Model Yachting Posts Archive

Model Yachting News • Week Ending May 30, 2026

Posted on May 31, 2026May 31, 2026 by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting Fair

Traditionally we have held a Model Yachting Fair in May to honor the accomplishments of the skippers and to demonstrate the many facets of model yachting. This year, the fair was run by Tim Wright with the able-bodied assistance of B. B. Wright. Camp Brookwoods generously provided space for the event, and thirty skippers wandered about, visiting the thirteen booths.

Rick Gates, Alain Jousse, and Jim Opie
Alain Jousse demonstrated his latest RC model, the *Maltese Falcon*, modeled after an actual sailing ship. The sails are controlled without rigging lines. Alain plans to sail it in the Schooner Class at the Vintage National Championship later this year. The *Maltese Falcon* has a sister ship, the *Black Pearl*, featuring black sails and hull. Many years ago, Alain built the Chinese junk that Tim Wright sometimes sails at Back Bay.

Thursday, May 28, US12 Sailing

The fleet sailed its first scored regatta of the season and what a day it was! The wind was strong and gusty. Even with temperatures in the mid-60s, there was a chill in the air. When clouds blocked the sun or gusts blew across the bay, it was downright chilly. Our scorekeepers, B. B. Wright and Diane Guerriere, were both bundled up and fighting the shivers as well as springtime allergens. Although Rule #1 is to have fun, there is no doubt that our two scorekeepers were not having fun. They were in survival mode. Thanks to the scorekeepers for their perseverance as they battled the elements. As sailors, we can choose to sail or stay home. Not so with the scorekeepers. It isn’t always an easy job, so remember to thank them after each day of racing. It is because of their season-long efforts that we can get fair starts and accurate scores.

AMYA Region 1 US12 Championship

The Back Bay Skippers are hosting the Region 1 US12 championship during our regular sailing session on June 18. If you are a member of the AMYA, you can sign up on the AMYA website for no charge. If you aren’t a member but want to sail, you can. Your scores won’t be counted in the AMYA event but will count for the spring and season series. If you prefer to watch without sailing, you might consider loaning your boat in case it’s needed. Tim is loaning his backup boat, but others might ask for one.

Register for AMYA
US12 Region 1 Championship

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. This week’s fair preempted the Soling regatta, their officially scored competition starting Tuesday, June 2.

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

June 2, 2026 Soling Season Starts. Tuesday Regattas 1PM to 3PM
June 18, 2026 AMYA Region 1 US12 Championship at Back Bay 1PM to 3PM – Free to Register
July 4, 2026 Model Yachting Day. Try RC Sailing at Back Bay. Volunteers Needed!
July 6-10, 2026 Soling Building Workshop
August 15, 2026 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
September 13, 2026 6th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 22, 2026 Soling Season Ends
September 24, 2026 US12 Season Ends
September 29, 2026 Soling Enduro
October 1, 2026 US12 Enduro
November 3, 2026 Dock Out

Past Events:

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

Volunteer of the Year Award

Posted on May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 by Paul McBride

Starting with the 2023 season, the Back Bay Skippers added an award for the volunteer of the year. It was only fitting that the first award go to the club’s greatest volunteer of all time, our Commodore and founder of the club, Mark Whitehead.

Unlike our other awards, which were made by Mark Whitehead, this award was made another talented woodcrafter in our club, Ken Gerber. As Ken has become very adept at CAD and 3D printing, we may be seeing 3D printed awards in the future.

Volunteer of the Year

2023 – Mark Whitehead
2024 – Tim Wright
2025 – Al Stevens

Model Yachting News • Week Ending May 23, 2026

Posted on May 23, 2026May 27, 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

Well-Deserved Award

Since Al Stevens will be unable to attend the upcoming awards ceremony at Brookwoods, he was presented the Volunteer of the Year Award for 2025 at this week’s Soling regatta. The award recognizes his dedicated hard work for the Model Yacht Building Program. Al spent hours identifying, labeling, and packaging all the parts required, and helped lead the Soling boatbuilding workshop.

New Skipper

We welcomed Charlie Lincoln to the Back Bay Skippers this week. Charlie has refurbished an old Soling and is in the process of getting himself and the boat tuned for competition.

As a demonstration of what the Back Bay Skippers are, Ted Monetta worked with Charlie and his boat the entire afternoon, helping Charlie get off on the right foot. Thank you so much, Ted!

A Snowbird Returns

Jim Opie returned to the fold this week for his first regatta of the season. Jim pulled off a tie for second in Race #10, so he truly is ready for action.

Out on the Water

For the May 19 Soling regatta, twelve skippers launched on yet another blustery day, completing twelve races. Seven skippers qualified for scores, and once again Tim Wright led the way with 1.0. Linwood Davis met the challenge of a hard wind by placing second with a score of 2.6. It has become a habit for Jeff Witzel to be in the top three, and his score of 2.9 qualified him for third place, only three tenths behind Linwood.

Bill Malay was leading all the way in Race #12, only to be overtaken just a few feet from the finish. We’re not sure how accurate the scoring for Ted Monetta is because he and Charlie Lincoln were swapping boats and Ted’s #237 is faster.

Sadly, the commodore, Mark Whitehead, had smoke billowing from the hold of his #12, leaving the electronics inoperable for the entire regatta.

Soling Scores, May 19, 2026
 1. Tim Wright       1.0
 2. Linwood Davis    2.6
 3. Jeff Witzel      2.9
 4. Ted Monetta      4.8
 5. Jim Opie         5.1
 6. Bill Malay       5.3
 7. Doug Griggs      5.4
 8. Rick Gates       -50% 3.0
 9. Denis Boisvert   -50% 4.0 sailing VM
10. Anthony Quinn    -50% 10.0
11. Charlie Lincoln  Not Scored
12. Mark Whitehead   Fire in the Hold

US12 Sailing

On Thursday, May 21, only four sailors showed up for US12 sailing. Perhaps it was due to the cool weather, overcast skies, and strong winds. Along with B. B. Wright, our scorekeeper, they were treated to a wonderful afternoon of sailing. Jim Opie, John Simms, Bill Malay, and Tim Wright had some very good races, and started a round-robin, where each skipper sails every boat. It went well until a collision dis-masted Jim’s boat on the final race of that series. He wasn’t steering, and Tim doesn’t want you to know who was. Jim showed off his building and troubleshooting skills by getting his boat back on the water quickly.

While scores were kept, the racing was very informal, and by my judgment, all of the sailors were winners — just for being there at all.

AMYA Region 1 US12 Championship

In case you haven’t heard, the Back Bay Skippers are hosting the Region 1 US12 championship during one of our regular sailing sessions on June 18. If you are a member of the AMYA, you can sign up on the AMYA website for no charge. If you aren’t a member but want to sail, you can. Your scores won’t be counted in the AMYA event but will count for the spring and season series. If you prefer to watch without sailing, you might consider loaning your boat in case it’s needed. Tim is loaning his backup boat, but others might ask for one.

We look forward to seeing more sailors next week.

Register for AMYA US12 Championship

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. Please note that because of the Model Yachting Fair, there will be no Soling regatta Tuesday, May 26.

Upcoming Events: [2026 Schedule]

May 26, 2026 Model Yachting Fair at Camp Brookwoods
June 2, 2026 Soling Season Starts. Tuesday Regattas 1PM to 3PM
June 4, 2026 US12 Season Starts. Thursday Regattas 1PM to 3PM
June 18, 2026 AMYA Region 1 US12 Championship at Back Bay 1PM to 3PM – Free to Register
July 4, 2026 Model Yachting Day. Try RC Sailing at Back Bay
July 6-10, 2026 Soling Building Workshop
August 15, 2026 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
September 13, 2026 6th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
September 22, 2026 Soling Season Ends
September 24, 2026 US12 Season Ends
September 29, 2026 Soling Enduro
October 1, 2026 US12 Enduro
November 3, 2026 Dock Out

Past Events:

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 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

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 • 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

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