Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Editing and Proofreading Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by B. B. Wright, Paul McBride, Mark Whitehead
Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Layout by Ken Gerber
Games by Dave Perry
e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com
A Thank-You
Tim Wright, Paul McBride, and Ken Gerber formed a committee to honor Karen Enos and B. B. Wright, Ken Gerber making the trophies presented to these dedicated scorekeepers.
Saying Good-Bye
Henry Clare, our youngest Back Bay Skipper, is headed to Montreal in Canada at the end of the week. He’ll return in the spring, but we stopped sailing for a few minutes to wish him well on his journey north. Bon voyage, Henry!
Fall?
It sure felt like fall for the August 20 Soling regatta, and that’s a good thing. Twenty-three skippers thoroughly enjoyed the much cooler temperatures and decent winds, the latter blustery enough to push boats to a full complement of twelve races. There were ten who participated in the Sailor Class and thirteen for the Master Class.
Plenty of spectators always make for a more festive event, and such was the case at this week’s regatta.
Solings Out on the Course
Keeping the boys in check, Genie Ware again issued the challenge of “catch me if you can.” They were stacked up behind her, but with three wins and consistent sailing, Genie prevailed with a score of 2.60. The three-way tie for second was only three tenths off the pace, John Barstow, Linwood Davis, and Bruce Wilhelm all scoring 2.90, each with two or three wins of their own. Although Clint Wolcott was only one point behind the lead with a score of 3.60, he had to settle for fifth.
Tim Wright had only seven wins this week but still managed a score of 1.44 for first place. Jeff Witzel scored one win and three seconds for 3.20 and second place overall. Don Cundy’s two wins, two seconds, and two thirds propelled him into third at 3.90. Getting back into form, Steve Leker tallied one win and three thirds for a 4.10 fourth-place finish, and Al Posnack joined the top five with three seconds and a score of 4.20.
A Better Week
After getting rained out last week, the eight US12 sailors were treated to a beautiful day for sailing. The temperatures were cool, the humidity low, and the winds perfect. There were some wind shifts and changes in velocity but not to the extent we are accustomed to on Back Bay. Thanks to our scorekeeper, B. B. Wright, for keeping us moving without much time between finishes and the next start, we completed twelve races before 2:40 p.m. and called it a day.
On the Course
Tim Wright led the fleet, winning eleven of twelve races while finishing with a 1.00 average. Rick Gates is obviously getting used to his new US12 and had eight top-three finishes, his average of 2.70 good for second place. Rick also won the last race of the day. In third, having an up-and-down day, was John Simms. His average was 3.30 after having six top-three finishes. In fourth was Don McBride with five top-three finishes and a 3.70 average. Rick Laird, the winner two weeks ago, had a 4.50 average and three top-three finishes. In sixth, Don Cundy had a 4.67 average, missing two races due to a battery issue and giving him only one throw-out score. His boat came to rest on the near shore but way down towards town. In seventh, Bob Brennan had a 5.10 average. He was a self-appointed “sweep” to make sure no one was lost or left behind on the course. We appreciate his devotion to duty. In eighth, and having numerous boat issues was Bruce Wilhelm. It seemed the boat gremlin took hold, giving Bruce issues that popped up at unexpected times. Yet, his racing abilities have definitely increased, something we see when all is going well with Bruce’s boat.
What we continue to appreciate as the season progresses is the camaraderie of our group. Friendships have been formed through sailing and racing model boats. The warmth of the group is palpable as we genuinely enjoy each other’s company. For example, one skipper didn’t sail today but came by to be with us on a tough day, he and his wife losing a beloved pet. Consolations were numerous and genuine. It is wonderful to be a part of this group for the support it provides, for the laughs we share, and for the hobby we all have in common.
On another note, there has been a marked increase in the competitiveness in both Soling and US12 fleets. It is harder and harder to do consistently well as sailors have improved their racing skills. They have become more knowledgeable, more competent, and more competitive. To be sure, the variety of skills necessary to improve as a racer makes the sport engaging and rewarding. At the same time, it can be extremely frustrating. The challenge of improving is what makes this sport captivating, and the support of others helps to keep the group strong, especially when Rule #1 is remembered: Have fun!
Hopefully, the weather for the rest of our sailing days will be as nice as the regatta we had on August 22. Regardless, we will enjoy the chance to sail and to be together, and will continue to share our sport with others in the days ahead. We hope to see you there!
Sailing on Back Bay
The 2024 season is in full swing, 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.
Come join the fun! We love to share so give it a try
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:
- August, 2024 Occasional Sunday Sailing at Lily Pond, Gilford NH hosted by Rick Parent
- September 8, 2024 Sunday, 4th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
Past Events:
- 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