Model Yachting

Sunny and Humid

August 1 felt very familiar to the US12 fleet, but the strength of the wind was unusual for the day. We had lots of wind for the nine US12 sailors to contend with, and those sailors kept trying to get a handle on how to deal with it. The gusts were challenging, the lulls (when they happened) were frustrating, and the competition was closer than usual.

We were kept on task by our scorekeeper, B. B. Wright, who got us through twelve races with many delays, water checks, and rigging adjustments. It was a demanding day on Back Bay, and the sailors are to be commended for getting through the conditions as well as they did.

US12s on the Water

On the course, Tim Wright took top honors, with eleven wins in thirteen races and a score of 1.00. In second place, John Simms (2.82) earned the other two wins to go along with five second-place finishes. In third, Rick Gates (3.40) had four seconds and three thirds. Lin Davis (3.64) came back for another try at the US12s. This week, he had three seconds and one third, which earned him fourth place. Don McBride, in fifth place with a score of 4.22, earned three thirds in ten races. Bob Brennan (4.36) was in sixth place and also had three third-place finishes. In seventh place, Bob Strodel (5.00) managed to get some time off only to deal with boat issues. He missed five of the first seven races, and still had two thirds. Bruce Wilhelm’s boat was one of the boats stuck together, and after the collision, his rigging seemed to change. Still, Bruce (5.20) managed a third in one of his six races.

In the final tally, we all were winners, as the afternoon provided some great sailing as well as camaraderie. Let’s hope we can keep the wind for next week.

US12 Sailing a Refreshing Change

On July 18, the air wasn’t humid, the temperature wasn’t too high, and the breeze was relatively steady and quite strong. Of the eight boats that started, only five were able to sail enough races to qualify for the regatta. The wind was gusty, which required the skippers and their boats to perform at a high level. There was a dismasting, some full bilges, and one hole in the bow. Needless to say, anyone who sailed the majority of races should be commended. It was a war of attrition.

Bob Brennan, Anthony Quinn, and Don Cundy all started the day, but due to the extreme conditions, were unable to finish enough races to earn a place. Despite all the water pumped and poured out of bilges, sails ripped and repaired, boat riggings tested to the limits, and challenges due to conditions, we enjoyed the change in weather that ushered in those strong winds.

US12 Sailing

The weather was typical of Back Bay but worse, much worse — one moment becalmed, the next flat over, then flat over the other way. Pity the poor crew members onboard — if any were left. The sun was relentless. After completing twelve races, everyone had had enough. Karen did a magnificent job, race director as well as scorekeeper. Thank you, Karen, for braving the heat and keeping us all in order. We had some photo finishes so Karen’s judgment was critical. We were too hot to argue anyway.

US12s on the Water

Scoring was tight, and there were some new faces in the winner’s circle. Anthony Quinn sailed to a first-place finish in the last race, and walked away with the longest active winning streak of one. Bruce Wilhelm also finished first in a race, and completed the day with a first, a second and two thirds. John Simms also had a first-place finish. The top finisher was Tim Wright with nine firsts, two seconds, a fourth, and a final score of 1.10. This week, Rick Laird drove up from Boston to take second place. He finished second six times and third twice for a 2.60 score. Just to make things interesting, Anthony Quinn had one first, two seconds, and three thirds, leading to his score of 3.00. Right behind was John Simms in fourth place, who finished with one first, one second, five thirds, and a score of 3.10. Bruce Wilhelm finished in fifth place with a 3.80 score. Jim Opie arrived a little late, missing four races, but worked his way into the competition. His last four races were an improvement over his first four races, and he finished with a score of 5.43. Jim, as well as the rest of us, enjoyed a wonderful day of sailing and racing on Back Bay. The fleet was remarkably reliable since no rescues were necessary. There were many spectators who also enjoyed watching a race or two. We look forward to sailing next week.

US12s on the Water

The sailing was close, except for Tim Wright. He won all but one race, one of his throw-outs a first-place finish! His final tally was 1.00. The battle for second was much closer. John Simms had a first and four second-place finishes, coming in second with a score of 3.20. Don Cundy with two seconds and four thirds was right behind at 3.33 in third. Rick Laird traveled up from Boston and sailed to three seconds and three thirds, finishing right behind Don in fourth place at 3.50. Rick Gates, with three seconds and two thirds, finished in fifth place with a 4.00. Jim Opie, with three thirds in a row, came in sixth, averaging 4.50. In seventh, Rick Parent joined us, and for the first time in years, he sailed all afternoon. Rick averaged 5.70, but the score was meaningless to him, although he did sail to second place in one race. He merely was enjoying an afternoon off, sailing with friends. We were happy to sail with him.