Model Yachting News • March 2021

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead
Editing Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by B.B. Wright, Tim Wright, Mark Whitehead, Paul McBride, Al Posnack
Cloud Captions Al Posnack
Layout & Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Ellen Koehler and Kathleen Whitehead

It’s Getting Close
If you look across Back Bay you can see some gaps, and as the Smith River flows to the lake it takes the ice with it. Dock-in will be here before you know it.

Puzzle and Game Fun Page

Skippers Memorial

Ahem, my contract authorizes only one public appearance per year. You'll be hearing from my lawyer.
We'll be putting the dock in soon.

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Bob Brennan

Skipper Hard at Work
Bob Brennan has taken on the responsibility of the Back Bay Skipper memorial. He has single-handedly approved the design, acquired the necessary town approval, and ordered the plaque. Our thanks also go out to Marc Stipo from Lakes Region Engraving for his generous involvement in designing and building the memorial plaque.

Proposed Plaque
Tim Wright

What a Team
The team of Tim Wright, Rick Lalley, and Al Posnack put together our March training programs on tuning and tactics. The team worked diligently to provide the skippers with first-class programs, and holding them on Zoom instead of in person has boosted our attendance dramatically.

Al Posnack
Rick Lalley

For those of us in the audience, there were many aha moments that provided newfound skills and knowledge we can use out on the water this season. A great big thank-you goes out to the team for a job well done.

Down to the Nitty-Gritty
On March 12, the Competition Committee met via Zoom to develop the rules and programs that we will sail under this season. At this point we are still under the Covid protocol from the state, town and boat museum so it makes the decisions a little tricky.

The committee includes Tim Wright, chairman, with Bill Hagerup, Anthony Quinn, Bob Brennan, Eric Leitner, Mark Whitehead, and Wes Matchett as statistision.

Under discussion right off the bat was education, education, education. Continuing out on the water what was started in Zoom classes was tops on the list. Time and method was discussed. For example, should we have a practice session at 12:30 before our 1:00 regatta?

Setting up and handling the starting offset buoy, the courses, scoring, protests, and penalties will be brought before the skippers during the coming weeks.

Tim Wright
Bob Brennan
Wes Matchett
Bill Hagerup
Eric Leitner
Anthony Quinn
Mark Whitehead
Ellen Koehler
Ellen Koehler

********* Rule Number 1 **********
Have Fun !!

 

 

Kathleen Whitehead
Kathleen Whitehead

Model Yachting News • February 2021

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead
Editing Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by B.B. Wright, Tim Wright, Mark Whitehead, Paul McBride, Al Posnack
Layout & Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Ellen Koehler, Kathleen Whitehead

Winter Happenings
After a very informative session in January on the new Soling kits, we moved on to the business of sailing and the Rules of Sailing. The rules are actually the international rules with some addendums specifically for radio-control sailing. Whether you’re sailing a full-size boat or a little one, the rules are basically the same.

Puzzle and Game Fun Page

Skippers Memorial

Always call out when a foul occurs or may occur. Announce your intentions to prevent a foul.
Tim Wright holding two items from his extensive collection of sailing related wood carvings by Mark Whitehead

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Tim Wright developed an absolutely outstanding two-and-a-half-hour in-depth program on sailing rules and how they affect all aspects of our sailing program. Steve Leker was the Zoom host, keeping the program running smoothly, and Laconia Model Yacht Club Commodore Bill Hagerup assisted with rule interpretations.

When you hit or go on the wrong side of the Start or End Mark, you must go around the mark again.
Starting on a Port Tack or Tacking to Port too soon will often cause fouls.

The time was split between the Finckh rules game and actual pictures or videos of Back Bay sailing. It sure brought the rules to life when you saw your own boat creating a foul! You might want to test yourself on the sailing rules game at http://game.finckh.net/indexe.htm. Be sure you click on all the different aspects of this game.

Next up on our sailing classes will be tuning and tactics on Tuesday, March 9, at 1:00 PM.

Someone probably shouldn't have done that.
Swing your partner. Good on the dance floor, not so good when sailing.
Becalmed, with a breeze on the way.
Clear sailing

Model Yacht Building
With the new Soling kits on their way, the 2021 class filled in minutes. There were others who wanted to sign up, but given the Covid restrictions, we had to limit the workshop.

Building Class 2020: Tom Barstow, Genie Ware, John Barstow
Bruce Wilhelm built a US12.

You do have options, however! Registration is open for the class of 2022, and there is even a gift certificate that would make a wonderful present. There is a loaner if you want to try your hand at sailing before you make the investment. Two used boats are available, and, of course, you can order a Soling kit and build it on your own ( Vac-U-Boat.com ). Also, Bob Pacini has two original Victor kits for sale.

Al Stevens and AJ built Solings.
Class of 2019: Nelson Steiner and his Soling

The Sasquatch Is Back
Saturday, June 19, is the day when the little guys will be in the spotlight, when the twelve-inch Footys will gather for some fierce competition. The Sasquatch Footy Regatta was canceled last season because of the pandemic, but it’s back this year. Registration starts at 9:00 AM and races at 10:00 AM. Come join the fun.

Sasquatch Footy Race Notice

NHPR 2014 Sasquatch Footy Regatta Audio, Transcript, and Slideshow

The Footy Fleet in a favorable wind.
A Footy is an Open or Development Class Boat.
Some Footys have 3D printed Hulls.

If you would like to 3D print your own Footy all the information you need is at https://3dprintedradioyachts.com/ where you can find printing instructions, STL design files, and assembly instructions by Bill Hagerup.

AMYA Footy Class

 

Punxsutawney Phil Says
There are only six more weeks of winter. That means the boats will be in the water on the first of April.

Yahooooooooooooo !!!

Unhand me, villain!

Model Yachting News • January 2021

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead, B.B. Wright
Editing Kathleen Whitehead
Photographs B.B. Wright, Tim Wright, Mark Whitehead
Layout Paul McBride

Winter Projects
The first item on the agenda was new shirts for the skippers.
New Back Bay Skipper shirts were ordered for our skippers, scorekeepers, and several trustees in the fall. Usually, about twenty shirts are requested – this time there were seventy-two!

Puzzle Fun Page

 

Skippers Memorial

No Sailing on Back Bay
No Sailing on Lily Pond

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

The four styles offered were:
short-sleeve tees, short-sleeve polos, long-sleeve polos, and hoodies. Each style of shirt came from a different company, resulting in four different shades of blue. Combined with our original dark blue shirt, we will truly have a “rainbow of blues”at Back Bay next season.

Skip Koehler, Tim Brand, Ellen Koehler, B.B. & Tim Wright show off the new shirts.
B.B. Wright is ready for new shirt distribution.
Al Stevens goes shirt shopping at Back Bay.
Jim Opie, B.B. Wright, Don Opie, and Ellen Koehler

Thank you to the New Hampshire Boat Museum for helping with the invoice and to those who waited patiently for Calico Graphics to arrange for these orders.
The photos of the two days when shirts were handed out at Back Bay were taken just after a storm left two feet of snow! (Note that even our Floridian Don Opie braved the 30-degree temperatures to come to the bay!)

We look forward to reconnecting with everyone and sailing once again.

Happy New Year!

The second item to be taken care of is how we will handle the many programs we run, as well as schedules, sailing seminars, committee staffing, model yacht building, skipper gatherings, and awards.

Our very first Zoom meeting for the Skippers was held on January 12 with twenty-seven participants. The 2021 calendar was approved along with an increase in dues in addition to leadership positions. Under discussion was prerace training, a memorial plaque, model yacht building volunteers, Ellen Koehler’s puzzles, the skipper party, race course changes, and picture calendars.

Zoom Meeting Skippers
The New Soling Hull Kit

The next Zoom meeting on January 26 will be presented by Phil Pace, owner of Vac-U-Boat. He will be showing and describing the new Soling kit that will be in this year’s model yacht building class.

Anthony Quinn is hard at work sewing sails for the new solings.

Vac-U-Soling

Anthony Quinn works on sails for the new kits.
Bill Quayle is working on masts for the new kits.

‘Tis the season for model yacht annual maintenance. Yup, it’s time to smooth out all the dings we accumulated over the past summer and to make sure all electrical components are in top shape.

Rick Laird's new boat
Mark Whitehead is building a new Footy.
Don McBride is refurbishing an old soling.
Rick Gates is building a new EC12.
New boat kits for the younger set

For the little guys and gals, it’s a good time to build more sailboat kits. Last season we gave out about eighteen kits to youngsters who visited our sailing regattas on Back Bay. Look at the great smiles we got!

Just a few of the happy faces from 2020

Model Yachting News • Week Ending November 14, 2020

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by B.B. Wright
Editing Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, Kathleen & Mark Whitehead, B.B. Wright, Tim Wright
Layout Paul McBride

B.B. Wright Looks at 2020

The Back Bay Skippers had a wonderful season of sailing together. Many weekly pictures gave evidence to this. But the last two scheduled days of sailing were lost to very cold, blustery weather in the 30s. Then the dock was taken out. The season ended without an ending.

Skippers Memorial

The Dock is out. No Sailing on Back Bay until Spring.
Each Thursday a good sized group of US12s sailed at Back Bay.

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

It should be mentioned here that despite the ominous threat of the coronavirus, we all stayed safe while sailing this season. This was primarily because everyone dutifully followed the rules the New Hampshire Boat Museum set for us: to be diligent about wearing facial masks and keeping safe social distances. Even on Sundays, when Bill Hagerup organized our Lily Pond races, we adhered to the museum’s requirements.

After six months on the water at Back Bay and Lily Pond, none of our sailors, guests, or scorekeepers were taken ill during our time together. To have met this new adversary so successfully earned the Back Bay Skippers the right to sail during this challenging season. Our collective hats are off to Martha Cummings, director of the museum; her board of trustees; and to our commodore, Mark Whitehead, who spearheaded and enforced this new and critical initiative.

Masks and Social Distancing were de rigueur for the season.
An average of 20 Solings sailed at Tuesday's Regattas.

Ellen Koehler, who scores the Soling races, recently pointed out that we had more boats sailing this season than any other, averaging twenty boats each Tuesday. The US12 racers also had consistently good numbers each Thursday. It is good to know that our season was a safe and enjoyable one because everyone thought about the safety of fellow sailors as well as their own. Due to that caring attitude, two members who had been reluctant to participate due to the risk eventually made appearances. Everyone celebrated when Bill Quayle and Anthony Quinn stopped by to say hello, saw how dedicated to safety their fellow skippers were, and soon felt comfortable enough to take the helm. It was great to see them both!

Thanks to all who accepted these guidelines in the spirit of community well-being. We also want to thank Bob Brennan and Al Stevens, who were a big help to Mark with this year’s Soling workshop. Special appreciation should go to Paul McBride for his untiring work to organize and send photos out to us each week — a tremendous job to undertake.

Model Boat Building Workshop 2020
An Invitation to Sail at Ossipee Lake

Just One More Day — November 8
Looking ahead to an unusually warm November weekend, Tim Wright had an idea: Why not use one of those days to sail on Ossipee Lake? When word was put out, many sailors responded. Some wanted to be there but had conflicts. We wished they could have joined us! However, there were several who sent word that they would like to try this new venue.

Mark and Kathleen Whitehead, Anthony Quinn, Ellen and Skip Koehler, Paul McBride, and Joanne and Bruce Wilhelm all threw their hats into the ring to try sailing on Ossipee Lake with Tim and B.B.

B.B. Wright
Tim Wright
Paul McBride
Ellen and Skip Koehler
Bruce and Joanne Wilhelm

The following pictures show a huge area of sand before the water begins. This is true because the dam in Ossipee is opened each October in order to lower the lake. Since it’s so shallow in the summer, the walk to the water is more than 100 yards. In the beginning of the spring season, the rains and winter snow-melts are often pushed by winds into lakeside properties, destroying their shorefronts. Thus, dam control in the fall helps to curb potential damage.

Getting Ready for the Fleet
Walking to the Water

On Sunday morning, November 8, Tim was up early, getting what was needed to take out to the water’s edge. Tables, chairs, kayak, life vest, sailboats, six buoys, the timer, and a wagon to hold everything made ruts in the muddy sand as he made trip after trip, preparing for the sailors to come.

And come they did! They brought their own chairs, boats and other gear, water, and snacks. As they settled in, the observers — Ellen, Joanne, Kathleen, and B.B. — set up their own areas to watch and take pictures. They also tried their hand at a new game created by Ellen just that morning! (More on that later.)

Walking out to the water, it became evident that the immediate depth wasn’t enough to launch the boats. Sailors had to walk an extra distance in the challenging chilly water before they could begin to race. Tim had learned this prior to everyone’s arrival!

The pictures tell the real story. It was a wonderfully warm 70 degrees, just right for the planned races. The Ossipee and Sandwich mountains, along with Mount Chocorua were cloaked in a soft haze, and Mount Washington, fifty miles away, peeked at us throughout the day.

The races presented their typically good times and challenges. But everyone’s spirits remained strong and the fun made time pass quickly. The rescue kayak came in handy as Tim chased a boat that could have ended up three miles away instead of just across the bay.

After the last race, folks sat for a while in the warm sun. They then accepted an invite from the Wrights to join them on their old wooden deck to sit by an open fire pit. They reflected on the day and the season and shared personal stories. That was fun!

Then it was time to wash off the sand, gather everything, and pack up for the day.

Ossipee Lake Video

Ossipee Lake Photo Album

Telling Tales around the Fire Pit
Powered Paragliding at Ossipee Lake

We had hoped that two aerial kite pilots who flew by the day before, might come while the group was there. It wasn’t meant to be, but shortly after most had gone and while the Koehlers and the Wrights were still there, they did fly by so their pictures also are included.

Many thanks to ALL of our Back Bay Skippers for this November sailing day. Without the consistent congeniality of our group each week, this Sunday sail would not have taken place. Ours is a special group of people with various backgrounds, who come together with a common interest in sailing and racing. How fortunate we are.

Boats for sale

1: Almond hull with red stripe, hatch cover, mast, sails, stand. No receiver or servos.
2: Red hull, hatch cover, mast, sails, stand. No receiver or servos.
3: Red hull with black tape, hatch cover, mast, sails, stand, receiver, and servos.

Model Yachting News • Week Ending November 7, 2020

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead
Editing Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B.B. Wright, Tim Wright, Brooks Campbell, Ellen Koehler
Layout Paul McBride

No Luck at the End of the Season
There were two regattas scheduled at the end of the season, but rain on October 29 canceled the US12 regatta and gale-force winds and cold blew the November 3 Soling regatta into neverland. It’s always tricky as the season comes to a close; you never know what will happen. As it was — nothing!!

Skippers Memorial

A crew of twelve gathered to take out the dock.
Taking out the First Section

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Dock Out
Wouldn’t you know it would be great weather for the November 4 dock-out! Twelve skippers participated this year, and the dock and rescue boat have been stored for the winter. Thanks to such a large and able crew, it took only thirty-seven minutes to have everything loaded and on its way to the boat museum’s barn.

Taking out the Last Section
Loading the Trailers

Lending strong hands for the project were Bob Brennan, Bruce Burns, Ellen Koehler, Skip Koehler, Paul McBride, Anthony Quinn, John Simms, Al Stevens, Paul Wallace, Mark Whitehead, B.B. Wright, and Tim Wright. Trailers were provided for transport by Paul Wallace and Al Stevens.

A GREAT BIG THANK-YOU TO ALL!
See you in the spring!

 

Dock Out Video

Dock Out Photo Album

Loading the Rescue Boat onto the Trailer
Unloading the Trailers at the Dock's Winter Home
The Dock and Rescue Boat Stored Away for the Winter
No More Sailing until Spring

The 2020 Sailing Season in Review

Spring Hill, Floridia, March 2020: Some Back Bay Skippers can sail over the Winter!
March 18th AMYA Webinar: Back Bay Skippers - Year Round Club Activities starring Mark Whitehead and Tim Wright
Dock in was delayed until June 15th because of the pandemic.
Season Scores were not kept. Only 10 boats raced at a time to allow for social distancing along the path.
US12s were able to sail all-in, as there were no more than 10 boats.
Photos of US12s and Solings sailing at Lily Pond often had borders of wild flowers growing along the shore.
At Lily Pond and Back Bay many different types of birds, including this egret, came by to watch.
A J Boat and a Santa Barbara sometimes sailed with the US12s and Solings at Lily Pond.
The Spring Party was canceled, so awards were presented at one of our Soling Regattas. Ocassionaly through the season awards were presented to recognize various achievements.
The first Sheila Ryan Memorial Footy Regatta was held at Lily Pond on September 19th. Unfortunately the yearly Sasquatch Footy Regatta at Back Bay was canceled. Tim Wright gets to keep the trophy until next year.
Rick Parent designed and built various organization themed boats that he often loaned to others to sail.
Some youngsters coming by to watch were given sailboat kits that they could build, paint, and sail.

Boats for sale

1: Almond hull with red stripe, hatch cover, mast, sails, stand. No receiver or servos.
2: Red hull, hatch cover, mast, sails, stand. No receiver or servos.
3: Red hull with black tape, hatch cover, mast, sails, stand, receiver, and servos.

Model Yachting News • Week Ending October 31, 2020

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead
Editing Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B.B. Wright, Mark Whitehead
Layout Paul McBride

The Diehards Sail Tuesday
The season isn’t quite over but it sure is getting close. We’ve lost a few skippers to other obligations but we still had a respectable turnout of sixteen on October 27. A good hard wind gave us a season high race count of fourteen, and with the number of skippers voluntarily sitting out now and then, we were able to go “all in.” This gave most skippers two throw-outs, one for every six races.

 

Skippers Memorial

Sailing Wing on Wing
Before regular racing, match races between Al Stevens' DF95 "Knucker" sailed by Rick Gates, and Tim Wright's DF65

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

There was close competition throughout the fleet with five different skippers taking first, six finishing second, and six crossing the line in third. These included Tim Wright, Bill Malay, Don McBride, Al Posnack, Rick Gates, Mark Whitehead, Jay Burns, Bob Brennan, and Denis Boisvert. In other words, about half of the total participants earned the top spots in different races, demonstrating how competitive we’ve become.

And they're off!
Heading to the Windward Mark

Out on the Water
Tim Wright again could do the most bragging, Bill Malay took the second slot overall, and Al Posnack landed in third. Don McBride held off challengers for fourth, and Mark Whitehead just made the top five in fifth.

Rounding out the top ten were Denis Boisvert, Paul McBride, Jim Opie, Jay Burns, and Rick Gates. All skippers sailed well, making for a fantastic late-season regatta.

Racing to the Finish Line
Tim Wright 383, Winner of the Regatta

Sadly, Mother Nature Canceled the Last US12 Regatta
With a forecast of rain followed by snow, the October 29 US12 was canceled. And because Wednesday’s weather wasn’t much better, our alternate race day was useless.

Race time with not a boat in sight
"Where is everybody?" wondered one of our regular spectators.

The Season Ends
Our Town permit for use of Back Bay and the path ends on Tuesday, November 3, so that will be our last regatta of the 2020 season. The dock will be pulled the following day. We’ll see you again in April! And don’t forget to vote if you haven’t done so already!

We have three used Solings available for a donation to the New Hampshire Boat Museum if you are interested in joining the fun and camaraderie. We’d don’t like to blow our own horn, but we are indeed a great group! And we can help you bring them up to snuff.

During the winter, we will be having Zoom classes on different sailing topics. Keep your eye on the news for details. Everyone is welcome.

Boats for sale

1: Almond hull with red stripe, hatch cover, mast, sails, stand. No receiver or servos.
2: Red hull, hatch cover, mast, sails, stand. No receiver or servos.
3: Red hull with black tape, hatch cover, mast, sails, stand, receiver, and servos.

Model Yachting News • Week Ending October 24, 2020

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Tim Wright, Mark Whitehead
Editing Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B.B. Wright, Mark Whitehead
Layout Paul McBride

There was junk in Back Bay this week.

Solings Gather
Fleet count held as eighteen skippers attended the October 20 Soling regatta. In past years, a steady breeze was the norm for fall, but this year, Mother Nature has been playing tricks on us. Winds have fluctuated from hard to nonexistent and from several directions, often in the same race. Case in point was Race 3 Tuesday when three of us were just feet from the finish and the wind completely died, leaving us to the mercy of the current without rudder control — a lesson on how to go from second to last in a hurry!

The weather cooperated enough so that nine races were completed, but most skippers sailed only in five so no throw-out this week.

Skippers Memorial

Dead in the Water at the Finish
No Wind, No Control, and on the Rocks

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Out on the Water
Another shake-up at the top this week. On the podium was Rick Lalley, who took the day for his last Back Bay regatta of the season. Of course, Rick’s been saying that every week for the last three! It’s a great way to end the season with four race wins and a second. Congratulations, Rick !

Rick Lalley
and His 688
Rick Laird

Tim Wright captured second place overall with the same number of wins as Rick Lalley, but getting tangled in a patch of dead wind in Race 5 cost him the top spot. Rick Laird earned third-place honors on the podium with one win, one second, and three thirds.

Completing the top five were Al Posnack in fourth, with Bill Malay and Rick Gates tied for fifth. Ending in sixth through tenth were Jay Burns, Denis Boisvert, Don McBride, Genie Ware, and Paul McBride.

The top three spots in Races 2 and 8 were dominated by “Ricks.” That’s Rick Lalley, representing Thomaston, Maine; Rick Laird of Boston, Massachusetts; and Rick Gates, representing Nashua, New Hampshire. From the building class of 2020, Genie Ware did a fantastic job taking second in Race 3.

Genie Ware’s #74
Solings Off the Line
Rounding the Windward Mark -- without the Wind
US12s from October 15

US12 Sailing
On Thursday, October 15, we had a good day with eight 12s, a Soling 1M, and a Soling 50 rigged as a Marblehead. To say the wind was fickle would be an understatement. The changes in direction and velocity were extreme, and contributed to exciting racing with significant changes in positions throughout the races. Sometimes the gusts were a little too much for the 12s, then the next minute there would be nothing, followed by a gentle breeze from the other direction. This kept up all afternoon. It made for some very entertaining, challenging sailing.

Five of the sailors finished the day very close to each other. Paul Wallace, Rick Laird, Jim Opie, Don Cundy, and Paul McBride were just over one point apart in the final results. The numbers show how close and skilled the sailors are becoming. Tim Wright, John Simms, and Don McBride were at the top of the scoring but faced constant challenges from every member of the fleet.

While it would have been nice to have a steady wind with little variation, we also enjoyed the challenges that today’s weather threw at us. The racing was competitive but fun, and the sailors were supportive of each other, as always. There were a few rescues due to extreme conditions but nothing that a kayak couldn’t handle.

Some of our sailors will be leaving in the near future. Please know that you will be missed.

Tim Wright and His Kayak to the Rescue
Lobster Boat

The US12 regatta on October 22 was almost perfect. The sun was out, the temperature was in the high 60s/low 70s, and the wind, while light, was mostly cooperative. We managed to get in nine races with eight different skippers and Anthony Quinn sailing in three of them. He brought Tosca, who requires a full-time handler, but Skip Koehler offered to hold Tosca’s leash so Anthony could sail. Don McBride came but didn’t bring his US12. Instead he brought an electric lobster boat. Its passenger was B.B.’s travel moose. Mrs. Moose got to ride around all afternoon in the lobster boat, but probably didn’t hear the comments of the passing spectators. One didn’t realize there were lobsters in Back Bay. Neither did we!

 
Tim Wright was tough to beat today, although it did come down to the wire in a number of races. John Simms was a strong second, with six second-place finishes. After that, it was really close. Everyone had at least a third-place finish. Bob Brennan, after his strong performances in recent weeks didn’t have the same magic today but did get a third in one race.

Bob Brennan is recognized for his Soling regatta win.
Tim Wright’s 438 was hard to beat.

Jim Opie had three third-place finishes. Bruce Wilhelm has really improved and had a second, a third, and three fourths. He is no longer bringing up the rear. Kurt Clason took time out from his busy schedule to sail and managed a third and two fourths. Paul McBride had a second, a third, and consistency across the board. Anthony had a second as well.

US12s on the Water

Ellen Koehler came along with Skip and enjoyed having time off to chat with sailors, former neighbors, as well as B.B. Wright and Betty Brennan. Don Opie also came today and loved sitting in the warm sunshine. He’s been doing a lot of raking at home. Betty was kind enough to take a US12 group photo – a good day for all to enjoy being out by the bay.

Join Us if You Like
Probably only one week left. But please maintain at least that six-foot distance. Bring your camera for the show but also bring and wear a face mask. Sailing always begins at 1:00 p.m. on Back Bay at the Lehner Street/Glendon Street municipal parking area, weather permitting. Solings sail on Tuesday, the US12s compete on Thursday. Wednesdays are available should a Tuesday or Thursday regatta have to be canceled.

US12 Group Photo

Model Yachting News • Week Ending October 17, 2020

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Tim Wright, Mark Whitehead
Editing Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B.B. Wright, Tim Wright, Al Posnack, Brooks Campbell
Layout Paul McBride

Back Bay Skipper Paul McBride Takes Third
at Nashua Footy Regatta

Congratulations to Paul! And a big thank-you to Rick Gates for hosting the event at Sandy Pond in Nashua. The regatta was part of the New England Footy Series.

 

Skippers Memorial

Hard Wind on Lily Pond

               Podium Winner

Herb Dreher #734
Cliff Martin Green Hull
Paul McBride #54

 

Regatta Winner
Second Place
Third Place

Trophy

Yellow Footy Hull
Green Razor Hull
White Baby Footy Hull

Regatta Winner Herb Dreher’s #734
Second Place Cliff Martin’s Green Hull
Third Place Paul McBride’s #54
Back Bay Skipper Paul McBride

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Final Sailing Day on Lily Pond
Our sail Sunday, October 11, at Lily Pond was a bittersweet day. We had some strong winds to start, but as time went by, they lessened a little and the sailing was very enjoyable. Sailors included Bill Hagerup, Skip Koehler, Paul McBride, Al Stevens, Jim Opie, and Tim Wright. Observing the action were Ellen Koehler, B.B. Wright, Rick Parent, and Rick’s father in law, Tim. All of the US12s got water inside, and the electrical systems of some boats were getting wet, causing loss of control. Since the day was cold and windy, we decided to stop early.

Time to Say Good-Bye
Buoys Out

The marks were collected, the dock moved to a truck, and just like that, the season at Lily Pond was over. It had been a good season with many outstanding days of sailing.

To all who made the long drive to Gilford to sail on Sundays go our thanks for their support, their friendship, and the wonderful times we had this season. We are happy to have restarted the tradition of sailing at Lily Pond, and we look forward to next year, hopefully virus-free.

The dock gets loaded up and heads for winter storage.
The Rescue

A Fall Day On Back Bay
Most people just don’t realize what a picture we make on Back Bay during the fall. Passersby constantly stop and admire the show we put on every week. The October 14 Soling regatta was no exception, with nineteen skippers at our twelve-race regatta.

Normally we sail on Tuesday but the call was made to utilize our Wednesday rain day for obvious reasons. Sadly, we lost three yachts to mechanical issues on the very first race, one of which belonged to Rick Lalley, who makes the three-hour trek down from Thomaston, Maine each week. In the first race his mast was caught on another boat, damaging the mast and hull. Tom Barstow and Skip Koehler also had issues and did not post any scores.

The Mast Dance
All Smiles under the Masks for This Week's Regatta

Some of the skippers will be heading south so we wanted to make sure we documented those who attended this week’s regatta.

Out on the Water
A good brisk wind greeted this week’s skippers so they really had to be on their toes. Because of the fast pace, the fleet completed twelve races, allowing one throw-out for those who posted six or more scores.

And they’re off!
Rounding the First Mark

After an unusual glitch last week, Tim Wright won all races he entered and led everyone overall in the week’s regatta. Our New Jersey contingent Eric Leitner in the borrowed #1775 mailboat took the second spot with Al Posnack filling the podium in third. Rounding out the top five were Bill Malay in fourth and Don Cundy in fifth. To complete the top ten were Mark Whitehead, Paul McBride, Jim Opie, Jack Minahan, and Denis Boisvert.

US12 Sailing October 15

A Close Race
At the Start
Downwind
Tim Wright to the Rescue

Join Us if You Like
But please maintain at least that six-foot distance. Bring your camera for the show but also bring and wear a face mask. Sailing always begins at 1:00 p.m. on Back Bay at the Lehner Street/Glendon Street municipal parking area, weather permitting. Solings sail on Tuesday, the US12s compete on Thursday. Wednesdays are available should a Tuesday or Thursday regatta have to be canceled.

Two more Weeks to Join the Fun

Model Yachting News • Week Ending October 10, 2020

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Tim Wright, Mark Whitehead
Editing Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, Tim & B.B. Wright, Mark Whitehead, Steve Leker, John Barstow
Layout Paul McBride

No One Wants to Stop
The October 6 Soling regatta attracted skippers from four points of the compass — all around the lake, down from Maine, and up from Massachusetts they came. Twenty skippers signed up for their official clothespin number that gave them the sailing order. Because of an even count, we were able to have sailing fleets of one through ten, eleven through twenty, odd numbers only, then even numbers. Keeping our ten-skipper race count, this process mixed the participants for each race, and most sailed in five of the ten races.

Skippers Memorial

Wind??
New Skipper Rick Laird, Something Borrowed Something Blue

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

The winds were no less finicky than last week, creating a challenge for everyone in the fleet. Unless you could stay on top of the wind shifts you could go from the front to the back in a hurry.

And things finally came together so we could present Tom Barstow with his first-win award — well deserved, I might add. Congratulations, Tom!

Remembering Tom Barstow's First Win
Oops, Tom Barstow didn't check his batteries!
Regatta Winner Bob Brennan in Complete Control of His #5149

Breaking News!
Bob Brennan is overall winner of the October 6 Soling regatta!
Bob came to the party ready for action and took on all comers with two firsts, two seconds, and one third. That is a feat that’s hard to beat. Congratulations, Bob! The rest of us are in awe of your accomplishment.

Not only did Bob win the day, while he was not racing he mentored Jack Minahan to help him improve. Bob has set an example to which all Back Bay Skippers should aspire — which many, many do, by the way. That’s why this group of sailors and friends is so great!

Our top five this week also included Tim Wright, who grabbed second. In third was Howard Germon, our tough competitor from across the Maine border. Rick Lalley, our long-distance skipper from Thomaston, Maine was fourth, and Nashua-based skipper Rick Gates landed in the number-five spot.

The rest of the top ten, in order, were Al Posnack, Jay Burns, Tom Barstow, Bill Malay, with Paul McBride and Mark Whitehead tied for tenth. Of note, Genie Ware posted a hard-fought third place in Race 6, and Jack Minahan also captured third in Race 5.

Ten Skippers at a Time
To the First Mark
US12s in Action

US12 Compete in a Duck-the-Raindrops Regatta
The US12 skippers who ignored today’s rainy forecast and came to Back Bay, were treated to some good sailing on Wednesday, October 7. One sailor left before we started and missed a great day. While the skies were threatening most of the afternoon, the rain stayed away until 2:15 when all four sailors felt they had sailed enough to satiate themselves. A hard rain started and ended sailing for the day.

Spirited racing, close finishes, and fickle winds made Paul McBride, Don Cundy, Jim Opie, and Tim Wright all glad they had taken a chance on the rain holding off. With only four sailors, we tried a new course, but after using it twice, we went back to “old faithful.”

The ‘legs’ sailing towards the walking path were difficult and resulted in some dramatic changes in the order of the fleet. One memorable race had Jim Opie way behind on the long downwind leg, but he persisted. Benefitting from some favorable winds, he managed to catch two of the others and come in second, for a photo finish.

Once again, we are grateful for the fall sailing before we put our boats into their winter shipyards for repairs. Thanks to all those who showed up to make it a wonderful, relaxed, and enjoyable afternoon.

Join Us if You Like
But please maintain at least that six-foot distance. Bring your camera for the show but also bring and wear a face mask. Sailing always begins at 1:00 p.m. on Back Bay at the Lehner Street/Glendon Street municipal parking area, weather permitting. Solings sail on Tuesday, the US12s compete on Thursday, and “what you brung” at 9 a.m. Sunday at Lily Pond in Gilford. Wednesdays are available should a Tuesday or Thursday regatta have to be canceled.

Eight-year-old Cole from Swanzey gets a sailboat kit.
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