Written by Paul McBride, Mark Whitehead
Editing & Proofreading Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, Mark Whitehead
Layout and Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry
e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com
No Regattas This Week
The scheduled regattas for Solings and US12s were canceled this week due to poor weather, although only threatening clouds blew in for Thursday.
Model Yachting Day July 1
However, several Back Bay Skippers were able to sail this week at Model Yachting Day on Saturday, July 1, when passersby of all ages were encouraged to sail one of many Solings and US12s on display. Initiated by Rick Parent, this has become an annual event and now has support from the New Hampshire Boat Museum. Starting early in the morning, Rick set up his tent and extensive collection that included a Santa Barbara plus themed Solings and US12s. During the morning, many people stopped by to look at the boats and talk about sailing.
By the start of the sailing event at 1PM, Karen Enos had refreshments set up, and Anne Lennon, NHBM Programs and Events Manager, had a table set up with information and giveaways from the museum.
Everyone who passed by was encouraged to select a boat and try sailing. Rick and his family and friends helped with setting up and launching the boats, and Back Bay Skippers Tim Wright, Steve Leker, Anthony Quinn, Denis Boisvert, Paul McBride, and Rick helped with sailing instructions. Young and old had a great time. After a turn at sailing, children aged 12 and under not only received sailboat medals on ribbons with “Back Bay Skippers 2023” on the back but also were offered sailboat kits.
Fortunately, the sun, clouds, and winds were favorable for the event with enough of a breeze to keep the boats moving without unbearable calm. Steve Leker had a rescue tugboat ready, but it was not needed, as all equipment performed flawlessly and no rescues were required.
Entire families were sailing — parents and children. Some children even sailed multiple boats. The police boat, the pirate boat, the Santa Barbara, and Denis Boisvert’s schooner seemed to be especially popular.
By the end of the event, about thirty medals had been given out to children along with several sailboat kits. Many will have fond memories of sailing RC boats as well as conversations about sailing. Rick and his family and friends made quick work of packing up the tent, chairs, and boats — now ready for next year.
Wolfeboro Independence Day Parade, 10AM July 4, 2023
In Wolfeboro’s Fourth of July Parade, look for Rick Parent on the NHBM float with his Santa Barbara and one or two of his other boats. Also scheduled to be in the parade are boats and cars to be auctioned in the NE Vintage Boat and Car Auction on July 15 as well as two entries in the Vintage Race Boat Regatta to be held September 15 and 16.
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.
Because of so much interest in the sport, 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 has only one vacancy so anyone interested should sign up immediately on the NH Boat Museum website. The class runs from July 10 through July 14.
Model Yacht Building Workshop
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