News - NH Boat Museum

Model Yachting News • Week Ending May 16, 2026

Posted on May 17, 2026May 17, 2026 by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Tuesdays Seem to Be Wind Days

Again this week the Soling fleet faced strong winds and even more powerful gusts. The May 12 regatta welcomed thirteen skippers to its course but scored only nine. There were three declaring, “Uh-uh. I’m not going out there!” And on its first launch, Bob Pacini’s boat ended up at the bottom of the bay at the start line.

Denis Boisvert’s schooner didn’t fair so well this week and had to retire with mechanical issues, but out came the #188 VM from the San Antonio collection that survived the challenge.

The fleet managed to complete nine races despite really tough wind conditions. During the fourth race, Bill Malay’s #7 decided it would rather sail on the big lake, heading downriver and out to sea, so to speak. As a consequence, Bill had a very long row to retrieve the old girl. After only four races, Anthony Quinn’s #111 developed issues that ended his day.

That left seven skippers who qualified for regatta scoring. Nothing new, Tim Wright defended his standing with eight wins and a score of 1.0 to take top honors this week. Jeff Witzel was right in the thick of things to score an impressive 2.25. Doug Griggs got new sails to improve his sailing prowess and caught the wind to third place and a score of 3.38.

May 12, 2026 Soling Scores
 1. Tim Wright     1.00
 2. Jeff Witzel    2.25
 3. Doug Griggs    3.38
 4. Mark Whitehead 4.25
 5. Ted Monetta    5.00
 6. Denis Boisvert 5.00 Sailed VM
 7. Linwood Davis  5.20
 8. Bill Malay     5.00 50% Rule
 9. Anthony Quinn  7.75 50% Rule
10. Bob Pacini     Boat Disaster
11. Bruce Wilhelm  DNR
12. Rick Gates     DNR
13. Ken Gerber     DNR

US12 Sailing

Both Wednesday and Thursday were predicted rain days so the US12 skippers stayed home to remain dry by a warm fire this week.

Back Bay Sailing

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

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

May 26, 2026 Model Yachting Fair at Camp Brookwoods
May 28, 2026 US12 Season Starts. Thursday Regattas 1PM to 3PM
June 2, 2026 Soling Season Starts. Tuesday Regattas 1PM to 3PM
July 6-10, 2026 Soling Building Workshop
August 15, 2026 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
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:

September 14, 2025 5th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 10, 2025 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
July 5, 2025 Model Yachting Day
July 7-11, 2025 NHBM Model Yacht Building Workshop
September 8, 2024 4th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH [More Photos]
July 6, 2024 Model Yachting Day at Back Bay
June 22, 2024 NHBM Booth at Summer Kick-Off 2024, Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center
June 15, 2024 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
February 2024 Building the Soling 1M Slotted Mast, by Mark Whitehead – Video
February 2024 How to Win without Going Fast, by Al Posnack – Zoom Video
October 13-15, 2023 USVMYG Championship Regatta, Honey Brook PA
September 24, 2023 3rd Annual RC Laser Regatta, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 15-16, 2023 Vintage Race Boat Regatta, Wolfeboro Bay – Video
August 26, 2023 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
August 5-6, 2023 CanAm Challenge Regatta, Stowe VT
July 4, 2023 Wolfeboro Independence Day Parade
July 1, 2023 Model Yachting Day
May 15, 2023 WCVB Boston Chronicle

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Links: American Model Yachting Association, MinuteMan Model Yacht Club, Nashua Model Yacht Club, Marblehead Model Yacht Club, Greater Worcester Model Yacht Club, Sarasota Model Yacht Club, Space Coast Model Sailing Club, Sun Coast Model Sailing Club, Stowe Yacht Club, USS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild, Vac-U-Soling, 3D Printed Radio Yachts, US Vintage Model Yacht Group, Raritan Yacht Club RC Laser Fleet, Racing Rules of Sailing 2021-2024, Western Reserve Model Yacht Club, Joe SanAntonio Fleet Donation , SailFlow, US12 Plans

Model Yachting News • Week Ending May 9, 2026

Posted on May 8, 2026May 10, 2026 by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Boatbuilding Prep

Prior to this week’s sailing, several of the Back Bay Skippers helped raise tents for the 2026 boatbuilding projects. This year, the tents went up early because of the May construction of a World War II storm boat.

Those Back Bay Skippers who participated with the tent crew were Ted Monetta, Bill Malay, Chuck Rudinsky, Tim Wright, and Doug Griggs. Thank you, Back Bay Skippers. You’re a great bunch of guys!

A Blustery Day

Meteorologists predicted 17-mph winds for May 5. Because we had no anemometer, the commodore doesn’t know if they reached those heights, but gusts certainly were strong. Tuesday’s regatta posted fourteen skippers, but only nine actually challenged the wind on Back Bay. Ten exciting races were completed as several boats were seen sailing nose down due to the air currents.

At the pinnacle of this week’s top three skippers was Tim Wright with an average score of 1.0. Chuck Rudinsky seemed to take the gusts in stride scoring 2.3 for an impressive second, followed closely by Jeff Witzel at 2.9.

It should be mentioned that Denis Boisvert brought his schooner that just loves the heavy winds. He led the way in several races. Unfortunately, the schooner wasn’t included in the Soling scores. Before sailing, Denis gave a V36-class vessel from the San Antonio collection a good workout to fine-tune the boat.

May 5, 2026 Soling Scores
1. Tim Wright         1.0
2. Chuck Rudinsky     2.3
3. Jeff Witzel        2.9
4. Linwood Davis      3.5
5. Ted Monetta        4.0
6. Mark Whitehead     4.3
7. Bruce Wilhelm      5.8
Not Scored
8. Denis Boisvert
9. Anthony Quinn
10. Charlie Lincoln
11. Bill Malay
12. Steve Towne
13. Bob Pacini
14. Al Posnack

US12 Sailing

Sailing on Thursday, May 7, was more about testing the rigging and seaworthiness than it was about competition. It was a chilly day in the mid-50s with a strong and variable wind.

Six boats sailed, with Bill Malay, Anthony Quinn, John Simms, and Tim Wright sailing US12s and Kevin Bennett launching his Soling. Tim also tested his newly designed and 3D-printed Footy, which sailed very well upwind and down. No leaks either!

The breeze was gusty throughout, and it changed directions dramatically. The strongest gusts made tacking almost impossible. Downwind sailing also was a challenge with many nosedives and wipeouts. Rigging was put to the test, and just being out in the strong winds was demanding. Four races were completed, and there were never more than three finishers. B. B. Wright scored the boats in the very informal racing. It also should be reported that Kevin Bennett beat two US12s by a large margin with his Soling in one of the races.

All of the sailors were glad to have been tested by the winds, and they came away with better knowledge of their boats’ abilities in those conditions. With attrition taking boats out of competition, the racing came to its natural conclusion.

We look forward to next Thursday and more exciting sailing.

Back Bay Sailing

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

May 26, 2026 Model Yachting Fair at Camp Brookwoods
May 28, 2026 US12 Season Starts. Thursday Regattas 1PM to 3PM
June 2, 2026 Soling Season Starts. Tuesday Regattas 1PM to 3PM
July 6-10, 2026 Soling Building Workshop
August 15, 2026 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
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:

September 14, 2025 5th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 10, 2025 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
July 5, 2025 Model Yachting Day
July 7-11, 2025 NHBM Model Yacht Building Workshop
September 8, 2024 4th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH [More Photos]
July 6, 2024 Model Yachting Day at Back Bay
June 22, 2024 NHBM Booth at Summer Kick-Off 2024, Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center
June 15, 2024 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
February 2024 Building the Soling 1M Slotted Mast, by Mark Whitehead – Video
February 2024 How to Win without Going Fast, by Al Posnack – Zoom Video
October 13-15, 2023 USVMYG Championship Regatta, Honey Brook PA
September 24, 2023 3rd Annual RC Laser Regatta, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 15-16, 2023 Vintage Race Boat Regatta, Wolfeboro Bay – Video
August 26, 2023 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
August 5-6, 2023 CanAm Challenge Regatta, Stowe VT
July 4, 2023 Wolfeboro Independence Day Parade
July 1, 2023 Model Yachting Day
May 15, 2023 WCVB Boston Chronicle

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • April 2026

Posted on May 3, 2026May 3, 2026 by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

April Zoom Class

Professor T (Tim Wright) presented the final Zoom class on April 8. The boats would be on the water soon as Skippers start sailing for the season. Tim’s sessions helped us become better sailors.

This month’s class started with “Who We Are,” a pictorial review of the many accomplishments of 2025. This was followed by a discussion of “windward and leeward” rules and tactics in side-by-side sailing. The leeward boat has the right of way and there are ways to position yourself effectively.

During the off-season instructive classes, Tim had suggestions for more successful sailing.

Tim’s Thoughts on Tuning

1) Although he didn’t think it was said exactly this way, better sail trim and shape is similar to Goldilocks and the three bears. Don’t over-tighten the shape of your sails or make them too baggy. You are looking for the sweet spot, the one that is just right. So look to see what those around you are doing since this will help you learn what changes you could try. That leads us to the second theme.

2) We all should observe the boats around us and try to match those doing well. Figure out what might be making the difference and try it ourselves. We should be ready to change the sail shape, sail trim, course heading, where we start and go, to name just a few. Sometimes it is easier to learn from watching what others are doing than it is to figure it out all by yourself.

3) As B. B. commented, another theme is to constantly be ready to make corrections to the rudder and the sail trim, very much like driving a car. The difference is that when sailing, the water is always changing. There are no lines to tell you where to go, and your throttle is tied to the wind, which is out of your control. You might be going in a straight line, but you need to pay attention to the details while always ready to make adjustments so your course is true and your sails match the wind. Wind can change direction and speed at any time and you need to be on your toes to make any adjustments necessary, but do so as little as possible, thus getting the biggest benefits from the smallest changes in course and sail trim. Learning what those changes are is what takes time and experience. Keep trying and learning while having fun at the same time.

4) It is Tim’s hope that these teaching sessions will help to make us all better sailors and make the racing more competitive. After all, it is more fun when it is competitive without being overly aggressive. We are friends first and competitors second. Rule #1 definitely applies all the time: HAVE FUN!! And we do!

Winter Project

Doug Griggs has completed the dinghy cover supports with an extra special touch of the Back Bay Skippers burgee.

AMYA Clubs Working Together

The Maine Model Yacht Club, strictly a club of the DF 95 class, had a couple of members who long ago purchased Soling kits. Never completed, they were generously donated by Ralph Thompson and George Yarborough to the New Hampshire Boat Museum as scholarship kits. We enthusiastically thank the Maine Model Yacht Club as well as Ralph and George for their donations.

Right on Schedule

Thanks to the 2026 dock-in crew, the Back Bay Skippers dock was installed right on time, April 21. The commodore ordered sunshine for the event and the crew was not disappointed.

Joel Nelson and John Simms provided transport from the storage barn, and we especially want to thank our deep-water crew of Ken Gerber and Joel Nelson for setting the dock in place. Water was deep enough to reach Joel Nelson’s shoulders during placement of the dock and dinghy mooring anchor.

This year’s crew was, left to right, Linwood Davis, Doug Griggs, Joel Nelson, Ted Monetta, Jeff Hathaway, John Simms, Bob Brennan, Ken Gerber, Anthony Quinn, Chuck Rudinsky, and Bill Malay. Although not in the photo, Commodore Mark Whitehead supported the program with a supply of tools and equipment required for the project.

First-launch honors this year go to Chuck Rudinsky followed by Doug Griggs and Ted Monetta as the trio raised their sails to catch the wind.

The Season Is Underway

Through May, the regattas are for getting winter kinks out of the boats, official scoring scheduled to start in early June. Sailing is a little less tense although the smart remarks are in greater abundance.

April 28 provided a day of sunshine and a good breeze so thirteen skippers were able to complete eleven races. Tim Wright started right where he left off by scoring a 1.0 to take the day. He also was able to give his newly designed Footy a good workout. Ted Monetta was back in form and sailed to a 3.2 for second place, followed closely by Linwood Davis with a score of 3.5. Most important, a great day was had by all!

April 28 Soling Unofficial Scores
1. Tim Wright 1.0
2. Ted Monetta 3.2
3. Linwood Davis 3.5
4. Chuck Rudinsky 3.7
5. Rick Gates 3.8
6. Mark Whitehead 5.1
7. Doug Griggs 5.3
8. Bill Malay 5.7
9. Kevin Bennett 6.1
10. Anthony Quinn 4.7 50% rule
11. Al Posnack 4.8 50% rule
12. Charlie Lincoln no scores
13. Jeff Hathaway no scores

US12 Sailing

Wednesday, April 29, was the first day of US12 sailing. Instead of sailing on a rainy Thursday, we put boats in the water a day early. Only Bob Strodel and Tim Wright showed up ready to sail. They were glad to have had a chance to sail when it was quite windy but not too much, and cool enough for a jacket without being overly cold. In fact, it was the type of day skippers dream of in the summer — cool, windy, and great sailing. Bob and Tim were able to practice in very informal racing, with Bob holding his own against the champion under challenging conditions. With no scoring, B. B. Wright was able to take some good photos of the spectacular sailing day while Diane Guerriere and Anthony Quinn stopped to enjoy the scene.

It was a great start to the season, and we hope to see some new or repurposed boats in the fleet this season. Let’s hope the summer doesn’t get too hot and too still, but if it does, today was the antithesis. We sail again next Thursday, May 7. Racing starts at 1:00 PM. You can come early and give it a try.

Back Bay Sailing

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

May 26, 2026 Model Yachting Fair at Camp Brookwoods
May 28, 2026 US12 Season Starts. Thursday Regattas 1PM to 3PM
June 2, 2026 Soling Season Starts. Tuesday Regattas 1PM to 3PM
July 6-10, 2026 Soling Building Workshop
August 15, 2026 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
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:

September 14, 2025 5th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 10, 2025 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
July 5, 2025 Model Yachting Day
July 7-11, 2025 NHBM Model Yacht Building Workshop
September 8, 2024 4th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH [More Photos]
July 6, 2024 Model Yachting Day at Back Bay
June 22, 2024 NHBM Booth at Summer Kick-Off 2024, Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center
June 15, 2024 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
February 2024 Building the Soling 1M Slotted Mast, by Mark Whitehead – Video
February 2024 How to Win without Going Fast, by Al Posnack – Zoom Video
October 13-15, 2023 USVMYG Championship Regatta, Honey Brook PA
September 24, 2023 3rd Annual RC Laser Regatta, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 15-16, 2023 Vintage Race Boat Regatta, Wolfeboro Bay – Video
August 26, 2023 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
August 5-6, 2023 CanAm Challenge Regatta, Stowe VT
July 4, 2023 Wolfeboro Independence Day Parade
July 1, 2023 Model Yachting Day
May 15, 2023 WCVB Boston Chronicle

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • March 2026

Posted on March 21, 2026April 9, 2026 by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

March Zoom Class

On the tenth, our Professor T, Tim Wright, presented a class discussion on sail shape and trim, using pictures from B.B. Wright’s collection to enhance the program. There were twenty-three in attendance, including from AMYA, Region One director, Glenn Chalder, as well as Bob Shapiro, national treasurer. We also were delighted to welcome Carol Waghorne and Gary Dehnel from our 2026 building class.

March Sailing Class Video

Duration: 01:35.46
Copy Passcode: c2^fC@C3

“The pessimist complains about the wind.
The optimist expects change.
The realist adjusts his sails.”

The first item on the agenda was discussion on a balanced boat. When adjusting the rig so the boat will sail upwind without any rudder input, balance is the critical setup for a fast boat.

Observe what’s around you — other boat performances, ripples on the water, and changing wind directions. Items discussed that dramatically affect the boat’s performance were main and jib slot, sail trim, boom vang, and back stay tension. Also important was learning to let out your sails till they luff then trimming them when luffing stops for the perfect setting. Always take the long tack first for optimal course gain.

Back Bay Skiers Olympics

What to Do When the Water Gets Hard

When the Back Bay water hardens, several find other winter activities. For instance, the Back Bay Skiers meet weekly to discuss the critical sailing strategies for the new season. Ho ho! Chuck Rudinsky builds a new boat. Don McBride heads south and just keeps on sailing. And then there’s new skipper Bob DiGiacomio, who looks to the sky sailing gliders and recording sixty-minute flights.

Sailing on Back Bay

Before you know it, our fleets will be out on Back Bay. The bay is slowly losing its winter cover of ice and snow. Look for us at the end of April. When the dock goes in, so do the boats.

Link to Class Recording

If you were unable to attend our March class but would like to access the lessons, look for the link on this page.

March Sailing Class Video

Duration: 01:35.46
Copy Passcode: c2^fC@C3

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

April 21, 2026 Dock In
April 28, 2026 Tune-up Regatta

Past Events:

September 14, 2025 5th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 10, 2025 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
July 5, 2025 Model Yachting Day
July 7-11, 2025 NHBM Model Yacht Building Workshop
September 8, 2024 4th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH [More Photos]
July 6, 2024 Model Yachting Day at Back Bay
June 22, 2024 NHBM Booth at Summer Kick-Off 2024, Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center
June 15, 2024 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
February 2024 Building the Soling 1M Slotted Mast, by Mark Whitehead – Video
February 2024 How to Win without Going Fast, by Al Posnack – Zoom Video
October 13-15, 2023 USVMYG Championship Regatta, Honey Brook PA
September 24, 2023 3rd Annual RC Laser Regatta, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 15-16, 2023 Vintage Race Boat Regatta, Wolfeboro Bay – Video
August 26, 2023 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
August 5-6, 2023 CanAm Challenge Regatta, Stowe VT
July 4, 2023 Wolfeboro Independence Day Parade
July 1, 2023 Model Yachting Day
May 15, 2023 WCVB Boston Chronicle

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • January and February 2026

Posted on February 23, 2026March 6, 2026 by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Winter Projects

There’s not much sailing this time of the year, but the Skippers certainly stay busy preparing for the new season.

The Model Yacht Building Class was filled in January so there are lots of projects to prepare for the class. The Soling kits don’t include the radio equipment or items needed for rigging and sails.

Starting early, Anthony Quinn, our master sailmaker, has prepared sails for the classes through 2027. I guess he was on a roll. The commodore, Mark Whitehead, makes the masts and fittings for the rigging and also identifies items required for purchase, which is handled by Ann Lennon, New Hampshire Boat Museum’s program coordinator. Our stand maker, Steve Leker, will be building the boat stands later in the spring.

All those dozens of boat kits that are given to the younger set are being produced by Al Posnack.

Our start buoys have had years of use and are ready for some TLC. Ted Monetta is taking on that responsibility and bringing them back to life.

Winter Sailing Class

On February 18 we held our first instructional class entitled “Strategies, Roundings, and Rules.” Tim Wright, our “Professor T” as sailing instructor, presents these classes to prepare skippers for the upcoming season. Al Posnack assists with the computer setup, and photos are taken from B.B. Wright’s 2025 collection.

There were twenty-three skippers in attendance for this informative class, including Lisa Lotter and Bob DiGiacomio, members of the Model Yacht Building Class of 2026.

February Sailing Class Video

Duration: 01:55:23
Copy Passcode: .D9K@90H

Sailing on Back Bay

Before you know it, our fleets will be out on Back Bay. Look for us at the end of April.

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

March 10, 2026 Zoom Sailing Class. Note revised date.
April 8, 2026 Zoom Review
April 21, 2026 Dock In
April 28, 2026 Tune-up Regatta

Past Events:

September 14, 2025 5th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 10, 2025 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
July 5, 2025 Model Yachting Day
July 7-11, 2025 NHBM Model Yacht Building Workshop
September 8, 2024 4th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH [More Photos]
July 6, 2024 Model Yachting Day at Back Bay
June 22, 2024 NHBM Booth at Summer Kick-Off 2024, Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center
June 15, 2024 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
February 2024 Building the Soling 1M Slotted Mast, by Mark Whitehead – Video
February 2024 How to Win without Going Fast, by Al Posnack – Zoom Video
October 13-15, 2023 USVMYG Championship Regatta, Honey Brook PA
September 24, 2023 3rd Annual RC Laser Regatta, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 15-16, 2023 Vintage Race Boat Regatta, Wolfeboro Bay – Video
August 26, 2023 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
August 5-6, 2023 CanAm Challenge Regatta, Stowe VT
July 4, 2023 Wolfeboro Independence Day Parade
July 1, 2023 Model Yachting Day
May 15, 2023 WCVB Boston Chronicle

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • December 2025

Posted on December 10, 2025December 10, 2025 by Paul McBride

Photo by Kathleen Whitehead

Model Yachting News • Week Ending November 1, 2025

Posted on November 2, 2025November 2, 2025 by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Where O’ Where Did the Sailing Season Go?

It seems like we just got started and it’s now November. Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away.

During the 2025 season, the Back Bay Skippers held thirty-nine events that entertained an estimated total of 1,476 skippers and spectators, an increase of 212 from 2024. In addition, eight new boats were built in our workshop, including three youngsters accompanied by an adult as well as a family of four. We get quite excited when the younger generation gets involved!

Our top attended events were the Model Yachting Fair and Sailing Awards at Brookwoods with thirty participants; Model Yachting Day led by Rick Parent that had 125 passersby who stopped for information and perhaps a try at the controls; our June 25 Soling regatta that welcomed a record of thirty-six spectators; and our September 2 Soling regatta that launched twenty-three boats, highest of the season.

Model Yachting Day

Model Yacht Builders

Sasquatch Footy Regatta 2025

Lots of kids got to try R/C sailing and got sailboat kits.

Dock Out

The annual tradition of pulling the dock and putting it to bed for the winter took place on October 28. New skipper Jeff Hathaway as well as regulars Tim Wright and Ted Monetta just had to get in one more sail before the purpose of our gathering started.

The sixteen-member crew worked hard and efficiently. Included in that willing and able group were: Tom Barstow, Jeanne Butler, Doug Griggs, Diane Guerriere, Jeff Hathaway, Steve Leker, Bill Malay, Paul McBride, Ted Monetta, Bob Pacini, Al Posnack, Anthony Quinn, John Simms, Mark Whitehead, B.B. Wright, and Tim Wright. In no time, the buoys, the dock, and the dinghy were loaded onto trailers and packed away at the museum’s storage barn. Special appreciation goes to our transportation crew of John Simms, Doug Griggs, and Bill Malay.

Taking in the Buoys

Dock and Dinghy in Storage for the Winter

Join the Fun

Applications are now open for the 2026 Model Yacht Building Class. Don’t delay — the class fills up fast! Build your own Olympic Class 1-meter model yacht. It could be a wonderful Christmas or birthday present.

Model Yacht Building Workshop

Upcoming Events:

January – March 2026 Sailing Seminars via Zoom

Past Events: [2025 Schedule]

September 14, 2025 5th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 10, 2025 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
July 5, 2025 Model Yachting Day
July 7-11, 2025 NHBM Model Yacht Building Workshop
September 8, 2024 4th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH [More Photos]
July 6, 2024 Model Yachting Day at Back Bay
June 22, 2024 NHBM Booth at Summer Kick-Off 2024, Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center
June 15, 2024 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
February 2024 Building the Soling 1M Slotted Mast, by Mark Whitehead – Video
February 2024 How to Win without Going Fast, by Al Posnack – Zoom Video
October 13-15, 2023 USVMYG Championship Regatta, Honey Brook PA
September 24, 2023 3rd Annual RC Laser Regatta, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 15-16, 2023 Vintage Race Boat Regatta, Wolfeboro Bay – Video
August 26, 2023 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
August 5-6, 2023 CanAm Challenge Regatta, Stowe VT
July 4, 2023 Wolfeboro Independence Day Parade
July 1, 2023 Model Yachting Day
May 15, 2023 WCVB Boston Chronicle

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending October 25, 2025

Posted on October 25, 2025October 25, 2025 by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

The Last Soling Regatta of the Season

We even had wind!!! It has been several weeks since Mother Nature provided a full afternoon of reasonably steady breeze, and it was certainly enjoyed by all. Eleven skippers launched for the October 21 regatta completing a season record of sixteen races. A good dose of sunshine greeted us so it made the day even more enjoyable.

The outer buoy is currently about twenty yards away from the course so Tim Wright called for a three-mark course and an upwind start. It was an interesting course that made the first mark a little tight at times.

Rumors before race day reported that there wasn’t much water off the dock, but the rain must have heightened the levels, alleviating problems for boat launch.

Mark Berne joined us for a test run of the recently donated #808 Soling. Mark hopes to sail with his seven-year-old son next season, and we look forward to his participation.

Out on the Course.

Tim Wright posted eleven wins for a final score of 1.50. Ted Monetta again had a strong showing with a score of 2.79 for second place, thanks to a win and three seconds. Anthony Quinn seems to like third place, scoring two seconds and two thirds for a final tally of 3.80. It should be noted that Jeff Witzel was only six one hundreds of a point behind with a score of 3.86. Jeanne Butler scored a fourth in Race #4, while Mark Whitehead and Steve Leker crossed the finish line first in Races #8 and #9 respectively.

Sailing on October 23

On this last Thursday of the season, four sailors were treated to ideal conditions. While the temperature was in the mid-50s, the sun felt warm. The wind was great for most of the time……. but we were sailing on Back Bay. The shifts were dramatic, and strength of the puffs was balanced by the baffling calms. Still, the inconsistency of the winds and its shiftiness made for some tremendous lead changes and dramatic finishes. Overall, it was a perfect day for sailing.

Bob Shapiro came up from Bow Lake and brought one of his RC Lasers, which he sailed with an A rig (big sail). John Simms brought his US12 and displayed his prowess and consistency. Anthony sailed Tim Wright’s Laser for one race then switched to his Soling. Tim Wright sailed his Soling for the first race then switched to his RC Laser with a B rig (smaller sail). The choice of the Laser’s rig can be an important decision. Too much sail, and the Laser will bury its bow and stop. Bob sailed well and avoided demonstrating how much it affects one’s position when stopping on a dime, and losing control!

Overall, boat 101 (US12) with John Simms at the helm finished with a score of 2.07. Boat 94 (Laser, B rig) ended at 2.21. No Bean Salad, Bob’s Laser (A rig) had a score of 2.43. Soling 58 finished with a score of 3.29. Each boat had a first-place finish, and each had a last place. The racing was very interesting to see how each boat did in each succeeding race, wind shifts making a huge difference. The last race was advertised for bragging rights for the six months till we sail again. It is only fitting that those bragging rights go to John Simms, who sailed well all day.

We want to thank B.B. Wright for keeping score all season long. She has been a stalwart supporter of our group and a great ambassador to all who stop to ask about our hobby. Thanks, too, to Diane Guerriere for assisting B.B. during the long season. Their dedication to the task of score-keeping made our season much more interesting and official. We all appreciate their hard work for the Back Bay Skippers.

We enjoyed a great season, and are sorry to see it end. Thanks to all who had a part in it.

Sailing on Back Bay

Sadly the sailing has ended and the dock will be put to bed on Tuesday, October 28. We look forward to seeing you at Back Bay in 2026. News will be posted monthly over the winter months so you can keep up with Back Bay Skipper activity.

October 21 Scores
 1   Tim Wright        1.50
 2   Ted Monetta       2.79
 3   Anthony Quinn     3.80
 4   Jeff Witzel       3.86
 5   Steve Leker       4.46
 6   Doug Griggs       4.89
 7   Bob Pacini        5.00
 8   Kevin Bennett     6.29
 9   Jim Opie          6.50
10   Mark Whitehead    6.58
11   Jeanne Butler     8.40

Meet the Skippers

Paul McBride

– Behind the scenes a key player in the operations of the Back Bay Skippers and an invaluable resource for the group.

Paul McBride was born in Rochester, New Hampshire and lived there through his years at Spaulding High. Summer Sundays were always spent in Wolfeboro swimming, and sailing on Rust Pond. He graduated from MIT with a BS in Electrical Engineering (Computer Science). While there he sailed Tech Dinghies in the Charles River Basin and worked part-time at the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory (Draper Labs), where the Apollo moon mission guidance computer software and parts were designed and built. Retired now, living partly on Rust Pond and in Waltham, Massachusetts, he has kept busy with the Back Bay Skippers since 2013, serving as treasurer; taking photos; publishing the news; and sailing Solings, US12s, Footys, and Lasers. He also serves as vice president of the Lakes Region Model Railroad Museum.

Upcoming Events: [2025 Schedule]

October 28, 2025 Dock Out
January – March 2026 Sailing Seminars via Zoom

Past Events:

September 14, 2025 5th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 10, 2025 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
July 5, 2025 Model Yachting Day
July 7-11, 2025 NHBM Model Yacht Building Workshop
September 8, 2024 4th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH [More Photos]
July 6, 2024 Model Yachting Day at Back Bay
June 22, 2024 NHBM Booth at Summer Kick-Off 2024, Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center
June 15, 2024 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
February 2024 Building the Soling 1M Slotted Mast, by Mark Whitehead – Video
February 2024 How to Win without Going Fast, by Al Posnack – Zoom Video
October 13-15, 2023 USVMYG Championship Regatta, Honey Brook PA
September 24, 2023 3rd Annual RC Laser Regatta, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 15-16, 2023 Vintage Race Boat Regatta, Wolfeboro Bay – Video
August 26, 2023 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
August 5-6, 2023 CanAm Challenge Regatta, Stowe VT
July 4, 2023 Wolfeboro Independence Day Parade
July 1, 2023 Model Yachting Day
May 15, 2023 WCVB Boston Chronicle

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending October 18, 2025

Posted on October 18, 2025October 19, 2025 by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Just a Pleasant Day

Not much wind swirled in for the October 14 Soling regatta, but thermometer readings were comfortable and eleven skippers had a good day sailing seven races. The rest of the skippers don’t know what they’re missing by not sailing in the fall when temperatures and dew points are low. An unusually large group of spectators joined the fun this week, and several took the controls.

The unofficial scoring, smaller fleets, and boat-sharing all combine for relaxing days of friendly competition. With so few boats, it’s baffling that traffic jams occur at the marks. The commodore always carries the rule book so participants can check who has the right of way – or just ask. At least our trusty scorekeeper, Karen Enos, keeps us honest at the start and finish line. Thank you, Karen!

Out on the Course

The names of the top three skippers would sound familiar, but there was a fair amount of boat switching, so results will be by boat numbers this week.

The US12 #400, with more sail area and weight to maintain momentum in the light air, took the day with five wins, two seconds, and a score of 1.17. Second went to #237’s three seconds and two thirds for a final score of 2.83. Third went to #111 with three fourths and a second, scoring 3.17.

It should be noted that Steve Leker sailed #58 for a win and a third before scurrying home after a tough weekend of camping in the wilds of New Hampshire.

High Winds on Thursday

Ted Monetta was there, of course, since it doesn’t matter to him what the conditions are. Our understanding is that he won every race. The #237 Soling fought the tough conditions by itself, while the rest of the skippers stayed home in front of a warm fire with a hot toddy. Let’s hope they all can sail for next week’s final Thursday of the season.

Sailing on Back Bay

Only one week remains for model yacht sailing on Back Bay in Wolfeboro, so join us before the season ends. Any boat class is welcome from 1 PM to 3 PM on Tuesday or Thursday, weather permitting. Wednesday is used for an alternate day if needed. Come join the fun – perhaps try the controls.

October 14 Scores
1  #400 US12      1.17
2  #237 Soling	  2.83
3  #111 Soling	  3.17
4  #1068 Soling	  3.83
5  #12 Soling	  4.50
6  #831 Soling	  5.83
7  #76 Soling	  6.67
8  #7 Soling	  7.17
9  #54 Soling	  8.33  
10 #887 Soling	  8.50
Two Races #58	  2.00

Meet the Skippers

Team Whitehead

Mark Whitehead

Leaving the demanding food service industry after more than thirty years, the last fifteen as director at the University of Southern Maine, Mark Whitehead started down a pleasant side road. First, he shifted from fifth to third gear with shorter commutes and workdays for local employers, then retired at 62.

From the 1970s, with inspiration and planning by his wife, Kathleen, travel from coast to coast was on the agenda, accompanied by their three children in the early years. Since retirement, Mark and Kathleen have visited forty-nine states and all Canadian provinces and territories. Skiing always has been part of the Whitehead family’s winter agenda. What wonderful memories they’ve shared together.

Reveling in the time spent with his tools honing a lifelong interest in woodworking, retirement was an easy transition. Mark has become an avid sailor of radio-controlled model yachts. To that end and with Kathleen’s inspiration in 2008, Mark established the Back Bay Skippers. He has served as the group’s commodore, has been a board member of the New Hampshire Boat Museum, and has led the model yacht building classes, resulting in more than a hundred new Solings.

Over the years, he snatched opportunities to build a strip canoe, a 23-foot cold-molded mahogany sloop, an occasional ship model, a piece of furniture now and then, and many other projects. Now, however, with relaxed hours at his disposal, he experiments and practices his skills, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrate nature and/or the beauty of the wood itself.

Kathleen Whitehead

When Kathleen was born in Wolfeboro, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor two weeks later. Raised in Laconia, she liked to brag that she’d attended Harvard – Harvard Street School, that is. Often during World War II and for many summers to follow, she lived with grandparents in Melvin Village. Graduating from high school in 1959, she continued her education at UNH.

Although she and Mark have no idea when they first met as Melvin kids, they were married at the community church in 1962 and happily announced the eventual births of Adam, Kevin, and Kristen. After six moves in four years due to Mark’s assignments, in 1968 they purchased a house in Ossipee.

Employment as Mrs. Whitehead started immediately as a breakfast waitress at Lake Placid Club. The mile-long hallway to a kitchen the size of a football field having individual stations for each menu item convinced her to go elsewhere. She then answered the need for a temporary receptionist and switchboard operator at the Saranac Lake hospital, her typing skills punching out letters for delinquent accounts.

There were twelve rewarding years with the Governor Wentworth Regional School District split by a one-year intermission with Yankee Title Abstract Company. Her goal, however, became employment that allowed off-season travel once Mark retired from the food-service rat race. One summer, she stocked a chuck wagon and offered snacks to golfers at Kingswood Golf Course. After three seasons managing a gift shop at Story Land in Glen, she earned her CDL to become a tour driver on Wolfeboro’s Molly the Trolley for seven summers, passengers unable to escape her historical tidbits. Molly’s parents also owned Panoramic Publishing Company at the time and quickly invited her to an office job as well. For sixteen years, many responsibilities kept her happily occupied until retirement at the age of 68.

Over the years, in addition to arts, crafts plus demolition, design, and finish work on DIY home improvements, she volunteered for at least eighteen organizations. Her composition juices were stimulated as a columnist for“The Grunter,” describing happenings in Ossipee Corner. As secretary for the Village Players, her detailed records of board meetings were called hours not minutes. You might have seen her onstage a couple of times, but for most of thirty years, the theater’s programs listed her as set designer and decorator.

Always an enthusiastic perambulator, she hoofed it hither and yon with her fuzzy family member, eight to twelve miles not unusual. A fan of back roads, she loved entering some unknown byway not posted Dead End to see where it emerged. And being a true Sagittarian, she was an explorer. With a philosophy of “Do Before Too Late,” she researched and compiled itineraries to every Canadian province and territory plus every state except Hawaii. Her love of nature and the outdoors led to a final total of eight gardens, each saying “Weed me” every summer, her many feathered friends saying “Feed me” every winter.

Upcoming Events: [2025 Schedule]

April 29 – October 28 , 2025 Regattas 1PM-3PM Tuesday Solings, Thursdays US12s
October 28, 2025 Dock Out

Past Events:

September 14, 2025 5th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 10, 2025 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
July 5, 2025 Model Yachting Day
July 7-11, 2025 NHBM Model Yacht Building Workshop
September 8, 2024 4th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH [More Photos]
July 6, 2024 Model Yachting Day at Back Bay
June 22, 2024 NHBM Booth at Summer Kick-Off 2024, Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center
June 15, 2024 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
February 2024 Building the Soling 1M Slotted Mast, by Mark Whitehead – Video
February 2024 How to Win without Going Fast, by Al Posnack – Zoom Video
October 13-15, 2023 USVMYG Championship Regatta, Honey Brook PA
September 24, 2023 3rd Annual RC Laser Regatta, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 15-16, 2023 Vintage Race Boat Regatta, Wolfeboro Bay – Video
August 26, 2023 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
August 5-6, 2023 CanAm Challenge Regatta, Stowe VT
July 4, 2023 Wolfeboro Independence Day Parade
July 1, 2023 Model Yachting Day
May 15, 2023 WCVB Boston Chronicle

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending October 11, 2025

Posted on October 10, 2025October 10, 2025 by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Steve Leker Gets His Trophy

It was a little slow in coming, but Steve Leker was presented with the Sasquatch Regatta trophy for first place.

Wrong-O! Again!

Meteorologists predicted southwest winds of nine mph, but that wasn’t even close. For the ten-race regatta on October 7, they varied from flat calm to maybe five mph, and it was luck of the draw if you had wind where you were located on the course. It was a beautiful fall day for the thirteen skippers who sailed, however. Sun was plentiful with a temperature sneaking into the eighties, but the dew point was low. The lake level also was very low, so it was a challenge to launch boats from the dock, the dingy resting comfortably on the bottom of the bay.

On the Water

Tim Wright sailed his Laser for the first four races, taking a one-race break before launching his Soling. It didn’t matter; he took the day with five wins and a score of 1.38. Anthony Quinn was on fire, winning three races to score an impressive 2.56 for second place. Ted Monetta crossed the finish line first in two races, scoring 4.67 for third place.

October 7 Scores
 1 Tim Wright          1.38
 2 Anthony Quinn       2.56
 3 Ted Monetta         4.67
 4 Linwood Davis       5.44
 5 Bob Pacini          5.56
 6 Steve Leker         5.80
 7 Mark Whitehead      6.22
 8 Bruce Wilhelm       7.11
 9 Jim Opie            7.44
10 John Barstow        7.56
11 Kevin Bennett       8.22
12 Mark Bodenstab      8.60
13 Jeanne Butler      10.33

High Winds Anticipated

Because heavy wind gusts were anticipated for Thursday, sailing on October 9 was canceled.

Meet the Skippers
Team Wright:

Tim Wright, Vice Commodore

Tim grew up in Connecticut and spent summers sailing on the waters of Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. He raced until he turned 16, when it got to be too cutthroat, so he stopped racing but not sailing. He taught sailing at a camp on Cape Cod, at a yacht club in Jamestown, and at a youth program in Jacksonville, Florida. After buying a 30-foot Chinese Junk there, he moved aboard and relocated it to Fort Lauderdale. During his time in South Florida, he married B.B., helped commission sailboats, and earned his U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s 100-ton license. Captaining deliveries up and down the East Coast from Florida to New England as well as charters to the Bahamas and the Florida Keys were part of his life for a while.

After living six years on the Junk, Tim and B.B. moved to dry land in Marlboro, Massachusetts, where Tim began his academic teaching career. After thirty years teaching at two different schools, he retired to New Hampshire and learned about the Back Bay Skippers. He bought two Soling 1-Meter kits for B.B. and him to build, and they enrolled in the BBS building class. Tim didn’t know that racing was part of the program. He discovered that remote-control sailing is right up his alley, and the growing competence of the fleet helps keep him on his toes.

Tim continues to hone his skills on Ossipee Lake with a Vanguard 15 and a small catboat.

B.B. Wright, Scorekeeper

Many people have asked B.B. how she got her name. Her given name is Brucie Beverly Tucker, and her mother also was named Brucie. Her father, Albert, gave her the nickname of “B.B.” Some of her friends still call her Brucie, since her schools used Brucie in their yearly records.

Born just south of Philadelphia in Darby, B.B. was raised in Bryn Mawr and Germantown, Pennsylvania. She is the oldest of three girls. Her two sisters live in Michigan and Minnesota. She also has two half-brothers who live in California and Nevada.

B.B. attended school in Philly until high school, when she spent three years at a small Quaker School in southwestern New Hampshire. After college in Vermont, B.B. taught at an Independent school in Connecticut, then moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she married her best friend, Tim Wright. After six years of live-aboard life, they moved to Massachusetts, where they both taught at Independent schools on the north shore of Boston.

Moving to New Hampshire after years of vacationing on Ossipee Lake, B.B. and Tim have since built RC boats and raced with the fleet in Wolfeboro. They both enjoy the friendships they’ve formed with the other RC sailors and their families. After racing for four years, B.B. decided to become a scorekeeper and has worked in that position for the past ten years.

Sailing on Back Bay

Only two weeks remain for model yacht sailing on Back Bay in Wolfeboro, so join us before the season ends. Any boat class is welcome from 1 PM to 3 PM on Tuesday or Thursday, weather permitting. Wednesday is used for an alternate day if needed. Come join the fun – perhaps try the controls.

Upcoming Events: [2025 Schedule]

April 29 – October 28 , 2025 Regattas 1PM-3PM Tuesday Solings, Thursdays US12s
October 28, 2025 Dock Out

Past Events:

September 14, 2025 5th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 10, 2025 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
July 5, 2025 Model Yachting Day
July 7-11, 2025 NHBM Model Yacht Building Workshop
September 8, 2024 4th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH [More Photos]
July 6, 2024 Model Yachting Day at Back Bay
June 22, 2024 NHBM Booth at Summer Kick-Off 2024, Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center
June 15, 2024 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
February 2024 Building the Soling 1M Slotted Mast, by Mark Whitehead – Video
February 2024 How to Win without Going Fast, by Al Posnack – Zoom Video
October 13-15, 2023 USVMYG Championship Regatta, Honey Brook PA
September 24, 2023 3rd Annual RC Laser Regatta, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 15-16, 2023 Vintage Race Boat Regatta, Wolfeboro Bay – Video
August 26, 2023 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
August 5-6, 2023 CanAm Challenge Regatta, Stowe VT
July 4, 2023 Wolfeboro Independence Day Parade
July 1, 2023 Model Yachting Day
May 15, 2023 WCVB Boston Chronicle

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com