Tim Wright Reports the US12 News
The US12 fleet sailed on Wednesday, July 3, so they would miss the holiday parade traffic and find parking in the Back Bay lot. Those who showed up were treated to wonderful weather, the usual quirky wind shifts, and a great day of sailing. Although it was hot, the wind also was present most of the time, and we managed to complete fourteen races.
There were come-from-behind victories, close finishes, and mysterious gusts that helped some sail right past others stalled out.
At the end of the day, Tim Wright won the day with eleven victories. The race for second place was between Tom Greig and Bill Hagerup. Each had a first place, and scoring was so close it came down to the last race. The difference was five hundredths of a point, with Bill coming in just ahead of Tom. Don McBride wasn’t far behind, and seems to be getting his boat going well. Paul McBride, who stepped up to help run last week’s racing, and Paul Wallace challenged each other. They are two of the most dedicated sailors, showing up for both Soling 1M’s as well as US12s.
The US12 fleet is smaller than the Solings, and the racing is less stressful. Hopefully we can get a few more dedicated sailors to come out and enrich the fleet.
NH Boat Museum Enhances Soling Kits for Better Sailing
The 2019 model yacht-building class is underway. Six participants signed up for the workshop and are well on their way to producing some new yachts to challenge the Back Bay Skippers.
Traditionally, it has been a winter class, but this year, in an effort to attract some younger skippers, we have joined the museum’s family boatbuilding session. The class is a fifty-fifty mix of youngsters and seniors — just what we were looking for.
This year’s class participants are Chris Proctor, Gary Martin, Cameron Roderick, Nelson Steiner, Clinton Wolcott, and Jack Minaham. Instructors offering guidance are Tim Wright, Anthony Quinn, Bob Brennan, and Mark Whitehead.
Bob Brennan Reports and Reports and Reports…
The Soling race day was under sunny and breezy skies, with the wind dropping off and picking up at random times. Seventeen boats started the day, but before the racing began, Tim Wright gave a quick lesson on sailing rules that included port, starboard right-of-way, and privileged boat rules. It came in handy because we split the fleet into Masters and Sailors from time to time. The delayed start caused some avoidance at the X as the boats crossed at the upwind and downwind intersection.
If you have been at a Tuesday sail, you might have noticed that Rick Lalley has a new mobile stand that assists him moving up and down the path. I know that last season Rick missed a few buoys from his fixed position at the start-finish. Not that he needs any more of an advantage over the others, but Rick has had a very good start to the season.
I heard my first cry of “milfoil” that sent a chill down most of us. I think it was a false claim by Al Stevens to try and get sympathy for his frustrating day at the controls. No quarter given, and to be fair, Al never asked. The pole was in frequent use, and mast-mating was a common occurrence with some of the boats. The birth of baby Solings should occur within six weeks – or, at the very least, we’ll see new boats being built at the museum.
Don McBride had the big fail of the day by losing control of his boat and watching it sail to the docks at the Saw Mill Marina. Somebody made the comment that it was the fastest he’d seen Don’s boat move! Don Cundy jumped into action with the QAT (Quick Action Team). It’s really just a team of one, but Don was on it, retrieving McBride’s boat sans standing mast. A true veteran, Don McBride spent the remainder of his day relaxing on the bench and sharing exploits from his past to anyone who would listen. I’ve taken part on the bench myself, and Don is an interesting guy for sharing a conversation.
Out on the Water
In the July 9 Sailor Class regatta it was Tom Greig who led the pack. For years, Tom didn’t want to be scored, so we’re pleased to see him in his proper place on the leader board. John Russell sailed well this week, taking second place. Don McBride demonstrated his skills as well, coming in a strong third. One of the great New England skippers, Bob Pacini, joined us making an impressive showing as a guest skipper.
The Master Class maintained the status quo with Tim Wright leading the way, followed by Rick Lalley in second, and Howard Germon in third.
Join the Fun
If you don’t want to build a boat, we’ll help you find a used one. Don’t want to sail? Just come and watch — we put on a great show every Tuesday and Thursday starting at 1:00 PM, weather permitting. Be sure to bring your camera.