Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Editing and Proofreading Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B.B. Wright, Mark Whitehead, Kathleen Whitehead
Layout by Ken Gerber
Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry
e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com
First In
We have photographic evidence that Steve Towne was first to launch his yacht in early April, sailing the waters of Lake Wentworth. Al Posnack claims that he sailed from the dock at his home, but that’s only a rumor.
Rules and Roundings: Part 2
Attended by nineteen Back Bay Skippers, it was on April 8 that Tim Wright continued with his education program on Zoom. The session was programmed by Steve Leker and illustrated with photographs by B. B. Wright.
The rules of sailing are designed to prevent collisions out on the water so it’s important that we all understand the right-of-way. Congestion at the marks is often caused by skippers not fully understanding those rules and the nuances of taking the most tactically appropriate course. With the aid of some great photos and videos, Tim demonstrated the rules and tactics required.
Meet a New Skipper
Chuck Rudinsky has joined our group, participating in “Dock In” and getting in a little sailing time with his new boat. Chuck hails from Gilford and is a seasoned sailor but is new to RC sailing. For many years, he has raced “Finns,” a single-handed Olympic class and a very difficult boat to master.
Also there to watch the action were Dan and Nancy Simonds from Laconia. Dan will be making his Soling during the July workshop.
Yahoo! The Dock Is In!
Right on schedule, the dock went in on April 22 and sailing started as soon as the buoys were placed. The weather even cooperated, giving us sixty-degree temperatures and calm seas.
As usual we had a spectacular crew to handle the task.
Left to Right: Bill Malay, Ted Monetta, Kevin Bennett, Anthony Quinn (hiding), Chuck Rudinsky, Paul McBride, Ken Gerber, Tom Barstow, Tim Wright, B. B. Wright, and Karen Enos. Front Row: Mark Whitehead, Joel Nelson, and Steve Leker. Not shown: Bruce Wilhelm and John Simms of the transportation crew.
The maiden voyages of the buoy boats and the RC buoy were performed. Over the winter, Steve Leker built a movable RC buoy and a boat to deliver the buoy while Mark Whitehead built a sister delivery boat. The system proved to be a complete success.
Great Weather So Why Not
Thursday’s forecast was for warm weather and 7 mph WSW winds so the skippers went right to the water. The US12 group got an early start this spring, and there were more than just US12 sailors. In all, we had five sailors sailing four different classes. Jeanne Butler and Chuck Rudinsky sailed Solings, Mark Bodenstab sailed a US 1M from the San Antonio collection that he’s refurbishing, and Jim Opie and Tim Wright sailed US12s. Tim also sailed an RC Laser for one race.
The sailing was delightful, the wind had its moments, and the little flying things were annoying but not biting. Although scores were kept, it is too early in the season to start writing about it. Jim Opie’s US12 had some wonderful moments and looked very good. Chuck Rudinsky is getting in practice with his Soling, so keep an eye on his progress! Jeanne repainted her boat, this time in “submarine gray.” We haven’t seen it underwater to see if that’s an appropriate name for it. Hopefully we don’t! It looks just fine on top of the water.
The weather was very nice, the wind okay, and the company delightful. It was good to see so many familiar faces. B. B. Wright was scoring; Diane Guerriere manned the timer, offering support; and Anthony Quinn came by to check out the action and drop off some sails. All in all, it was a great start to our Thursday sailing.
We’re getting ready for another wonderful season and look forward to more people coming out and getting their feet (and their boats) wet!
Sailing on Back Bay
The sailing season has started with radio-controlled model yachts on Back Bay in Wolfeboro from 1 PM to 3 PM weekly, the Solings on Tuesday and the US12s on Thursday, weather permitting. Wednesday serves as an alternate day should sailing conditions be poor.
Join the fun! We love to share so don’t be shy about asking to try your hand at the controls. Come watch the show or take a picture. It’s a sight to behold.
Videos and Photos
- Back Bay Skippers Video (WMUR NH Chronicles)
- Back Bay Skippers YouTube Channel
- Latest Videos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
- Latest Photos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
- Photo Gallery
Previous Highlights
- Sasquatch Regatta (Nor’easter Footy Series) 2021, 2019
- Sheila Ryan Memorial Footy Regatta 2021, 2020
- Awards for 2019 Season
- Tim Wright Wins CAN/AM Challenge 2019
- Lake Discovery Camp 2019
- US12 AMYA Region 1 Championship, Nashua
- Spring Skippers Party 2019
Score Sheets
Upcoming Events: [2025 Schedule]
- April 29 – October 28 , 2025 Regattas 1PM-3PM Tuesday Solings, Thursdays US12
- May 20, 2025 Season Starts, First Scored Regatta
- May 28, 2025 Model Yachting Fair and 2024 Awards Presentation
- June 14, 2025 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
- July 5, 2025 Model Yachting Day
- July 7-11, 2025 Model Yacht Building
- September 11, 2025 Scoring Season Ends
- September 14, 2025 5th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
- October 28, 2025 Dock Out
Past Events:
- September 8, 2024 4th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH [More Photos]
- July 8-12, 2024 NHBM Model Yacht Building Workshop
- 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