Model Yachting News • Week Ending October 17, 2026

Posted on by Paul McBride

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

A Visiting Marblehead

Joining us this week was Rick Gates and his #1967 Marblehead class boat. She’s fifty inches long with a ten-pound displacement and carries 800 square inches of sail (200 square inches more sail than our Solings). Several of our skippers swapped boats to give the Marblehead a try.

Rick Gates and Scorekeepers, B.B. Wright and Karen Enos
Rick Gates' Marblehead
Solings and a Marblehead start a race.
The Soling Fleet

Not as Predicted

All-day rain on Tuesday moved the sailing date for Solings to Wednesday, October 14. We were hoping the weatherman was accurate about wind velocity, but he was ten miles per hour higher on his prediction than what blew across Back Bay. Along with the usual fickle winds were gray skies that allowed a quick peek by the sun along with brief sprinkles. We ran the gamut. There was enough wind, however, to complete eleven races, so the nine-member fleet enjoyed a good day just the same. Many groaned when the wind picked up just as skippers were packing their gear!

This week we scored the boats not the skippers because of the boat switching. It was a tie at the top between #58 and the Marblehead.

#1967 Marblehead    1.90
#58                              1.90
#111                            2.70
#44                              4.10
#831                            5.00
#237                            5.50
#8                                6.25
#12                              6.30
#80                              8.70

Heading to the First Mark
Scorekeepers Karen Enos and B.B. Wright came prepared.
As we packed up to go home
the breeze freshened.
Getting US12s Ready to Sail

The US12 Fleet

The fleet was treated to a wonderful day — at least that’s the way it turned out eventually. With gusty winds, it reminded the sailors of last week, when carnage was significant and the wind could barely be handled. With predictions of the wind lessening, the eight skippers put their boats in for tuning and survived before the first start. There were rigging failures, hull-to-deck joints giving, and multiple rescues. The start of the day was overwhelming, but the wind did die down and racing became tight.

While the breeze was typical of Back Bay with many shifts and strengths, the sailing was good with numerous races taking place. B.B. Wright scored the first race and then received requests to just let the sailors sail. We have no scores to report, but superior racing was evident. Finishes were tight, and everyone realized how lucky we were to be sailing with good friends in such a beautiful place on such a wonderful fall day. We still have a couple of race days left, so come on down and join us on Thursday afternoons.

Tim Wright 438, Bill Malay 7, John Simms 101,
Anthony Quinn 937, Charlie Lincoln 127
Skippers and Scorekeeper
… and the band played “Nearer, My God, to Thee.”
Fortunately, there was a resurrection.
Rescue Complete
Bill Malay 7, Tim Wright 438, and John Simms 101
John Simms 101 chases Tim Wright 438.
Charlie Lincoln 127
Tim Wright 438 and John Simms 101
Bruce Wilhelm, Kevin Bennett, Bill Malay,
Tim Wright, Charlie French, John Simms
Because of the low water level, the rescue boat was pulled up on the dock
to put the cover back on.

Back Bay Sailing

We continue to invite you to join us on Tuesday or Thursday at 1 PM, weather permitting. 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. Unofficial scoring is now the theme when results don’t count toward season standings.

No telling who will show up to watch.

Quiz and Game Fun Page - Updated 11/4/2022​

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Skippers Knowledge Base

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesdays Rain Date
  • November 3, 2026 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending October 10, 2026

Posted on by Paul McBride

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

Fall in New Hampshire

Just one of those days you dream about in July when it’s ninety degrees. Surrounded by fall foliage, cool temperatures, and sunshine, October 7 was a perfect day to be sailing, the wind having diminished from Tuesday’s strong gusts.

Anthony Quinn, Jeff Hathaway, Bill Malay,
Mark Whitehead, Lin Davis
The fleet heads to the first mark.
Anthony Quinn 111, Jeff Hathaway 77, Mark Whitehead 12,
Denis Boisvert's Schooner, Bruce Wilhelm 831
Denis Boivert's Schooner

This time of year our numbers dwindle a bit, so the fleet can go all in. The Soling regatta launched nine boats and completed eight races using the six-buoy enduro course. As usual, we had the typical Back Bay winds that can leave skippers in a wind hole as the rest of the fleet sails away.

Denis Boisvert brought out his schooner that much prefers a hard wind, so he was at a disadvantage in the light air. Tim Wright also brought his Independence with red sails for a little tuning.

Out on the Water

Even though Tim Wright scored a sixth in Race #5, he still managed to take the regatta with five wins, two second-place finishes, and a score of 1.29. With three wins, two seconds, and two thirds, Chuck Rudinsky earned second place overall, scoring 1.86. Third went to Linwood Davis with a score of 3.00.

A Beautiful Fall Day for Sailing on Back Bay
A Good Gust at the Mark

A special thank-you goes to Althea Currier, who Linwood Davis said contributed brownies to the Skipper gathering on September 26 along with Carol York. Since they were individually wrapped, Kathleen Whitehead put leftovers in the freezer and suggested serving them to those showing up for this week’s regattas.

By the way, Kathleen would like to know who brought a wine bag to the gathering. At the time, she assumed it was that person’s beverage of choice and set it on the counter by the corkscrew. When the bag remained after everyone left, she discovered a jar of red pepper jelly and a package of peanut brittle! She would love to thank the thoughtful donor. By the way, she and Mark devoured every morsel of candy the following day!

Rounding the Mark
Jeff Hathaway 77 crosses the finish line.

Unofficial Scores
1 – Tim Wright              1.29
2 – Chuck Rudinsky     1.86
3 – Linwood Davis        3.00
4 – Anthony Quinn        3.29
5 – Bruce Wilhelm        4.71
6 – Bill Malay                5.67
7 – Mark Whitehead     5.71
8 – Denis Boisvert        7.50
9 – Jeff Hathaway        8.00

US12 sailors decide whether winds are too strong for sailing.

What a Day!

Sailing on Thursday, October 8, the wind was intimidatingly strong at times, but everyone who came sailed their boats until they couldn’t any more. While the breeze was manageable some of the time, when the gusts hit, it was a matter of survival.

As a veteran of remote-control sailing, I have seen many unusual happenings on the water. I have seen boats get knocked down, but they come right back up. Today, Bruce Wilhelm’s boat was knocked down so hard and the wind was blowing so fiercely that his boat was literally on its side with the mast underwater for at least fifteen seconds before it popped back up. It was long enough that we thought the mast had come out. I cannot explain the physics of how it happened. In fact, I thought it was impossible to stay on its side for so long without the weight of the keel making it pop back up. Thank goodness it did.

Getting Boats Ready to Sail
US12s get ready to start.

 Bill Malay lost control of his boat, which sailed across the bay. Just as we were getting ready to recover it with a dinghy rescue, a small powerboat came along and asked if they could help. Why they were out on such a windy day I don’t know, but they were right on time. There were many other ways in which the day was unusual. What is gratifying is the community we have and the number of people ready to pitch in.

As for the results, everyone that sailed gets a prize for daring to put their boats in the water. I remember a time when people were hesitant to sail in such strong breezes, especially the US12 fleet. The boats don’t handle the strong winds as well as a Soling, but everyone that came put in for races. To the nine sailors (Bill Malay, Charlie Lincoln, Bob Strodel, Bruce Wilhelm, Lin Davis, Kevin Bennett, Tim Wright, and the two Soling sailors, Ted Monetta and Jeff Hathaway) congratulations for sailing on such a day! It also should be noted that Jeanne Butler brought her new US12 and put it through its paces before she had to leave. That was just as the wind was freshening.

US12s start a race.
A Strong Gust after the Start

Also, thanks to B.B. Wright for staying with us through all the hard winds and keeping us on the move through nine very challenging races!
In all, it was a very exciting day. We look forward to what next week will bring.

Enjoying the Fall Colors on the Way to the First Mark
The Second Leg

Back Bay Sailing

We continue to invite you to join us on Tuesday or Thursday at 1 PM, weather permitting. 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. Unofficial scoring is now the theme when results don’t count toward season standings.

Try your hand at RC sailing.

Quiz and Game Fun Page - Updated 11/4/2022​

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Skippers Knowledge Base

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesdays Rain Date
  • November 3, 2026 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending October 3, 2026

Posted on by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

It’s a Party!

To celebrate the end of the scored season, many skippers and their companions gathered at Mark and Kathleen Whitehead’s home. Lively conversation and hearty laughter filled the air as everyone selected pieces of pizza and scoops of salad, and decided which of many dessert bars to nibble.

Skip Koehler, Kathleen Whitehead, Val Soucy, Denis Boisvert
Diane Guerriere and Anthony Quinn
Back: Donald McBride, Donald Cundy, Sharon Cundy, Sabra McBride, Front: Jaime Parent, Austin Parent
Dick Currier, Althea Currier, Genie Ware, Susan Davis
Front: Karen Enos, Curran, John Barstow; Back: Jeanne Butler, Mark Whitehead, Kathleen Whitehead, Dick Currier
Jaime Parent, Austin Parent, Bill Malay,
Ken Gerber
Michael York, Carol York
Game Winner, Skip Koehler

Eventually the bell was rung to announce that it was time for Kathleen to annoy them with her game. To test their ability to determine capital cities from clues and locate it in the proper state, ten guests were selected to participate. Skip Koehler reigned supreme and had first choice of many prizes. All participants then chose a prize in order of how they placed in the contest.

Back: Jeanne Butler, B.B. Wright, Curran, Karen Enos; Front: Diane Guerriere

It then was time for the commodore to honor skippers for their sailing achievements. Season champions, the most improved skipper, the person earning the sunken-ship award, and volunteer of the year were announced.

Sailor Class Champion       John Barstow
Master Class Champion     Tim Wright
US12 Champion                   Tim Wright

John Barstow, Sailor Class
Tim Wright, Master Class
Tim Wright, US12

Second-Place     Winners
Sailor Class        Jim Opie
Master Class      Jeff Witzel
US12 Class         John Simms

Third-Place       Winners
Sailor Class       Bruce Wilhelm
Master Class     Chuck Rudinsky
US12 Class        Chuck Rudinsky

Most Improved Skipper         Chuck Rudinsky
Sunken-Ship Award                Bob Pacini and Charlie Lincoln,
                                                   who actually sank their boats!
Volunteer of the Year Award Anthony Quinn, our sail maker

Anthony Quinn, John Barstow, Tim Wright
Anthony Quinn, Volunteer of the Year
Chuck Rudinsky, Most Improved Skipper,
with Commodore Mark Whitehead
Charlie Lincoln, Sunken-Ship Award
Weather Conditions

Soling Enduro

What’s that, you ask? Basically it’s a nonstop regatta — no breaks and no stops, just continuous sailing from 1 PM to 3 PM. The scores are tallied by lap counts not by individual races.

At 1 PM September 29, eighteen skippers crossed the starting line for the Back Bay Skippers’ first enduro ever. Utilizing a six-buoy course, it added an extra dimension to the day.

Of course, it was Tim Wright who led the way with a lucky thirteen laps, but hot on his stern was Chuck Rudinsky, also completing thirteen laps. Our AMYA regional director, Glenn Chalder, was only one lap behind with twelve. Don Cundy and Linwood Davis sailed twelve laps as well but crossed the finish line behind Glenn.

Soling Drifting Contest
John Barstow, Karen Enos, B.B. Wright, Denis Boisvert, Charlie Lincoln, Chuck Rudinsky
Tim Wright, Anthony Quinn, Don Cundy
Denis Boisvert, Charlie Lincoln, Chuck Rudinsky, Donald McBride, Jim Opie
Anthony Quinn, Chuck Rudinsky, Tom Barstow, Jeff Witzel
Jeff Witzel and Glenn Chalder,
AMYA Region 1 Director
Ken Gerber, Bill Malay, Tim Wright, Ted Monetta, Denis Boisvert

Left to Right Back row – B.B. Wright, Dick Currier, Ted Monetta, Bill Malay, John Barstow, Don McBride, Charlie Lincoln,
Jim Opie, Denis Boisvert, Anthony Quinn, Tim Wright, Mark Whitehead, Don Cundy, Linwood Davis, Karen Enos
Front Row – Jeff Witzel, Chuck Rudinsky

Charlie Lincoln, Tim Wright, Kevin Bennett, Bob Strodel

US12 Enduro on October 1

The competition was a two-hour-long race to see who could complete the most laps. The day was delightful, with warm temperatures and a bright sun. The winds were more reminiscent of the light winds we had for the Soling enduro, but the competition was fierce, and phantom winds boosted people while dead spots allowed people to be passed. B. B. Wright scored her first enduro while answering spectators’ questions. Thanks to her focus and concentration, however, she produced the results.

Don Cundy started strong and led for a while by two legs. Tim Wright started a long chase from astern, eventually catching and passing Don, who came in second in the inaugural enduro race with twelve laps. Tim managed to finish fourteen laps. Right behind Don and also with twelve laps were John Simms and Lin Davis. Bill Malay came in fifth with Bob Strodel right behind in sixth. Completing eleven laps, Charlie Lincoln was seventh, and visitor Bob Shapiro, sailing a borrowed boat, came in eighth. Kevin Bennett finished in ninth place with ten laps.

As we look back on the enduro, there was a lot of talk about the difference in sailing a two-hour race rather than twelve races in two hours. The fleet was much more spread out, and people were able to concentrate on their boats and the conditions they were encountering. It felt different to the sailors, with fewer rules issues and more sailing.

Next week starts open sailing for the US12 fleet. Bring whatever boat you would like to sail. We look forward to a varied fleet.

US12 Skippers Left to Right – Back Row B.B. Wright, Linwood Davis, Bob Strodel, Bob Shapiro,
John Simms, Don Cundy, Bill Malay
Front Row – Val Soucy, Rick Parent, Tim Wright, and Charlie Lincoln

Back Bay Sailing

We continue to invite you to join us on Tuesday or Thursday at 1 PM, weather permitting. 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. Next week marks the beginning of unofficial scoring when results don’t count toward season standings.

Glorious Back Bay in Fall Colors

Scores

Soling Enduro Scores
1) Tim Wright – 13 laps
2) Chuck Rudinsky – 13 laps
3) Glenn Chalder – 12 laps
4) Don Cundy – 12 laps
5) Lin Davis – 12 laps
6) Ted Monetta – 11 laps
7) Mark Whitehead – 11 laps
8) Ken Gerber – 11 laps
9) Jeff Witzel – 11 laps
10) Jim Opie – 11 laps
11) Denis Boisvert – 10 laps
12) Bill Malay – 10 laps
13) Charlie Lincoln 10 laps
14) Don McBride – 9 laps
15) John Barstow – 9 laps
16) Dick Currier – 9 laps
17) Anthony Quinn – 9 laps
18) Tom Barstow – 4 Laps

US12 Enduro Scoring
1) Tim Wright – 14 laps
2) Don Cundy – 12 laps
3) John Simms – 12 laps
4) Lin Davis – 12 laps
5) Bill Malay – 12 laps
6) Bob Strodel – 12 laps
7) Charlie Lincoln – 11 laps
8) Bob Shapiro – 11 laps
9) Kevin Bennett – 10 laps

Quiz and Game Fun Page - Updated 11/4/2022​

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Skippers Knowledge Base

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesdays Rain Date
  • November 3, 2026 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending September 26, 2026

Posted on by Paul McBride

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

Yup, It’s Fall!

To honor fall solstice we were greeted by a bald eagle flying overhead for the September 22 Soling regatta, the month’s end bringing officially scored regattas to a conclusion. In October we use a more relaxed scoring and sailing with no pressure to accumulate season points.

You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.
Soling Skippers and Scorekeeper

Twenty-one skippers signed up this week, ten in the Sailor Class and eleven Masters. The fleets completed eight races under blue skies though pushed around by Back Bay’s usual fickle winds. We welcomed Steve Brown, who accepted the challenge with our #555 loaner boat.

Soling Sailor Class
The Soling Sailor Class starts a race.

Out on the Water

Bill Malay took charge in the Sailor Class this week, accumulating four wins and four seconds for a score of 1.43. Our guest Steve Brown sailed our loaner boat #555 to one win, two seconds, and three thirds for second place overall and a final tally of 2.2. Not bad for a first-timer! John Barstow, our season leader, earned the third spot with a win, a second, and a score of 3.43. Genie Ware also could brag about a win as she ended with a fourth-place score of 3.57. Fifth went to Bruce Wilhelm, his win in Race #3 helping him to reach a score of 4.00.

John Barstow, Sailor Class Season Leader
Action at the First and Second Marks
Soling Master Class
The Master Class is ready to start.
The Soling Master Class starts a race.
Solings head to the finish line.
Tim Wright 58 (blue sail) and Ted Monetta 237
approach the finish line.
Vice Commodore Tim Wright,
Master Class Season Leader

The Master Class leader Tim Wright earned four wins and four second-place finishes to top the class at 1.43. Perhaps he was trying to match Bill Malay’s Sailor Class score? Ted Monetta came alive this week to earn second with two wins, two seconds, and a score of 3.86. In third place overall was Don Cundy with a score of 5.00, Al Posnack close behind with two wins and a score of 5.14 for fourth. Rounding out the top five with a score of 5.29 was Ken Gerber, helped by one second-place finish.

A Day for the US12 Sailors

The temperature was delightful for late September, and the sun was shining brightly. The wind also was well represented. Although the winds were predominantly from the north, all other directions made good showings. Their velocity also varied from overwhelming gusts to dead spots where nobody moved. Needless to say, it was a challenge for the racers to get around the course. Thanks to our scorekeeper, B. B. Wright, we were able to complete twelve races with short breaks between each one. It was a nice way to end the scoring season.

Bob Strodel does some makeshift repair to his US12.
US12s

On the course, Tim Wright was hard to catch. Except for a second-place finish in Race #2, he won all other races and had a 1.0 average. In second place, Lin Davis had five finishes in second place and five in third for a 2.50 average. Chuck Rudinsky had a victory in the second race along with four seconds and three thirds. His average was 2.70, good enough for third place. Robert Strodel captured fourth with a score of 4.44, and Bill Malay finished in fifth place sailing a borrowed boat. Bill’s boat had electrical issues in the second race, and starting in the fifth race he sailed an unfamiliar boat. Once he got used to the transmitter, he started doing better with a second, a third, and two fourths. His average was 4.50.

Paul McBride captured photographing US12s at the final mark.
US12s at the Start
US12s start a race.

In sixth place, Kevin Bennett had a 4.89 average. He did have one second-place finish plus one third. Charlie Lincoln, who won the regatta last week, was kind enough to let others have a chance. He had two third-place finishes to tie Kevin Bennett with a 4.89 average.

Charlie Lincoln's son takes the rescue boat for a spin.
US12s in a Steady Breeze
US12s head to the first mark.

Quite frankly, everyone who sailed today was a winner due to the pleasant weather and the chance to enjoy each other’s company. It was a wonderful afternoon and a great way to end the scoring season. Next week is the Enduro, new to the Back Bay Skippers. It is a two-hour-long race with the scorekeepers counting laps to determine a winner. The following weeks are open sailing with all boats welcome and no official scoring. 

Bob Strodel uses the new very long boat hook
to reel in his demasted US12.
US12s head to the mark.

Enduro: September 29th, One Meter and Under

Soling 1M and any other boat with a hull length of one meter or under can sail, for example a DF95 or a Footy.

Soling 1M
Footy
Dragon Flite 95 (DF95)
Vintage 36 (V36)
Chinese Junk
US12s

Enduro: October 1st, Over One Meter

The US12 class will race as well as any boat class with a hull length over one meter, including Marblehead, Santa Barbara, and J class. Two boats in a class are required for scores to count.

10 Raters
RC Laser
Marblehead and Santa Barbara
J Boat

Back Bay Sailing

We continue to invite you to join us on Tuesday or Thursday at 1 PM, weather permitting. 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. This week marks the end of official scoring. After that, competition results don’t count toward season standings.

Young skippers may receive a sailboat kit.

Scores

2026-09-22 Sailor Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Malay, Bill7/1 (100%)101.431
Brown, Steve5/1 (71%)112.202
Barstow, John7/1 (100%)243.433
Ware, Genie7/1 (100%)253.574
Wilhelm, Bruce7/1 (100%)284.005
Dehnel, Gary5/0 (62%)265.206
Lincoln, Charlie6/1 (86%)386.337
Currier, Dick7/1 (100%)486.868
York, Micheal4/0 (50%)348.509
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
Ferrucci, LeoSailor0%0.00  
Lotter, LisaSailor0%0.00  
York, MichealSailor0%0.00  
Cundy, DonSailor20%1.00  
Hogenson, DaveSailor33%1.402.17-0.77
Brown, SteveGuest7%2.00  
Wadsworth, GaiusGuest7%2.00  
Parent, AustinSailor20%2.33  
Barstow, JohnSailor73%3.093.33-0.24
Malay, BillSailor47%3.14  
Opie, JimSailor60%3.222.880.35
Wilhelm, BruceSailor80%3.42  
Ware, GenieSailor67%3.50  
Wolcott, ClintSailor27%4.004.50-0.50
Lincoln, CharlieSailor73%5.27  
Dehnel, GarySailor7%6.00  
Hathaway, JeffSailor7%6.00  
Currier, DickSailor27%7.505.502.00
2026-09-22 Master Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim7/1 (100%)101.431
Monetta, Ted7/1 (100%)273.862
Cundy, Don6/1 (86%)305.003
Posnack, Al7/1 (100%)365.144
Gerber, Ken7/1 (100%)375.295
Witzel, Jeff7/1 (100%)415.866
Boisvert, Denis7/1 (100%)426.007
Barstow, Tom7/1 (100%)446.298
Davis, Linwood7/1 (100%)456.439
Whitehead, Mark7/1 (100%)456.439
Quinn, Anthony7/1 (100%)527.4311
2026 Master Class Soling Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Wright, TimMaster87%1.001.07-0.07
Witzel, JeffMaster73%3.644.64-1.00
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster80%3.678.80-5.13
Gates, RickGuest27%3.753.500.25
Davis, LinwoodMaster60%4.675.07-0.40
Posnack, AlMaster93%4.715.38-0.67
Monetta, TedMaster100%5.134.670.47
Cundy, DonMaster13%5.506.00-0.50
Boisvert, DenisMaster67%6.107.58-1.48
Gerber, KenMaster53%6.757.30-0.55
Pacini, BobMaster60%7.339.00-1.67
Barstow, TomMaster60%7.677.550.12
Quinn, AnthonyMaster73%8.367.211.15
Griggs, DougMaster73%8.64  
Whitehead, MarkMaster80%9.087.401.68
Bennett, KevinMaster27%10.50  
2026-09-24 US12 Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim10/2 (100%)101.001
Davis, Lin10/2 (100%)252.502
Rudinsky, Chuck10/2 (100%)272.703
Strodel, Robert9/1 (82%)404.444
Malay, Bill8/1 (73%)364.505
Bennett, Kevin9/1 (82%)444.896
Lincoln, Charlie9/1 (82%)444.896
2026 Season US12 Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Wright, TimSailor82%1.001.000.00
Cundy, DonSailor9%2.00  
Laird, RickSailor18%2.003.80-1.80
Davis, Lin 27%3.002.001.00
Leker, SteveSailor27%3.33  
Simms, JohnSailor82%3.893.080.81
Rudinsky, ChuckSailor82%4.22  
Wilhelm, BruceSailor73%4.255.38-1.12
Quinn, Anthony 36%4.504.220.28
Bennett, Kevin 55%5.50  
Malay, BillSailor55%5.50  
Opie, JimSailor45%6.406.000.40
Clason, KurtSailor9%7.00  
McBride, DonaldSailor9%7.003.503.50
Lincoln, CharlieSailor45%7.20  
Strodel, RobertSailor36%7.254.602.65
McBride, PaulSailor9%9.00  

Quiz and Game Fun Page - Updated 11/4/2022​

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Skippers Knowledge Base

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • June – October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays
  • September 29, 2026 Soling Enduro, One Two-Hour Race, Boats One Meter and Under in Length
  • October 1, 2026 US12 Enduro, One Two-Hour Race, Boats Over One Meter in Length
  • November 3, 2026 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending September 19, 2026

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead, Paul McBride
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

The Sixth Annual Bow Lake RC Laser Regatta

The 2026 AMYA Region 1 RC Laser Championship Regatta was hosted by Bob Shapiro and the Bow Lake Sailing MYC on September 13. Despite three races completed in light rain and dead-calm conditions preventing further racing after lunch, a good time was had by all.

6th Annual Bow Lake RC Laser Regatta and
AMYA Region 1 RC Laser Championship

Sailing from the Dock and Boats
RC Laser
RC Laser Skippers and Officials
Bob Shapiro,
1st Place
Tim Stone, 2nd Place
Glen Chalder, 3rd Place
Scorekeeper: Alan Estes,
Race Director: Ryan Gershuny,
Hostess and Chef: Margo Krukonis
Weather Conditions

Confusion

That’s what we heard around Back Bay on Tuesday, September 15. Some decent winds, some frustrating lulls, and constant wind shifts. The nineteen skippers who attended this next-to-last scored regatta of the season for Solings certainly enjoyed the sunshine and cool temperatures for the seven-race event.

The fleet’s split this week was great, with eleven in the Master Class and eight from the Sailor Class. Maybe our effort to balance the fleets is paying off.

Over the winter we do need to work on rules about buoy-rounding — six or eight boats trying to jam their way into one spot just doesn’t work. I didn’t hear any calls for fouls, but there obviously were some.

Warm-Up
Waiting for the Start
Ready for the Start
The Soling Fleet
Soling Sailor Class Start

Out on the Water

This week the Sailor Class was led by Bruce Wilhelm, earning three wins, two seconds, and a score of 1.83. Bill Malay took the second spot, his two wins and a second helping to tally a score of 2.17. Third place was held by John Barstow with two wins and two seconds, his score an impressive 2.50. Genie Ware was fourth overall, earning a second in the last race and scoring 3.33. Fifth went to Jim Opie, who had a second-place finish of his own and a score of 3.60.

Bruce Wilhelm 831
Bill Malay 7
John Barstow 72
The Soling Master Class
Soling Master Class Start
Tim Wright 58

The Master Class was led by Tim Wright, who crossed the finish line first in four races and was given a score of 1.33. Chuck Rudinsky decided to vary his finishes with a first, a second, a third, and a fourth. His effort put him in second place overall at 3.67. Denis Boisvert remembered his sails this week and came in third with two second-place finishes and a score of 4.17. The fourth spot went to Ted Monetta, winning the first race and finishing second in the second race, his score a 4.33. After hiking across England for a couple of weeks, Linwood Davis returned to sailing action and qualified for fifth with a score of 4.67.

Chuck Rudinsky 545
Denis Boisvert 44
Solings head to the first mark.
Soling Master Class Start

US12 Sailing

With less than favorable wind conditions, the seven skippers of the September 17 US12 fleet did manage to complete nine races. Cloudy skies kept the racers cool for the challenging races. A big thank-you goes to Diane Guerriere for filling in as our scorekeeper.

When the dust settled, Charlie Lincoln led the way with three wins and a score of 2.50. Chuck Rudinsky earned four seconds for a second-place score of 3.00, followed closely by Bruce Wilhelm and Lin Davis tied with two wins each and scores of 3.12.

Scorekeeper Diane Guerriere
US12s are ready to start.
US12s start a race.
Lots of Good Photo Opportunities
Charlie Lincoln 127
Chuck Rudinsky 412
Bruce Wilhelm 267
Lin Davis 33
Enduro: One Two-Hour Race

What Is an Enduro?

On September 29 and October 1, our skippers will sail one long race event called an enduro. It will start at the regular time but not end until 3 PM. The skippers will continually race with no stopping until 3:00. The skipper with the most laps will be declared the winner.

Sounds easy, right? We’ll see if concentrating on their boats for two hours will take its toll. If they break down or go off course it doesn’t matter; it’s the number of times that the finish line is crossed.

Back Bay Sailing

As the sailing season approaches the end of September, we invite you to join us on Tuesday or Thursday at 1 PM, weather permitting. 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. There is only one more week of official scoring. After that, competition results don’t count toward season standings.

Sailboat Kits for Young Skippers

Scores

Race Results for Sixth Annual Bow Lake Strafford, NH RC Laser Regatta

Place

Skipper

Sail#

Points

City

St

Home Club

1

Robert Shapiro (Bob)

17

5

Wilmington

MA

BOW LAKE SAILING MYC

2

Tim Stone

84

9

Essex Junction

VT

STOWE YACHT CLUB

3

Glenn Chalder

42

10

Simsbury

CT

NOROTON YACHT CLUB

4

Michael Hoydis

82

11

Gorham

ME

BOW LAKE SAILING MYC

5

Paul McBride

623

16

Wolfeboro

NH

NEW HAMPSHIRE BOAT MUSEUM-BACK BAY SKIPPERS

6

Frederick Skeels (Fred)

38

16

Montpelier

VT

STOWE YACHT CLUB

7

Nathaniel Hendrickson

9

17

Dover

NH

BOW LAKE SAILING MYC

8

William Shaw

12

24

Seekonk

MA

 

8

Richard Wakeman

509

24

Plymouth

MA

 

8

Timothy Wright

94

24

Center Ossipee

NH

NEW HAMPSHIRE BOAT MUSEUM-BACK BAY SKIPPERS

 

2026-09-15 Sailor Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wilhelm, Bruce6/1 (100%)111.831
Malay, Bill6/1 (100%)132.172
Barstow, John6/1 (100%)152.503
Ware, Genie6/1 (100%)203.334
Opie, Jim5/1 (83%)183.605
Lincoln, Charlie5/1 (83%)285.606
Currier, Dick6/1 (100%)366.007
Lotter, Lisa1/0 (14%)66.007
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
Ferrucci, LeoSailor0%0.00  
Lotter, LisaSailor0%0.00  
York, MichaelSailor0%0.00  
Cundy, DonSailor21%1.00  
Hogenson, DaveSailor36%1.402.17-0.77
Wadsworth, GaiusGuest7%2.00  
Parent, AustinSailor21%2.33  
Barstow, JohnSailor71%3.103.33-0.23
Opie, JimSailor64%3.222.880.35
Wilhelm, BruceSailor79%3.27  
Ware, GenieSailor64%3.44  
Malay, BillSailor43%3.50  
Wolcott, ClintSailor29%4.004.50-0.50
Lincoln, CharlieSailor71%5.10  
Hathaway, JeffSailor7%6.00  
Currier, DickSailor21%7.335.501.83
2026-09-15 Master Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim6/1 (100%)81.331
Rudinsky, Chuck6/1 (100%)223.672
Boisvert, Denis6/1 (100%)254.173
Monetta, Ted6/1 (100%)264.334
Davis, Linwood6/1 (100%)284.675
Pacini, Bob6/1 (100%)315.176
Posnack, Al6/1 (100%)335.507
Cundy, Don6/1 (100%)376.178
Whitehead, Mark6/1 (100%)477.839
Barstow, Tom5/1 (83%)428.4010
Quinn, Anthony5/1 (83%)428.4010
2026 Master Class Soling Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Wright, TimMaster86%1.001.07-0.07
Witzel, JeffMaster71%3.404.64-1.24
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster86%3.678.80-5.13
Gates, RickGuest29%3.753.500.25
Davis, LinwoodMaster57%4.125.07-0.95
Posnack, AlMaster93%4.775.38-0.62
Monetta, TedMaster100%5.364.670.69
Boisvert, DenisMaster64%6.007.58-1.58
Gerber, KenMaster50%7.007.30-0.30
Pacini, BobMaster64%7.339.00-1.67
Barstow, TomMaster57%7.627.550.08
Cundy, DonMaster7%8.006.002.00
Quinn, AnthonyMaster71%8.107.210.89
Griggs, DougMaster79%8.64  
Whitehead, MarkMaster79%9.097.401.69
Bennett, KevinMaster29%10.50  
2026-09-17 US12 Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Lincoln, Charlie8/1 (100%)202.501
Rudinsky, Chuck8/1 (100%)243.002
Davis, Lin8/1 (100%)253.123
Wilhelm, Bruce8/1 (100%)253.123
Bennett, Kevin8/1 (100%)324.005
Malay, Bill3/0 (33%)124.005
Simms, John8/1 (100%)334.127
2026 Season US12 Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Wright, TimSailor80%1.001.000.00
Cundy, DonSailor10%2.00  
Laird, RickSailor20%2.003.80-1.80
Leker, SteveSailor30%3.33  
Davis, Lin 20%3.502.001.50
Simms, JohnSailor90%3.893.080.81
Wilhelm, BruceSailor80%4.255.38-1.12
Rudinsky, ChuckSailor80%4.38  
Quinn, Anthony 40%4.504.220.28
Bennett, Kevin 50%5.40  
Malay, BillSailor50%5.60  
Opie, JimSailor50%6.406.000.40
Clason, KurtSailor10%7.00  
McBride, DonaldSailor10%7.003.503.50
Lincoln, CharlieSailor40%7.50  
Strodel, RobertSailor30%8.334.603.73
McBride, PaulSailor10%9.00  

Quiz and Game Fun Page - Updated 11/4/2022​

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Skippers Knowledge Base

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • June – October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesday – Alternate Rain Day
  • 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:

Trophy Room

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending September 12, 2026

Posted on by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

A Bit of Bluster

The nineteen skippers had to stay on their toes as the winds built throughout the day for the September 8 regatta, ending with the eleventh race in knock-down winds. As predicted, however, we did have sunshine with temperatures in the low seventies.

There were teachers meetings that day in the school system so we had two of the younger members from this year’s building class. Leo Ferrucci sailed for the first time, giving his #99 a good workout and finishing four races — not an easy task considering the wind shifts. Austin Parent sailed in his last race before school starts. Because of his first win a couple of weeks ago, Austin was given a certificate.

Leo Ferrucci gets his Soling ready to sail.
Leo Ferrucci, at left, sails his newly built Soling, sail no. 99, with his grandmother and father.
Austin Parent received his first-win certificate
from Commodore Mark Whitehead.
Skippers and Scorekeepers
Masters head to the first mark.
Soling Master Class starts a race.
The Sailor Class tried out a new start rule:
Boys Clockwise, Girls Counterclockwise.
Austin Parent 88

Out on the Water

Every time Austin Parent sails he gets better and better. This week he outdid himself by taking the Sailor Class with four wins and two seconds. His final tally was an impressive 1.71. Not far behind, our season leader Jim Opie scored four wins and four seconds, leading to an overall score of 2.00. In third place was John Barstow with a win and four seconds for a score of 2.90. To keep it a family affair, Genie Ware sailed to a win, a second, and six thirds for fourth place at 3.00. Charlie Lincoln racked up a win to join the top five at 4.70.

Jim Opie 130
John Barstow 72

The Master Class again was led by Tim Wright, but it sure was close. Tim had only three wins this week but scored 2.00, just ahead of Jeff Witzel who had four wins and scored 2.70. Tim’s six second-place finishes helped him clinch that first-place spot. Chuck Rudinsky had a win of his own for third at 4.00, and Bob Pacini’s win and one second helped boost him to fourth place overall with a score of 5.20. Only a tenth of a point behind was Ted Monetta with two wins and a score of 5.30 to round out the top five.

Of note, Denis Boisvert forgot his sails and used borrowed sails that never seemed to give him his usual higher placement.

Tim Wright 58
Jeff Witzel 820
Chuck Rudinsky 545
Tim Wright 94 used the day to practice
for the Region 1 RC Laser Championship on Sunday.

US12 Sailing

On Thursday, September 10, the US12 fleet was faced with a dilemma: too much wind. Because the forecasted wind gusts were expected to reach 30 mph, the scored racing was canceled. Still, five sailors showed up to see if there was any good sailing to be had. The wind was as strong as promised.

Calling off the racing was a good decision. With frequent prolonged gusts around 25 mph on Back Bay, white caps crowded the water. The strength of the wind put boats and their captains to the test, especially the three US12 boats.

Bob Strodel’s boat lost three shrouds and had to retire for the day. However, when his boat got pulled out, he noticed that a lot of Back Bay had entered his bilge uninvited. Losing the shrouds was a blessing in disguise as the servos will live on to be used another day.

Kevin Bennett discovered his sail winch wasn’t strong enough to pull in his sails so he pulled his boat out soon after launching. The third US12 owned by Charley Lincoln never got in the water. It suffered two rigging failures before even getting wet. Amazingly, no crash boat was needed!

Bob Strodel 65
Tim Wright 94, RC Laser, and Bob Strodel 65
Ted Monetta 237
Dive!

Ted Monetta showed up with his Soling but without his hatch cover. A little postage tape and he sailed most of the afternoon with only minimal water intrusion. Tim Wright sailed his RC Laser with a C rig. Even with the smaller rig, when sailing downwind the boat spent much time with its bow underwater.

The call to cancel the racing was the correct one, but the five sailors who showed up enjoyed the more relaxed atmosphere and the more challenging conditions. In two weeks, scored sailing for both fleets will end.

Enduro: September 29th, One Meter and Under

The Enduro races, new to Back Bay Skippers, are scheduled for two days the week following the end of scoring. An enduro race is one long, nonstop race with the number of laps completed used as the criteria for assessment. Scoring will be done by class, each class requiring at least two boats to form a competitive class.

On Tuesday, September 29, the Solings will be one of the classes raced. Any other boat under one meter can sail, for example a DF 95 or a Footy.

Soling 1M Class
Footy Class (Good luck with that!)
DF95 - Dragon Flite 95 Class
US12 Class

Enduro: October 1st, Over One Meter

On Thursday, October 1, the US12 class will race as well as any boat over one meter. Any larger boat can compete in that enduro. Bring out the Marbleheads, the Santa Barbaras, and any stray J class boat lying around. It should be a fun afternoon with lots of sailing and no down time. Just keep in mind that two boats of a certain class are required for scores to count.

RC Laser Class
Santa Barbara Class
J Boat Class

Back Bay Sailing

As the sailing season approaches the end of September, we invite you to join us on Tuesday or Thursday at 1 PM, weather permitting. 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!

Scores

2026-09-08 Sailor Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Parent, Austin7/1 (70%)121.711
Opie, Jim10/1 (100%)202.002
Barstow, John10/1 (100%)292.903
Ware, Genie10/1 (100%)303.004
Lincoln, Charlie10/1 (100%)474.705
Wilhelm, Bruce10/1 (100%)484.806
Currier, Dick10/1 (100%)656.507
Ferrucci, Leo4/0 (36%)266.507
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
Ferrucci, LeoSailor0%0.00  
York, MichealSailor0%0.00  
Cundy, DonSailor23%1.00  
Hogenson, DaveSailor38%1.402.17-0.77
Wadsworth, GaiusGuest8%2.00  
Parent, AustinSailor23%2.33  
Opie, JimSailor62%3.002.880.12
Barstow, JohnSailor69%3.113.33-0.22
Ware, GenieSailor62%3.38  
Wilhelm, BruceSailor77%3.50  
Malay, BillSailor38%3.80  
Wolcott, ClintSailor31%4.004.50-0.50
Lincoln, CharlieSailor69%5.00  
Hathaway, JeffSailor8%6.00  
Currier, DickSailor15%7.505.502.00
2026-09-08 Master Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim10/1 (100%)202.001
Witzel, Jeff10/1 (100%)272.702
Rudinsky, Chuck10/1 (100%)404.003
Pacini, Bob10/1 (100%)525.204
Monetta, Ted10/1 (100%)535.305
Barstow, Tom9/1 (90%)546.006
Griggs, Doug10/1 (100%)616.107
Posnack, Al10/1 (100%)616.107
Quinn, Anthony10/1 (100%)666.609
Whitehead, Mark7/1 (70%)527.4310
Boisvert, Denis10/1 (100%)848.4011
2026 Master Class Soling Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Wright, TimMaster85%1.001.07-0.07
Witzel, JeffMaster77%3.404.64-1.24
Gates, RickGuest31%3.753.500.25
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster85%3.828.80-4.98
Davis, LinwoodMaster54%4.005.07-1.07
Posnack, AlMaster92%4.585.38-0.80
Monetta, TedMaster100%5.464.670.79
Boisvert, DenisMaster62%6.387.58-1.21
Gerber, KenMaster54%7.007.30-0.30
Barstow, TomMaster54%7.297.55-0.26
Pacini, BobMaster62%7.509.00-1.50
Quinn, AnthonyMaster69%7.897.210.67
Griggs, DougMaster85%8.64  
Whitehead, MarkMaster77%9.107.401.70
Bennett, KevinMaster31%10.50  

Quiz and Game Fun Page - Updated 11/4/2022​

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Skippers Knowledge Base

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • June – October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesday – Alternate Rain Day
  • 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 September 5, 2026

Posted on by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Rain-Day Sailing

Because forecasts predicted rain on Tuesday this week we moved the regatta to Wednesday. Guess what! There was no rain, but the call was a good one since wind was nonexistent as well. Clouds on Wednesday lowered temperatures, and just enough breeze blew in to keep the boats moving.

Weather Conditions
Solings start a race.
Solings congregate at the first mark.
Michael York and Jeff Hathaway

Sixteen skippers joined the fun for an eight-race regatta. Doug Griggs brought a couple of young fellows to try RC sailing with our #555 loaner. When Gaius Wadsworth took the helm, you’d have concluded he sailed regularly, jumping right into the races and sailing well. From the building class of 2026, Jeff Hathaway and Michael York also competed for the first time.

Jeff Hathaway 77 crosses the finish line.
Ken Gerber 14, Anthony Quinn 111, Tom Barstow 638,
and Chuck Rudinsky 545

Our regular scorekeeper, Karen Enos, was under the weather, so while wishing her a speedy recovery, Kathleen Whitehead filled in for this important duty. Thank you, Kathleen, for a job well done.

Kathleen Whitehead
Commodore Mark Whitehead, Scorekeeper Kathleen Whitehead,
and the Back Bay Skippers
Charlie Lincoln 8, Jim Opie 130, and Gaius Wadsworth 555 head to the third mark.

Out on the Water

This week, the Sailor Class was led by Bill Malay with four wins to earn a score of 1.86. Our guest and first-time sailor, Gais Wadsworth, posted two firsts and a second, his score of 2.86 tying Bruce Wilhelm for second place, Bruce having two wins and a second of his own. Charlie Lincoln had three second-place finishes and a fourth-place score of 3.00. Qualifying for fifth place was Jim Opie with three second-place finishes and a score of 3.29. Sixth went to Jeff Hathaway at 5.83 while seventh was earned by Michael York at 6.50.

Bill Malay 7
Gaius Wadsworth 555
Bruce Wilhelm 831

Al Posnack led the way in the Master Class, earning four wins and a score of 2.14. Ken Gerber’s win and two seconds landed him in second place with a score of 3.29. Chuck Rudinsky had a win and a second, scoring 3.43 for third. Ted Monetta held fourth at 4.00 with his second and three thirds, and landing in the fifth spot with a score of 4.57 was Bob Pacini. Bob was happy with his one second-place finish. Perpetual cellar dweller Mark Whitehead shocked everyone in Race #8 to run away from the fleet with a decisive win, but it wasn’t enough to take him out of the cellar. He did get some company, however, when Doug Griggs also scored a 6.14. It should be mentioned that Anthony Quinn had a second-place finish as well as two thirds despite coming in seventh overall.

Soling Masters at the Third Mark
Al Posnack 211
Ken Gerber 14
Chuck Rudinsky 545
US12s

US12 Sailing

Again the weather raised havoc with the US12 fleet, called because of potential rain. Once again meteorologists qualified for the Gong Show. There was no rain by afternoon, but no wind made an appearance either.

Back Bay Sailing

What happened to the summer? The sailing season has entered September, and we invite you to join us on Tuesday or Thursday at 1 PM, weather permitting. 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.

Try out radio-controlled sailing.

Scores

2026-09-02 Sailor Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Malay, Bill7/1 (100%)131.861
Wadsworth, Gaius7/1 (100%)202.862
Wilhelm, Bruce7/1 (100%)202.862
Lincoln, Charlie7/1 (100%)213.004
Opie, Jim7/1 (100%)233.295
Hathaway, Jeff6/1 (86%)355.836
York, Michael4/0 (50%)266.507
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
York, MichealSailor0%0.00  
Cundy, DonSailor25%1.00  
Hogenson, DaveSailor42%1.402.17-0.77
Wadsworth, GaiusGuest8%2.00  
Parent, AustinSailor17%3.00  
Barstow, JohnSailor67%3.123.33-0.21
Opie, JimSailor58%3.142.880.27
Wilhelm, BruceSailor75%3.22  
Ware, GenieSailor58%3.29  
Malay, BillSailor42%3.80  
Wolcott, ClintSailor33%4.004.50-0.50
Lincoln, CharlieSailor67%5.00  
Hathaway, JeffSailor8%6.00  
Currier, DickSailor8%8.005.502.50
2026-09-02 Master Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Posnack, Al7/1 (100%)152.141
Gerber, Ken7/1 (100%)233.292
Rudinsky, Chuck7/1 (100%)243.433
Monetta, Ted7/1 (100%)284.004
Pacini, Bob7/1 (100%)324.575
Barstow, Tom6/1 (86%)305.006
Quinn, Anthony7/1 (100%)395.577
Whitehead, Mark7/1 (100%)436.148
Griggs, Doug7/1 (100%)436.148
2026 Master Class Soling Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Wright, TimMaster83%1.001.07-0.07
Witzel, JeffMaster75%3.564.64-1.08
Gates, RickGuest33%3.753.500.25
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster83%3.908.80-4.90
Davis, LinwoodMaster58%4.005.07-1.07
Posnack, AlMaster92%4.365.38-1.02
Monetta, TedMaster100%5.504.670.83
Boisvert, DenisMaster58%5.717.58-1.87
Gerber, KenMaster58%7.007.30-0.30
Barstow, TomMaster50%7.507.55-0.05
Quinn, AnthonyMaster67%7.757.210.54
Pacini, BobMaster58%8.009.00-1.00
Griggs, DougMaster83%8.80  
Whitehead, MarkMaster75%9.007.401.60
Bennett, KevinMaster33%10.50  

Quiz and Game Fun Page - Updated 11/4/2022​

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Skippers Knowledge Base

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • June – October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesday – Alternate Rain Day
  • 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 29, 2026

Posted on by Paul McBride

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

Two Weeks in a Row

Another sailing day with sunshine and a good breeze presented itself for the Tuesday, August 25, Soling regatta. Eighteen skippers signed up, a balanced fleets of nine Sailors and nine Masters. Unfortunately, Dick Currier’s boat was spooked by evil spirits from the get-go and was unable to participate, but Dick stayed to encourage the rest of the fleet. The afternoon began with Tim’s instructional reminders on start rules and mark rounding, and the fleets managed to complete eleven races despite the delay. This was one race short of a full score sheet of twelve that would have allowed two throw-outs.

Everyone needs a refresher course on rules and tactics now and then.
Tim Wright demonstrated situational rules and tactics using model boats and a wind direction marker.
Sailboats, Marks, and Wind Direction Indicator
Commodore Mark Whitehead presented Jeanne Butler a certificate commemorating her first win with the Back Bay Skippers.
Soling Skippers
Nine Soling Sailor Class boats start a race.

Out on the Water

For the second week in a row Don Cundy led the Sailor Class with six wins and a score of 1.70. Genie Ware captured the second spot with four wins and a score of 3.00, and even with his own boat problems, Bill Malay sailed for two seconds and a score of 3.14, earning the third slot. With a win and two seconds, John Barstow landed in fourth place with a score of 3.40. Jim Opie’s consistency that included three second-place finishes earned a 3.67 for fifth overall.

Charlie Lincoln 8 with Genie Ware 74, Don Cundy 70, and Bill Malay 7.
John Barstow 72 with Charlie Lincoln 8, Don Cundy 70, and Genie Ware 74

Tim Wright’s score dropped to 2.10 this week, with “only” five wins and two second-place finishes to lead the Master Class. Other skippers crossing the finish line first five times showed how tight the competition has become. Despite being snookered by Commodore Mark Whitehead in Race #4, Al Posnack earned a win in Race #1 to go along with his three second-place finishes for the second spot at 3.30. Not far behind in third was Chuck Rudinsky, who also had a win and a second to help boost his score to 3.80. Fourth went to Jeff Witzel with a win in Race #6 and a score of 4.20. Just a tenth behind in fifth was Denis Boisvert with two seconds and a final tally of 4.30.

Mark Whitehead 12 leads Tim Wright 58 at the second mark. Did it last?
Solings on the Fourth Leg
At the final mark, Al Posnack 211 leads the dash to the finish.
A Demonstration of the New, Longer Rescue Pole
US12s start a race.

Reading the Winds

The difficulty for nine US12 sailors Thursday, August 27, was reading the winds. Back Bay is known for shifts and velocity changes, but today was one for the books. As just one example, without changing directions, my boat changed tacks four times in fifty feet, from port tack close-hauled to starboard tack on a broad reach, back to port tack close-hauled, and again starboard tack broad reach until the wind returned to its original direction with the boat on port tack close-hauled. All of that came while the boat never changed its course.

The US12 fleet caught a strong wind on the way to the first mark.
Eight of the Nine US12s on the Course

The winds gave everyone a hard time, and the challenge was to figure out which way the wind was blowing at any moment. Oh well, that’s the fun in figuring out how to make the boats go and getting the most out of them. Thanks to our scorekeeper, B. B. Wright, for keeping us moving and getting in eleven races.

We did have a few breakdowns. Bill Malay ended up with a broken mast, but will undoubtedly make a new one or find something he can adapt to a US12. Charlie Lincoln had a fitting give out on his main sheet. He’ll be back too.

Skippers and Scorekeeper
John Simms 101 leads the rest of the fleet at the start.
Where's Tim? Probably at the first mark already.
US12s head to the third mark.
Tim Wright 438 in the Lead

On the Water

Tim Wright won the day with eight wins and an average of 1.20. His boat seems to accelerate quickly and move speedily through the water. Once he gets ahead it’s hard to catch him. In second place, Don Cundy showed up for the first time all year and finished in second place. He had two wins and two seconds, earning a score of 3.40. John Simms was right behind in third place, sailing his usual strong regatta. He had four seconds, a third, and an average score of 3.70. In fourth was Chuck Rudinsky with a 4.20 average. Chuck finished with a win, a second, and a couple of thirds. Right behind in fifth was Bruce Wilhelm, who had a 4.40 average. He had two seconds and a third. One of his second-place finishes came when he caught Tim on the last leg, overtaking him and holding on to the end.

Anthony Quinn 937 and Chuck Rudinsky 412
Chuck Rudinsky 412, Don Cundy 20, John Simms 101, Tim Wright 438, and Kevin Bennett 887

It was a challenging day that pushed everyone to improve their reaction time to the ever-changing winds. Thanks to those who came out and made the day special.

Bruce Wilhelm 267 approaches the second mark.
Fun to Watch

Back Bay Sailing

As the summer sailing season enters September, we invite you to 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

2026-08-25 Sailor Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Cundy, Don10/1 (100%)171.701
Ware, Genie10/1 (100%)303.002
Malay, Bill7/1 (70%)223.143
Barstow, John10/1 (100%)343.404
Opie, Jim9/1 (90%)333.675
Wolcott, Clint7/1 (70%)304.296
Lincoln, Charlie10/1 (100%)494.907
Butler, Jeanne2/0 (18%)147.008
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, DonSailor27%1.00  
Hogenson, DaveSailor45%1.402.17-0.77
Opie, JimSailor55%2.832.88-0.04
Parent, AustinSailor18%3.00  
Barstow, JohnSailor73%3.123.33-0.21
Ware, GenieSailor64%3.29  
Wilhelm, BruceSailor73%3.38  
Wolcott, ClintSailor36%4.004.50-0.50
Malay, BillSailor36%4.50  
Lincoln, CharlieSailor64%5.14  
Currier, DickSailor9%8.005.502.50
2026-08-25 Master Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim10/1 (100%)212.101
Posnack, Al10/1 (100%)333.302
Rudinsky, Chuck10/1 (100%)383.803
Witzel, Jeff10/1 (100%)424.204
Boisvert, Denis10/1 (100%)434.305
Monetta, Ted10/1 (100%)484.806
Quinn, Anthony9/1 (90%)475.227
Whitehead, Mark9/1 (90%)546.008
Griggs, Doug10/1 (100%)757.509
2026 Master Class Soling Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Wright, TimMaster91%1.001.07-0.07
Witzel, JeffMaster82%3.564.64-1.08
Gates, RickGuest36%3.753.500.25
Davis, LinwoodMaster64%4.005.07-1.07
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster82%4.008.80-4.80
Posnack, AlMaster91%4.705.38-0.68
Monetta, TedMaster100%5.644.670.97
Boisvert, DenisMaster64%5.717.58-1.87
Barstow, TomMaster45%7.807.550.25
Gerber, KenMaster55%7.837.300.53
Quinn, AnthonyMaster64%7.867.210.64
Pacini, BobMaster55%8.509.00-0.50
Griggs, DougMaster82%8.89  
Whitehead, MarkMaster73%9.127.401.72
Bennett, KevinMaster36%10.50  
2026-08-27 US12 Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim10/1 (100%)121.201
Cundy, Don10/1 (100%)343.402
Simms, John10/1 (100%)373.703
Rudinsky, Chuck10/1 (100%)424.204
Wilhelm, Bruce10/1 (100%)444.405
Malay, Bill7/1 (70%)334.716
Quinn, Anthony10/1 (100%)606.007
Bennett, Kevin10/1 (100%)626.208
Lincoln, Charlie8/1 (80%)526.509
2026 Season US12 Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Wright, TimSailor89%1.001.000.00
Cundy, DonSailor11%2.00  
Laird, RickSailor22%2.003.80-1.80
Leker, SteveSailor33%3.33  
Simms, JohnSailor89%3.503.080.42
Davis, Lin 11%4.002.002.00
Wilhelm, BruceSailor78%4.435.38-0.95
Quinn, Anthony 44%4.504.220.28
Rudinsky, ChuckSailor78%4.71  
Bennett, Kevin 44%5.50  
Malay, BillSailor56%5.60  
Opie, JimSailor56%6.406.000.40
Clason, KurtSailor11%7.00  
McBride, DonaldSailor11%7.003.503.50
Strodel, RobertSailor33%8.334.603.73
McBride, PaulSailor11%9.00  
Lincoln, CharlieSailor33%9.67  

Quiz and Game Fun Page - Updated 11/4/2022​

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Skippers Knowledge Base

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • June – October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesday – Alternate Rain Day
  • 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 22, 2026

Posted on by Paul McBride

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

Not a Clue

The weather forecast was for drizzle and little to no wind, but what we got was sunshine and a good breeze all afternoon. It’s a good thing we didn’t rely on the weatherman.

We’ve struggled to balance the fleet numbers, but this week we hit the jackpot! An almost perfect balance with nine Sailors and ten Masters indicates our efforts seem to be paying off.

We didn’t reach our optimum twelve races, but we did complete a respectable eight races of fun competition. Our youngest competitor, Austin Parent, seemed to be plagued by gremlins this week, having rudder-servo issues and losing his mast in Race 8.

Weather Conditions
Dick Currier and His Wife, Althea

We were delighted to see our 93-year-old Dick Currier return for the first time this season. High gas prices have limited his opportunities to make the trek up from Beverly, Massachusetts.

Dick Currier and Commodore Mark Whitehead
Dick Currier 80
Austin Parent manned the oars with good form to rescue his Soling.
Clint Walcott coaxes his Soling away from the shore.

Out on the Water

Not sailing much the last couple of years, Don Cundy led the way this week in the Sailor Class, accumulating six firsts for a score of 1.14. John Barstow seems to have come into his own this season earning second place with one second-place finish, four thirds, and a final score of 3.14. Despite the gremlins, Austin Parent finished enough races to land in third place with one win and two seconds scoring 3.25. Jeanne Butler earned her first win and a very respectable score of 3.50 for fourth. Genie Ware came in second in Races 1 and 8 but struggled during the middle races, scoring 3.57 for fifth overall.

A Sailor Class Start
Don Cundy 70
Jeanne Butler 825 crosses the finish line for her first win.
Scorekeepers Karen Enos and B.B. Wright,
and Skipper Dick Currier
Soling Masters at the Start

In the Master Class, Tim Wright had six firsts and two seconds to lead the way for a 1.14 win. Chuck Rudinsky, coming off a Regional Star Class big boat regatta, earned a first and two seconds for second place overall at 3.33. Ted Monetta took third with two seconds and three thirds for a third-place score of 3.57. Doug Griggs’ win helped put him in the fourth spot at 4.40. It was Denis Boisvert rounding out the top five with a score of 5.29, proud of his second-place finish in Race 4.

On not the usual course, the Solings round the final mark and head to the finish line.
Tim Wright 58

What a Difference a Week Makes!

Last week, the US12 fleet was buffeted with strong, gusty winds. Only one boat started all twelve races, with only five of thirteen sailing in the last race, most out of order in one way or another. On Thursday, August 20, we had all eleven boats in the last race. While the wind enabled us to complete twelve races in two hours, it wasn’t overpowering. It was shifty and unpredictable but not too strong. Thanks to B. B. Wright, our scorekeeper, for keeping us on task so we could finish all of our races in spite of the light winds. The racing was tight with the wind providing opportunities for coming from behind but also taking away leads.

US12 Skippers
US12 Skippers get their boats ready for the regatta.
US12s head to the third mark.
US12s at the Third Mark
Eleven US12s

On the Course

Tim Wright was on target again, with ten wins in eleven races, getting edged out by Rick Laird in the eighth race. Rick finished in second place with a 3.17 average finish. In addition to his win, Rick had five seconds. In third, Anthony Quinn was consistent all afternoon with a win, three seconds, and four thirds. His final average was 3.92. Kevin Bennett in fourth place is getting rid of the gremlins in his boat and had a 5.42 average. He had a third-place finish as well as five fourths. Chuck Rudinsky finished in fifth place overall with a 5.92 average after coming in second place twice and in fourth twice. Sixth was Bruce Wilhelm with a score of 6.45

US12s round the final mark and head for the finish.
US12s at the Second Mark

The last six boats all finished within a point and a half of each other. It was fun and challenging for all the sailors, and we love the fact that there were more than ten boats in the regatta for the second week in a row. Recently, the numbers had been dwindling to four or five. What a welcome change and a great way to make the group more competitive! Come join us next Thursday.

US12 Skippers
Rick Laird 307 crosses the finish line.
John Barstow and Genie Ware with Their Grandson
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

2026-08-18 Sailor Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Cundy, Don7/1 (100%)81.141
Barstow, John7/1 (100%)223.142
Parent, Austin4/0 (50%)133.253
Butler, Jeanne4/0 (50%)143.504
Ware, Genie7/1 (100%)253.575
Malay, Bill7/1 (100%)324.576
Lincoln, Charlie6/1 (86%)284.677
Currier, Dick7/1 (100%)426.008
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, DonSailor11%1.00  
Hogenson, DaveSailor56%1.402.17-0.77
Opie, JimSailor56%2.402.88-0.48
Parent, AustinSailor22%3.00  
Barstow, JohnSailor67%3.173.33-0.17
Ware, GenieSailor56%3.20  
Wolcott, ClintSailor33%3.334.50-1.17
Wilhelm, BruceSailor89%3.38  
Lincoln, CharlieSailor56%4.40  
Malay, BillSailor22%4.50  
2026-08-18 Master Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim7/1 (100%)81.141
Rudinsky, Chuck6/1 (86%)203.332
Monetta, Ted7/1 (100%)253.573
Griggs, Doug5/1 (71%)224.404
Boisvert, Denis7/1 (100%)375.295
Quinn, Anthony7/1 (100%)375.295
Pacini, Bob7/1 (100%)395.577
Gerber, Ken7/1 (100%)446.298
Barstow, Tom6/1 (86%)386.339
Whitehead, Mark7/1 (100%)476.7110
2026 Master Class Soling Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Wright, TimMaster90%1.001.07-0.07
Witzel, JeffMaster80%3.504.64-1.14
Gates, RickGuest40%3.753.500.25
Davis, LinwoodMaster70%4.005.07-1.07
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster80%4.128.80-4.68
Posnack, AlMaster90%5.005.38-0.38
Monetta, TedMaster100%5.604.670.93
Boisvert, DenisMaster60%5.837.58-1.75
Barstow, TomMaster50%7.807.550.25
Gerber, KenMaster60%7.837.300.53
Quinn, AnthonyMaster60%8.007.210.79
Pacini, BobMaster60%8.509.00-0.50
Griggs, DougMaster80%8.88  
Whitehead, MarkMaster70%9.297.401.89
Bennett, KevinMaster40%10.50  
2026-08-20 US12 Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim11/0 (92%)121.091
Laird, Rick12/0 (100%)383.172
Quinn, Anthony12/0 (100%)473.923
Bennett, Kevin12/0 (100%)655.424
Rudinsky, Chuck12/0 (100%)715.925
Wilhelm, Bruce11/0 (92%)716.456
Clason, Kurt9/0 (75%)596.567
Lincoln, Charlie12/0 (100%)877.258
Malay, Bill10/0 (83%)747.409
Simms, John12/0 (100%)937.7510
Strodel, Robert12/0 (100%)978.0811
2026 Season US12 Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Wright, TimSailor88%1.001.000.00
Laird, RickSailor25%2.003.80-1.80
Leker, SteveSailor38%3.33  
Quinn, Anthony 38%3.674.22-0.56
Simms, JohnSailor88%3.713.080.63
Davis, Lin 12%4.002.002.00
Wilhelm, BruceSailor75%4.335.38-1.04
Bennett, Kevin 38%4.67  
Rudinsky, ChuckSailor75%4.83  
Malay, BillSailor50%5.25  
Opie, JimSailor62%6.406.000.40
Clason, KurtSailor12%7.00  
McBride, DonaldSailor12%7.003.503.50
Strodel, RobertSailor38%8.334.603.73
McBride, PaulSailor12%9.00  
Lincoln, CharlieSailor25%10.00  

Quiz and Game Fun Page - Updated 11/4/2022​

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Skippers Knowledge Base

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • June – October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesday – Alternate Rain Day
  • 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 15, 2026

Posted on by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Spectacular!

There’s no other way to describe the 2026 Sasquatch Footy Regatta. On August 15 it was held under blue sky with sunshine and a breeze that was exactly what was predicted and needed — six to seven mph. Participating were three skippers from the Minuteman Model Yacht Club, one from the Nashua club, and five Back Bay Skippers.

Add Your Heading Text Here

Sasquatch Footy Regatta: Perpetual and Individual Trophies
Footy Skippers Jack Burglund, Rick Gates, and Steve Leker
Cliff Martin, Tim Wright, Doug Griggs
Scorekeeper Karen Enos, Steve Doherty, and Jack Burglund
Jim Opie
Footys in Position for the Start
Nine Footys start the race.
Steve Leker 41, Jack Burglund 65, Doug Griggs 12
The Footys head to the first mark.
Rick Gates 355 and Cliff Martin 240

It was a close race for the top four, and there was a tie for second that had to be broken by the number of first-place finishes. Joggers, bikers, and hikers passed by in a steady parade, many stopping to enjoy the friendly competition. The fleet managed to complete its twelve races by 2:00 PM, giving skippers from the Boston area a reasonable start on their long ride home. Reigning supreme was Steve Leker of the Back Bay Skippers who was given the top award and allowed to display the perpetual award until next year. Below is a list of participants and their rankings.

Steve Doherty crosses the finish line.

We do want to recognize and certainly thank our scorekeepers, B. B. Wright and Karen Enos, and statistician, Kathleen Whitehead.

Tim Wright set and picked up the buoys.
Steve Leker 41
Cliff Martin 240
Tim Wright 58, Steve Doherty 456,
Doug Griggs 12, Steve Leker 41
Steve Leker, First Place
Cliff Martin of MmMYC, Second Place
Tim Wright, Third Place

Scores

Place Name               Sail #    Club
1        Steve Leker        #41    Back Bay Skippers
2        Cliff Martin       #240    Minuteman MYC
3        Tim Wright         #58     Back Bay Skippers
4        Doug Griggs       #12     Back Bay Skippers
5        Rick Gates        #355     Nashua MYC
6        Jack Burglund    #65     Minuteman MYC
7        Steve Doherty  #456     Minuteman MYC
8        Paul McBride      #17     Back Bay Skippers
9        Jim Opie            #130     Back Bay Skippers

Spectators

Skippers Meeting

The Solings

Our fearless leader, Mark Whitehead, had to miss the August 11th Soling regatta for health reasons. He asked Tim Wright to run the show, hoping for good weather, low humidity, and good winds. Mark’s hopes all came through, with the wind over-delivering. The wind was overpowering at times and caused many boats to have problems. From electrical and rigging issues to hatch covers coming off and even a sinking, there was a great deal of attrition. Of the fifteen boats that started the day only eight were sailing at day’s end, and only six sailed in every race. Our scorekeepers, Karen Enos and B. B. Wright, kept the regatta moving, and skippers were able to complete twelve races. It was a great day for sailing if your boat survived the strong gusts that blew through frequently.

 In the Sailor Class, there was a close battle for first place. After two throw-out races, Bruce Wilhelm had six firsts and four seconds, his final score at 1.40. Right behind Bruce was Austin Parent, who sat out three races getting his main sheet fixed. With only one throw-out, he had four wins, two seconds, and a third-place finish. His final score was 1.50 for second place overall. Charlie Lincoln’s hatch cover blew off his boat. He finished that race but sank on the way to the dock. Charlie was having a good day with a third as well as a second that came with a boat full of water! His finishes in only two races tallied a score of 2.50 for third. In fourth was Genie Ware, with a 2.60 average, thanks to a first-place finish, four seconds, and three thirds. John Barstow completed the top five with a 3.78.

Boat Launching from the Dock
The Soling Sailor Class starts a race.

In the Master Class, Ted Monetta started strongly with two wins, and the rest of his scored races after two throw-outs were seconds. His average was 1.80. Jeff Witzel, on the other hand, started slowly with two fifths, followed by a sixth two races later. However, their fortunes changed. Ted didn’t win another race, although seconds aren’t bad. Jeff went on to win seven of the last eight races to also finish with a 1.80 average. The two tied for first place overall. Tim Wright only managed one race before he lost his hatch cover. It sank and he was out for the day, except for three boat rescues and many repairs on other Solings.

Solings at the Start

In fourth place, Denis Boisvert had a strong showing with a win and two seconds. He earned an average score of 2.90. Right behind in fifth was Al Posnack. His 3.00 average came with one win and one second-place finish. Doug Griggs should be mentioned since he sailed in every race, getting a win in Race 3. His average was 3.90.

Bill Malay's boat suffered a demasting that required a rescue
by Jeff Witzel in the dinghy.
Soling Masters head to the first mark.

To the sailors who made it to every finish line, congratulations! It was quite a blow, testing the boats and the skippers. To the scorekeepers, thank you, and to Mark, we hope you’re feeling better. To Wes Matchett, our online statistician who dropped in to visit after his exciting travel adventures, we say, “Welcome home and hope we see you on the water soon!”

Jeff Witzel 820
Al Posnack 211
Bruce Wilhelm 831
Sailor Class and Master Class boats cross paths.
Close Competition
Strong Winds
View from the Water

The US12s in Action August 13

If the Tuesday races diminished the fleet due to strong winds, the Thursday winds did even more damage. Of the thirteen boats that started the afternoon, only five completed the last race. Lots of water entered the bilges, especially on Bruce Wilhelm’s boat where the hull-to-deck bond failed. There were boats with batteries that drained, servos that failed, and loose rudder arms that prevented completion of the course for a number of races. Actually, that was a boat with the latter problem that was still sailing at the end of the day. Many thanks to the scorekeeper, B. B. Wright, and her assistant, Diane Guerriere. They kept the fleet moving despite many bilge checks and drainages. Thanks also to Don Cundy for helping out for the entire afternoon. There was plenty to keep him busy, and we appreciate his support.

US12s at the Start
US12s pick their courses to the first mark.

On the starting line, there were thirteen boats, a record for the US12 fleet. We had Kurt Clason back after a three-year hiatus when his work and responsibilities got in the way. Rick Laird made the trip from Boston, and since last week, Charlie Lincoln repaired the keel of his boat, removing lots of old repairs. It was great to see so many boats in the fleet, and it made for good racing until the wind did its damage with the help of the water.

On the course, once again Tim Wright had a good day, winning nine races and earning a score of 1.00. He got an averaged score for one race trying to bring a wayward boat back to the dock. In second place, and with two wins, a second, and six thirds, Steve Leker sailed well all day. He finished with a score of 2.70. In third place, John Simms had five second-place finishes and a score of 3.20. Lin Davis had a victory and two seconds for a score of 3.60, which earned him fourth place. Congratulations go to Lin as the only skipper to sail in every race. In fifth, Bill Malay started the day with two seconds, and had an average of 4.62. Kevin Bennett had steering issues at the start of the regatta but finished strongly to earn his sixth-place score of 5.14.

Kurt Clason 86
Tim Wright 438

It is unusual to have a summer day with so much wind, but to have two in one week is very rare indeed. What a treat to see so many boats and skippers put to the test of dealing with strong gusts combined with the usual shifts in August.

Thirteen US12s competed in the regatta.
Lin Davis 33, Steve Leker 1257, and Anthony Quinn 937

US12 2026 Spring Series Certificates
Presented by Scorekeeper B.B. Wright

Tim Wright, First Place
John Simms, Second Place
Anthony Quinn, Third Place
Bruce Wilhelm, Third Place
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

(For a regatta score to count toward a season score, a skipper must complete 50% of the day’s races.)

2026-08-11 Sailor Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wilhelm, Bruce10/2 (100%)141.401
Parent, Austin8/1 (73%)121.502
Lincoln, Charlie2/0 (17%)52.503
Ware, Genie10/2 (100%)262.604
Barstow, John9/1 (82%)343.785
Wolcott, Clint3/0 (25%)155.006
Corbett, Dave1/0 (8%)55.006
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, DonSailor11%1.00  
Hogenson, DaveSailor56%1.402.17-0.77
Opie, JimSailor56%2.402.88-0.48
Parent, AustinSailor22%3.00  
Barstow, JohnSailor67%3.173.33-0.17
Ware, GenieSailor56%3.20  
Wolcott, ClintSailor33%3.334.50-1.17
Wilhelm, BruceSailor89%3.38  
Lincoln, CharlieSailor56%4.40  
Malay, BillSailor22%4.50  
2026-08-11 Master Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Monetta, Ted10/2 (100%)181.801
Witzel, Jeff10/2 (100%)181.801
Wright, Tim1/0 (8%)22.003
Boisvert, Denis10/2 (100%)292.904
Posnack, Al7/1 (64%)213.005
Griggs, Doug10/2 (100%)393.906
Pacini, Bob5/0 (42%)234.607
Quinn, Anthony3/0 (25%)175.678
2026 Master Class Soling Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Wright, TimMaster89%1.001.07-0.07
Witzel, JeffMaster89%3.504.64-1.14
Gates, RickGuest44%3.753.500.25
Davis, LinwoodMaster78%4.005.07-1.07
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster78%4.438.80-4.37
Posnack, AlMaster100%5.005.38-0.38
Monetta, TedMaster100%5.894.671.22
Boisvert, DenisMaster56%6.007.58-1.58
Barstow, TomMaster44%7.507.55-0.05
Gerber, KenMaster56%7.807.300.50
Quinn, AnthonyMaster56%8.607.211.39
Pacini, BobMaster56%8.809.00-0.20
Whitehead, MarkMaster67%9.177.401.77
Griggs, DougMaster78%9.57  
Bennett, KevinMaster44%10.50  
2026-08-13 US12 Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim10/2 (100%)101.001
Leker, Steve10/1 (91%)272.702
Simms, John10/1 (91%)323.203
Davis, Lin10/2 (100%)363.604
Malay, Bill8/1 (73%)374.625
Bennett, Kevin7/1 (64%)365.146
Strodel, Robert7/1 (64%)446.297
Wilhelm, Bruce5/0 (42%)326.408
Quinn, Anthony4/0 (33%)276.759
Opie, Jim9/1 (82%)647.1110
Clason, Kurt5/1 (45%)377.4011
Lincoln, Charlie7/1 (64%)608.5712
Laird, Rick6/1 (55%)538.8313
2026 Season US12 Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2025Diff
Clason, KurtSailor0%0.00  
Wright, TimSailor86%1.001.000.00
Laird, RickSailor14%2.003.80-1.80
Simms, JohnSailor86%2.673.08-0.42
Leker, SteveSailor43%3.33  
Davis, LinSailor14%4.002.002.00
Malay, BillSailor43%4.00  
Quinn, AnthonySailor29%4.004.22-0.22
Wilhelm, BruceSailor71%4.005.38-1.38
Rudinsky, ChuckSailor71%4.80  
Bennett, KevinSailor29%5.00  
Opie, JimSailor71%6.406.000.40
McBride, DonaldSailor14%7.003.503.50
Strodel, RobertSailor29%7.004.602.40
McBride, PaulSailor14%9.00  

Quiz and Game Fun Page - Updated 11/4/2022​

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Skippers Knowledge Base

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

  • June – October 2026 1-3PM Tuesdays Solings, Thursdays US12s, Wednesday – Alternate Rain Day
  • 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

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Our last day of the season is Sunday, October 11. Hours are 12pm to 4pm.

We will open on Wednesday, November 11 from 10am to 4pm.to honor our veterans and active military.

Free admission for veterans and active military.

Our last day of the season is Sunday, October 11. Hours are 12pm to 4pm.

We will open on Wednesday, November 11 from 10am to 4pm.to honor our veterans and active military.

Free admission for veterans and active military.