Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Editing & Proofreading Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by B. B. Wright, Paul McBride, Mark Whitehead, Kathleen Whitehead
Layout by Ken Gerber
Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry
e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com
Recognition
Because of a glitch in the Soling spring series ending date, we have made an adjustment in the awards. Our race director, Don Cundy, earned second place in the spring series for the Soling Master Class as well as third place in the US12 Class. Don, being one of our top skippers, is always among the leaders out on Back Bay’s waters.
As race director, Don sets the course, calls the starts, and, in general, keeps us on track out on the course. In addition, he seems to have assumed weekly care of the dinghy. We sincerely appreciate his dedication, as several photos will show.
Commodore Mark Whitehead sailed to third place in the Master Class for the spring series.
The CanAm Challenge Regatta
The Stowe Model Yacht Club was able to revive its friendly Soling competition between the U.S. and Canada after a three-year COVID hiatus.
Tim Wright and Mark Whitehead from Back Bay Skippers drove to Stowe, Vermont to participate in the event held August 5-6. Twenty-one of the top skippers from both countries challenged Stowe’s infamous spotty winds at the sailing pond behind Commodores Inn. Both Tim and Mark – mostly Tim — were able to contribute to the U.S. team’s victory over our northern neighbor.
The top skippers were AMYA Region 1 Director Don Ouimette, Team USA, first; Jim Goddard, Team Canada, second; Bruce Nourjian, Stowe Model Yacht Club, Team USA, third; and Back Bay Skipper Tim Wright, Team USA, fourth. Mark Whitehead placed a respectable sixteenth, finishing in the top five for five races with one second and one third. Tim could brag about three first-place finishes, four seconds, and four thirds.
CanAm Challenge, Stowe VT, August 5-6, 2023
Solings
Rain on Tuesday and very strong winds on Wednesday canceled any chance for a regatta this week. The commodore’s wife always thinks it ironic that a sailboat race has to be canceled due to wind!
US12 Sailing
The winds for the US12s on Thursday lived up to Back Bay’s usual August variety. While we did have wind, we never knew where it was coming from. On one start, two boats were almost touching on parallel courses, close-hauled on different tacks for what seemed a long time. How is that even possible? It was some competitive racing as no lead was ever safe. Boats went flying past others as if they were standing still. Sometimes the gambles on where the wind would pick up paid off, and sometimes they really didn’t. Competitive racing, close finishes, and friendly vibes fill our Thursdays. B. B. Wright did another fine job of scoring, and resisted bribes from some of the sailors. Her integrity can’t be bought! We appreciate her willingness to come every Thursday and keep us moving in the right direction.
Out on the Water for the US12s
Tim Wright fought off many challengers throughout, and managed to win ten of the twelve races. He ended with a score of 1.0. Al Posnack joined the fleet with a borrowed boat and sailed to second place with a score of 2.5. He had the two other wins, three seconds, and three thirds. John Simms cruised to third place with a score of 3.2. He had five second-place finishes and two thirds. Don Cundy finished in fourth with a score of 4.3 and three third-place finishes. At 4.5, Don McBride had two seconds and a third, finishing in fifth place overall. Paul McBride had two thirds and finished in sixth place with a score of 4.6. Jim Opie, with one second-place finish, was right behind in seventh at 4.7. The last four finishers were only four tenths of a point apart. We hope for more good racing next week.
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
Sailing on Back Bay
The radio-controlled model yachts are 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.
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