Model Yachting News • February 2023

Posted on March 1, 2023March 15, 2024 by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Editing and Proofreading Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Tim Wright, B.B. Wright, Donna Gerber, Kelly Monetta,
Paul McBride, Don McBride, Elaine Leker, Mark Whitehead
Layout & Photo Captions by Paul McBride and Ken Gerber
Games by Dave Perry
e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

February Zoom Class
On February 15, the Back Bay Skippers held a Zoom session presented by Tim Wright and hosted by Steve Leker. It was about strategy and tactics, focusing primarily on starts. The presentation/discussion used photos and videos taken by B.B. Wright.

In the photo, the discussion centered on the danger of port-tack starts, as shown by #383* in a compelling sequence of photos. (Coincidentally, #383 is Tim Wright’s boat.) As a result of the rules infraction, Tim did two 360° turns – one for the mistake and one for the other sailor who was put in a bad situation due to his misjudgment. Some basic strategies were discussed, and examples were shown to help with the understanding of the rules and how to use them for tactical advantage.

The next session, on March 15 from 7:00-8:30 PM, will focus on upwind sailing and rounding marks.
(* The group has agreed to refer to boat numbers, unless they choose to “self-identify.”)

Mission Accomplished
It took some time and a lot of adjustments, but the updated sixty-four-page Soling manual has been completed. The manual will guide the building class and anyone else on everything needed to join the NH Boat Museum Soling fleet. The manual was accomplished by the hard work of Denis Boisvert, Steve Leker, and Mark Whitehead.

What’s Doing
We try to spread out the duties, so along with hosting the Zoom classes, Steve Leker has taken on the task of building the dozen Soling stands for this year’s class. Steve is well underway on the project, and you can follow his progress in the photos below.

Anthony Quinn donated, sized, and planed lumber for the project – mahogany, no less.

The job of building boat kits for the youngsters was given by Steve Leker to Ken Gerber. Although Ken looks a bit confused in the photo, we’re sure he can handle the task.

Many are in the process of building or refurbishing boats. For example, Tim Wright found some holes in the hulls of his US12s that needed major repair, his Soling mast requiring a little TLC as well. In Florida, Don McBride has become his neighborhood’s master Soling builder and repairman. Among his accomplishments is a thirty-year-old Soling with yellow sails.

Not to be outdone, Rick Parent from Springfield Point in Wolfeboro, just a little further north, will be sailing an absolutely spectacular Soling this season.

Ted Monetta of Gonic, our newest Skipper, is completing his 3D Soling and is chomping at the bit to show off his sailing skills.

Time to Sign Up
Because of the demand, the Soling building class was doubled in size this year. Last year’s class filled almost immediately so we have tried to meet that demand. The class is open for registration now so sign up on the NH Boat Museum website. The class runs from July 10 through July 14.