Notice
Tuesday June 21, 2022 NHBM Model Yacht Open House, 1PM-3PM During Regular Soling Sailing
Saturday July 16. 2022 Scott Spacie Memorial Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Series, Needham MA
Saturday August 13, 2022 Sheila Ryan Memorial Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Series, Lily Pond, Gilford NH
Saturday October 1, 2022 Old Man of the Mountain Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Series, Nashua NH
Saturday October 22, 2022 Minuteman Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Series, Needham MA

Model Yachting News • Weeks Ending May 21 and 28, 2022

Posted on May 29, 2022June 13, 2022 by Paul McBride

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

A Complete Dud
Last week, ending May 21, was beset with monsoon winds and rain. Neither Solings nor US12s could use our rain day for a little sailing since the weather gods were against us throughout.

Quiz and Game Fun Page – Updated 5/29/2022

Much Improved The Soling regatta on May 24 was a huge improvement, the day with sunshine and a decent wind that held all afternoon. The original plan was to have American Model Yacht scoring, but due to some boat swapping and mechanical issues, the decision was made to use our tried-and-true Back Bay Skipper scoring that takes into account all issues faced during a regatta. It also includes a scoring average rather than total points.
Fifteen skippers launched for this week’s regatta, and the fleet completed eleven races. Not unusual, Tim Wright took top honors, besting the second-place finisher, Mark Whitehead, by 2.5 points. Tim didn’t cross the finish line first in every race, however. Other winners included Rick Gates in Race 4, Denis Boisvert in Race 6, Anthony Quinn in Race 7, Tom Barstow in Race 8, and Mark Whitehead in Race 10.
Tom Barstow had a very strong showing, taking the third spot. Only .5 of a point back was Rick Gates in fourth, and .3 of a point behind that was Denis Boisvert finishing in fifth. Generally speaking, the fleet as a whole is extremely competitive with just tenths of a point separating the participants — a testament to just how good the skippers are, those catching just one little puff of wind making all the difference.

Sailing with the US12s The US12 sailors had a very pleasant day on May 26, the last tune-up day before the scoring season begins. There were five boats and skippers present. Don Cundy found another US12 and sailed in three races while also checking systems and rigs. The other four sailors raced in each of eight races.
Tim Wright sailed well enough to win the day, with John Simms nipping at his transom. Bob Brennan and Paul Wallace were kept busy adjusting to the shifting winds, and Anthony Quinn showed up with the Canadian 12 he built over the winter. Since his US12 sails are on back order, Anthony came to get a loaner rig. Next week, we hope to see his boat sailing with the fleet.
The wind conditions were as changeable in direction and speed as many of us had seen in a while. Because the direction changed early and often, with the speed going from almost nothing to bury-the-bow-downwind, the group decided to sail the regular course instead of trying something new. The changing wind offered enough challenge to keep everyone happy, however.
As always, it was fun sailing with our skipper friends. Our fleet looks forward to lots more sailing this summer.

Skippers Memorial

Videos and Photos

Back Bay Skippers Video (WMUR NH Chronicles)
Back Bay Skippers YouTube Channel
Latest Videos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
Latest Photos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
Photo Gallery

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Sailing on Back Bay

The radio-controlled model yachts are back on the waters of Back Bay in Wolfeboro. The Solings sail on Tuesdays and the US12s on Thursdays, 1 PM to 3 PM, weather permitting. The rain day is Wednesdays.

Join the fun! We love to share so don’t be shy about asking to try your hand at the controls. Come watch the show or take a picture. It’s a sight to behold.

Trophy Room

Upcoming Events:

Saturday June 18, 2022 Sasquatch Footy Regatta – Race Notice
Tuesday June 21, 2022 NHBM Model Yacht Open House, 1PM-3PM During Regular Soling Sailing

Model Yachting News • Week Ending May 14, 2022

Posted on May 15, 2022May 27, 2022 by Paul McBride

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

The Season Is Underway
Don Cundy has agreed to act as race director for this year’s weekly regattas. Duties will include course setup and direction as well as keeping the skippers within competition rules. This is an effort to assist Vice Commodore Tim Wright and to have more skipper involvement with the operation.

Quiz and Game Fun Page – Updated 5/17/2022

On May 3, eleven skippers gathered with ten Solings for the season’s first regatta. Initially, skies were gray and the wind was very light, but things improved as the afternoon progressed. There is no official scoring until the end of the month, although our skippers are good at bragging just the same. Even with a wimpy wind the fleet completed seven races, so we were able to have a throw-out race — which we all needed, by the way.

Because of a ninth-place throw-out, Commodore Mark Whitehead was boosted to the day’s top spot with a massive one-tenth-of-a-point lead over the tie for second place between Joel Nelson and Don Cundy. Jim Opie sailed to third, followed by Paul McBride, and Tim Brand. Tim Brand, incidentally, took the first race of the 2022 season.

Skippers Memorial

Videos and Photos

Back Bay Skippers Video (WMUR NH Chronicles)
Back Bay Skippers YouTube Channel
Latest Videos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
Latest Photos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
Photo Gallery

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Not Much Luck for the US12s
Only four skippers gathered on May 5 for their regatta, expecting 10-mph wind, but Mother Nature had other plans, her heavy bluster eliminating any chance of sailing.

A Special Day

The weatherman needs to buy a new compass. The prediction was for a normal east wind to push Solings on May 10, but the air-stream blew from the north instead. Having to reverse course when the prevailing wind travels down the bay always adds interest to a race. Nonetheless, it was a glorious sailing day for twelve skippers launching for thirteen races. This, after all, is Back Bay, so from time to time, it was a little difficult to determine how to take advantage of the swirls, but for the most part, the winds were good all afternoon.
Tim Wright returned from a trip to the Midwest this week so quickly resumed his place at the top of our leader board. Don Cundy had a strong showing this week with a second place for the day. Mark Whitehead hung in for a third-place finish, followed closely by Denis Boisvert in fourth and Anthony Quinn in fifth.

Tim Wright Reports on the US12s

Thursday’s weather for US12 sailing was one of the hottest days of this spring. Temperatures were in the mid-80’s, yet our sailors braved the heat and varied winds and enjoyed the season’s early competition.

Our new race director, Don Cundy, was clearly ready to take on the day. He set and altered our courses while sailing his Laser, as his US12 is not “seaworthy” just yet.

Trophy Room

The boats were in various stages of readiness, as is usual at the beginning of the season. Adjustments were necessary throughout the afternoon.

Other sailors for the second day of races were Bob Brennan, Paul Wallace, Paul McBride, Bob Strodel, John Simms, Jim Opie, and Tim Wright.

Our loyal fan, Don Opie, was a bit under the weather and watched the races from the comfort of his truck.

While sailing, some of us got to meet Tom Clarkson, who will be building a Soling 1M in July. He is a large-boat sailor and had fun sailing one of Tim’s US12s.

While scoring is not yet official, B. B. Wright kept track of the races – happy to be back on the job once again. Overall, everyone is glad to be returning to Back Bay. On with the season!

Sailing on Back Bay

Join the fun! We love to share so don’t be shy about asking to try your hand at the controls. Come watch the show or take a picture. It’s a sight to behold.

Upcoming Events:

Saturday June 18, 2022 Sasquatch Footy Regatta – Race Notice

Model Yachting News • April 2022

Posted on May 1, 2022May 10, 2022 by Paul McBride

Written by Tim Wright, Mark Whitehead
Editing Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, Bob Strodel, B.B. Wright, Mark Whitehead
Layout & Photo Captions by Ken Gerber, Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

The 2022 Season Begins
On a dreary Wednesday, April 27, the dock was installed, marking the start of the NH Boat Museum’s model yachting season. Commodore Mark Whitehead had the honor of attaching our sign to the completed dock assembly.

Quiz and Game Fun Page – Updated 5/1/2022

This year’s fantastic installation crew included (Back Row L to R) Tom Barstow, Steve Leker, Tim Wright, Bruce Brown, Al Stevens, Paul Wallace; (center row) Mark Whitehead, John Russell, Anthony Quinn, Jack Minahan, Bob Little, Ken Gerber, Joel Nelson; (front row) Paul McBride. Not pictured were John Simms and B. B. Wright.

Skippers Memorial

Videos and Photos

Back Bay Skippers Video (WMUR NH Chronicles)
Back Bay Skippers YouTube Channel
Latest Videos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
Latest Photos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
Photo Gallery

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Prelude to the Season
On April 13, Tim Wright presented his final Zoom session of the season, entitled “Race Day Review.” With the assistance of Steve Leker and B.B. Wright, the session described the best ways to handle the starts, to approach the marks, and to maintain momentum on the race course.

On April 28, Tim presented an in-person program hosted by Bob Strodel at Camp Brookwoods, teaching such extremely handy knots as the figure-eight knot, the bowline, and the taut line hitch, all of which can be used for our model yachts. We then had a thorough demonstration of boat tuning — what to look for and, more importantly, how to correct the problem. Utilizing a fan, Tim was able to show us exactly the affect that each adjustment had on the sails, and how a uniform shape of both the mainsail and jib had on the performance of the boat.

Trophy Room

Look for Us on Back Bay
If the weather cooperates, sailing will start on Tuesday, May 3. Don’t be shy, if you’d like to try your hand at the tiller, just speak up — we love to share. To learn more about our model yachting program, visit https://www.nhbm.org/model-yachting-category/news/. The fun is on Back Bay in Wolfeboro normally on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 PM unless poor weather on either of those days requires a change to Wednesday.

Upcoming Events:

Saturday June 18, 2022 Sasquatch Footy Regatta – Race Notice

Model Yachting News • March 2022

Posted on March 20, 2022April 19, 2022 by Paul McBride

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

Tim Wright Presents

On March 16, Tim Wright presented on Zoom the second lesson in his sailing series. This session went from the start line to rounding the buoys. The twenty skippers in attendance had a video demonstration of the techniques and rules to get off the line, to approach the mark, and to round the buoys. Run by Steve Leker, demonstration pictures and videos filmed by B. B. Wright last season of both Solings and US12s gave a spectacular view of the dos and don’ts in real time. Watching our mistakes on the screen was very enlightening, to say the least. Kudos to Tim and his team for a job very well done.

Quiz and Game Fun Page - Updated 3/21/2022

Skippers Memorial

Reminder: Next Zoom Meeting April 13th @ 7PM Starts and Buoy Rounding's Part 2

Videos and Photos

Back Bay Skippers Video (WMUR NH Chronicles)
Back Bay Skippers YouTube Channel
Latest Videos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
Latest Photos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
Photo Gallery

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

2022 Model Yacht Building
The Class of 2022 has been filling up fast, so if you would like your own Olympic Class model yacht, you must sign up soon. This year’s workshop will run Monday through Friday from July 11 to July 15, a fun-filled week of meeting new friends and taking pride in the construction of your new Soling.

In the meantime, we are working on all the sails, rigging, and all the fittings while we await the arrival of kits.

Have You Wondered?

Very few have seen Sasquatch! Could it be that he lives deep in the woods of New Hampshire and is really only twelve inches tall?

Aptly named by Bill Hagerup, we have honored the little critter with the Sasquatch Footy Regatta. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, June 18, and is open to all who can brave the waters of Back Bay with their twelve-inch remote-control sailboats. Tuning and sail choice is critical to success in the regatta since the boats weigh only a few ounces and can be a handful to control.

The town permit has been approved, and we are working on the many items required to run a regatta. The top three skippers always receive a trophy and each year they are different. The 2022 trophies will portray Sasquatch himself.

Trophy Room

It’s Never Too Early

Sailing will start before you know it. Don’t be left out. Check out model yacht building at https://www.nhbm.org/model-yachting/model-yacht-building/ or Model Yachting at https://www.nhbm.org/model-yachting-category/news/. The fun is on Back Bay in Wolfeboro Tuesdays and Thursdays, weather permitting, at 1 PM.

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday April 13, 2022 7PM Back Bay Skippers Zoom Session (Revised Date)
Saturday June 18, 2022 Sasquatch Footy Regatta – Race Notice

Model Yachting News • February 2022

Posted on February 25, 2022February 27, 2022 by Paul McBride

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

Bill Quayle

1938 – 2022

Class of 2011

Sail Number 1330

“I am a woodworker,” said Bill Quayle, and it described him to a ‘T’. His long list of crafts ran from fishing lures, wall sculptures, and ship models to birdhouses, a cane, and a back scratcher. He assisted with boatbuilding workshops at the New Hampshire Boat Museum, and after joining the Back Bay Skippers in 2011, he played a major role in the model yacht building classes as well. For his willingness to help in all Skipper activities, he was presented with a certificate of appreciation just before his passing. From his career as a drafting supervisor for Channel Products to sailing across Lake Erie in a boat he made himself, his many talents, humor, and heirloom tomatoes enhanced our group.

Friends and family are invited to gather for a celebration of Bill’s life from noon to 3 PM on Saturday, March 12, at Inn on Main’s O’Bistro in Wolfeboro. For those wanting to make a gift in his memory, a donation can be made to the New Hampshire Boat Museum.

Skippers Memorial

Videos and Photos

Back Bay Skippers Video (WMUR NH Chronicles)
Back Bay Skippers YouTube Channel
Latest Videos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
Latest Photos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
Photo Gallery

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Quiz and Game Fun Page - Updated 2/27/2022

Reminder: Next Zoom Meeting Mar 16th @ 7PM Starts and Buoy Rounding's

Skippers Zoom Class

On February 16, Tim Wright, assisted by Steve Leker, led the first of a series of Zoom classes for our winter sailing education. That class concerned sail shape, trim, and the use of a boom vang to get a desired shape for mainsails. Using photos and videos, examples were shown of different sail shapes, often in the same picture. Also mentioned was how to trim the sails on various points of sail. There were many questions asked and answered in the sharing of information. There was positive feedback from the twenty-eight skippers who attended. It was even better to see our friends and talk about the topic that brought us together.

On March 16, our session will use videos with a focus on starts and buoy roundings. Hopefully there will be spirited discussions about the videos, which will help the fleet learn while becoming more familiar with racing rules and tactics. The sessions last 90 minutes, starting at 7 PM.

Our New Trophy-Room

Paul McBride has been developing a web page that recognizes the achievements of our skippers over the last fourteen years. It is still a work in progress but the major awards are on the page. Just click on a picture to access the awards through the years at the Trophy Room.

It’s Never Too Early

Sailing will start before you know it. Don’t be left out. Check out model yacht building https://www.nhbm.org/model-yachting/model-yacht-building/ or Model Yachting https://www.nhbm.org/model-yachting-category/news/. The fun is on Back Bay Tuesdays and Thursdays, weather permitting, at 1 PM

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday March 16, 2022 7PM Back Bay Skippers Zoom Session
Wednesday April 20, 2022 7PM Back Bay Skippers Zoom Session

Model Yachting News • January 2022

Posted on January 29, 2022February 18, 2022 by Paul McBride

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

Another Season Underway

The first skippers meeting for 2022 was held on Wednesday, January 19, via Zoom with almost twenty attending. The agenda included the 2022 schedule, ideas for improvement, nominations for committees and officers, class designations, as well as the February and March training sessions.

Tim Wright is hard at work preparing and organizing videos and photos to help with the Zoom session on Wednesday, February 16, at 7:00 p.m. Among the responses to his questionnaire were some good suggestions. One in particular was to have a sails/knots/tuning session near the start of the season. It would have to be outside, but we can come up with a specific plan closer to the date. It might be helpful to also have one during the boatbuilding session in July.

It will be a few months before the dock goes in and boats hit the waters of Back Bay. In the meantime, all the preseason prep is in the works. Items needed for the building class are being made, boat kits for the younger set are progressing well, town permits have been submitted for approval on February 16, and all the other incidentals are on their way to completion.

The skippers themselves are hard at work refurbishing boats and building new ones. We never have enough boats.

Quiz and Game Fun Page – Updated 1/29/2022

Skippers Memorial

Reminder: Next Zoom Meeeting Feb 16th @ 7PM

Videos and Photos

Back Bay Skippers Video (WMUR NH Chronicles)
Back Bay Skippers YouTube Channel
Latest Videos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
Latest Photos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
Photo Gallery

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Anthony Quinn and Rick Laird to Join US12 Fleet

For those interested in competing on Thursdays, Anthony Quinn purchased a mini-12 hull from Blake Moran in Canada, and is happy he did. The mini-12 is identical to the US12 with the exception of the rudder hinge, which has an angled mount instead of the vertical mount on a typical US12. It is sanctioned by the AMYA. Blake takes great pains with packing for shipment, ensuring no movement is possible, and Anthony’s boat arrived without a scratch. The hull does not include ballast, servos, or rub rails, but is otherwise ready for finish preps. The mast and booms have been fabricated, and Anthony needs to order a set of sails. Hopefully, Anthony will be ready to compete by early May. The costs are: $500 for hull and shipping; $150 for sails; $75 for servos; plus ballast, paint, etc. Blake can be contacted by email at bmoran1961@gmail.com.

Rick Laird, who is also in the process of building a US12, sent us pictures of his progress.

In the Works

Our news setup guru, Paul McBride, with assistance from Ken Gerber is working on the latest web news innovation – a “Trophy Room” just like they have in the fancy yacht clubs. Ours, however, will be virtual. For the last fourteen years we have given awards for all the sailing accomplishments. Paul and Ken will be cataloging these outstanding achievements as a reference and archive.

It’s Never Too Early
The sailing will start before you know it. Don’t be left out, check out model yacht building https://www.nhbm.org/model-yachting/model-yacht-building/ or Model Yachting https://www.nhbm.org/model-yachting-category/news/. The fun is on Back Bay Tuesdays and Thursdays, weather permitting, at 1:00 p.m

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday February 16, 2022 7PM Back Bay Skippers Zoom Session
Wednesday March 16, 2022 7PM Back Bay Skippers Zoom Session
Wednesday April 20, 2022 7PM Back Bay Skippers Zoom Session

Model Yachting News • December 2021

Posted on December 17, 2021December 17, 2021 by Paul McBride