Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright, Rick Parent, Al Posnack
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B. B. Wright, Tim Wright, Anne Lennon, Janet Dotolo, Mark Whitehead
Layout by Ken Gerber
Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry
e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com
Model Yacht Day
On July 5, the Back Bay Skippers, led by Rick Parent and his Squadron 57 fleet, set up shop at the Back Bay Skippers dock on Bridge Falls Path for a fun-filled day of interactive sailing. Boats available for launch consisted of a few Soling 1m’s, a Soling 50, a Santa Barbara, a couple of US12s, and a CN 12. The wildcat was an RC catamaran.
By Annie Lennon’s count and the medals available (approximately 135), she concluded that the day garnered 125 participants. Probationary skippers from small to big kids tested their navigational talents as they maneuvered the boats with great enthusiasm. There were some competitive challenges given and accepted by numerous siblings, and in good fun there were a lot of smiles all around.
The weather provided an exceptional day for sailing. Fair winds intermingled with gusts up to 7 knots, and the variety made for a challenging but enjoyable day on Back Bay for those in attendance.
The day wouldn’t have been a success if not for the help provided by some of the most talented Back Bay Skippers. The crew consisted of Tim Wright, Henry Clare, Kyle Blaisdell, Jeanne Butler, Dianne Labella, Curran, Dave Corbett, and Doug Breskin who brought his catamaran.
Annie Lennon set up a table for the New Hampshire Boat Museum and had a good amount of attendees who wanted to hear about the Back Bay Skippers as well as the museum itself. Pamphlets and fliers about what the boat museum and its various activities encompass were distributed by Annie.
At the end of the day, while reflecting on the day’s event, the one thing that stood out was a larger number of participants than the prior year. We even had some who’d attended in the past.
Stay tuned, because next year’s model yachting day will have a new boat added to the fleet.
I’d like to give a shout out to a few helpers who came in under the radar. I couldn’t have set up nor broken down the event without the help of my sister, Jen Roderick, my mother, Rollande Cardin, and my brother-in-law, Ron Lewis. Ron provided transport of gear during the night’s wee hours before the multitudes filled prime parking spots near the path. He not only helped with delivery but also helped raise the tent and set up chairs and tables pre-event. He remained to help during breakdown, stuffing gear back into the trailer and vehicles, and picking up debris left in the aftermath. Additionally, a huge thanks goes to Tim Wright, who was at the dock waiting to help me build the display and rig the boats. Without all of them, I’d still be stuffing to this day. Thanks! You guys ROCK!
Got Weed?
People are talking! It’s all over Wolfeboro and the surrounding area! Last Tuesday, joggers, dog walkers, bike riders, lovers, mothers with babies, and random tourists came upon a most curious sight. There on Bridge Falls Path was a group of mostly middle-age to senior citizens, and they all were saying the same thing to one another: “Got weed!” “Got weed!” “Got weed!” Right there in public!
Some thought it was a Woodstock reunion group; others thought it was some kind of strange therapy session — but clearly, they all were afraid to ask! For the skippers, it was definitely an herbal day on the racecourse, with most boats coming to the dock after every race to check their keels and rudders, many of them heading right to the recourse sheet.
As for the racing, we had a nice northwesterly breeze of 5 to 10 knots, with occasional lulls or strong blasts to keep it interesting. The wind was very shifty, which kept everyone on their toes on the upwind legs as well as the starting line. For the starts, the favored end kept flipping from one end to the other, resulting in traffic jams, first at the near end of the line and later at the far end, as skippers jockeyed for the perfect start. For every boat that squirted ahead at the start, another was flushed out the back. That’s sailboat racing for you! Also, the short final leg to the finish line proved extremely challenging due to the shifty breeze, with many places gained and lost in the final few yards. A teachable moment for all!
In the Sailor fleet, we had six boats. Doug Griggs grabbed a bullet in the first race, and hung on to finish third for the day with a 2.6 average. Dave Hogensen was very consistent, earning second place for the day with a 1.7 average that included four second-place finishes and five bullets. Chuck Rudinsky squeaked into the top spot for the day with a 1.4 average that included four second-place finishes and six bullets! Jeanne Butler, Dave Corbett, and Clint Wolcott all had moments of brilliance, which is what makes sailboat racing so much fun!
Eleven boats raced in the Masters fleet where the competition was very tight throughout the day. In fact, ten of the eleven boats had at least one finish of third place or higher! The racing was very challenging, and everyone was happy to complete twelve races so they could have two throw-outs! Denis Boisvert had an outstanding day with three bullets in the first seven races and consistent sailing for the other races, earning third place for the day with a 3.4 average. Jeff Witzel managed only one bullet, but his high finishes throughout the day earned him second place overall with a 2.9 average. And perennial champ Tim Wright led the day once again with six wins and an average of 1.4. How does he do it?
Front Row: Henry Clare, Ellie Terry, Mark Bodenstab, Janet Dotolo, Ryan Gironda;
Back Row: Doug Griggs, Jim Ott, David Wolfe, Mark Whitehead, Carter Terry, Emily Terry, Alice Terry, Bryer Cain, Patti Cain, Don Mc Bride, Tim Wright, Eric Vita, Alex Stanley, Paul Stanley, Bruce Wilhelm, Dan Simonds, and Paul Lang
Model Yacht Building
July 7 was the start of the 2025 Model Yacht Building Class. In three and a half days the class produced eight beautiful new Soling model yachts in record time. We normally struggle to complete the boats in five days. This year’s boatbuilders were: the family of Carter, Emily, Alice, and Ellie Terry; Bryer Cain; Eric Vita; Ryan Gironda; Alex Stanley; Jim Ott; Dan Simonds; and Dave Wolfe.
Assisting the younger set were Patti Cain, Janet Dotolo, and Paul Lang.
A spectacular group of instructors made the workshop a very smooth-running and professional process. They included Tim Wright, Linwood Davis, Bruce Wilhelm, Doug Griggs, Don McBride, Henry Clare, Mark Bodenstab, and Mark Whitehead. The boat stands were built by Steve Leker, and our official sail maker was Anthony Quinn.
Thursday turned out to be launch day instead of another daylong construction session, and most of the builders spent time sailing their new model yachts on Back Bay with “smiles all around.”
US12 Sailing on July 10
It was an unusual summer day. After lots of heat and humidity, it was almost cool, with cloudy skies and rain falling throughout the morning. Several of this year’s builders of radio-controlled Solings brought their brand-new boats to Back Bay for maiden voyages. Just as they were finishing their test sails, six US12 sailors showed up for their weekly racing.
We had the usual Back Bay wind shifts, but the wind held, the racing was keen, and the competition was close. Each sailor had at least one second-place finish. Turnover time between races was limited and the group managed to complete fourteen races.
A special mention goes to Bob Brennan, whose boat was holed at the first mark in his second race. He finished the race to find a pencil-sized hole near the bow and above the water line. He was out for two races then finished the day with some tape covering the hole. Despite tape, he had his two best finishes of the day — a second and a third — finishing sixth overall with a 4.29 average. In fifth was Rick Gates, who made the long trip from Nashua to race his boat with its new sails. He had a second and two thirds, finishing in fifth place with 3.89.
Rick Laird made a longer trip from Boston to sail with us. He had two seconds, six thirds, and a final average of 3.25 to finish in fourth place. John Simms was just ahead with a 3.08 average and a third-place finish for the day. He had two firsts, two seconds, and two third-place finishes. Lin Davis sailed a loaner boat once again and did very well. He had three firsts, five seconds, and a 2.25 average. Tim Wright won the day with ten firsts and two seconds, his score an impressive 1.17.
The spring season has now ended. Next week is a week of unscored racing before we start the summer season the following week. We were delighted to have many spectators enjoy the racing on such a refreshing day. It was a good day to be outside enjoying the rain-free, cool weather.
Thanks to all who help make this possible — from tying up the crash boat to helping carry chairs and other gear, and offering help to each other in a variety of ways. Another special mention goes to our scorekeeper, B. B. Wright. She spends the afternoon answering questions, taking photos and videos, and calling the starts and finishes, occasionally enduring the hot sun.
Sailing on Back Bay
Join us for Model Yacht sailing 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.
It’s 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
2025-07-08 Soling Sailor Class Regatta | ||||
| Name | Races/Throws (Pct) | Total Pts. | Average | Score |
| Rudinsky, Chuck | 10/2 (100%) | 14 | 1.40 | 1 |
| Hogenson, Dave | 10/2 (100%) | 17 | 1.70 | 2 |
| Griggs, Doug | 10/2 (100%) | 26 | 2.60 | 3 |
| Corbett, Dave | 5/1 (45%) | 15 | 3.00 | 4 |
| Wolcott, Clint | 9/1 (82%) | 38 | 4.22 | 5 |
| Butler, Jeanne | 5/1 (45%) | 22 | 4.40 | 6 |
2025 Soling Sailor Class Season Scores | |||||
| Name | Class | % Regattas | Score | 2024 | Diff |
| Clare, Henry | Sailor | 0% | 0.00 | 10.50 | -10.50 |
| Rudinsky, Chuck | Sailor | 88% | 1.14 | ||
| McBride, Donald | Sailor | 25% | 2.00 | ||
| Bennett, Kevin | Sailor | 88% | 2.57 | 6.67 | -4.10 |
| Hogenson, Dave | Sailor | 38% | 2.67 | 2.25 | 0.42 |
| Opie, Jim | Sailor | 25% | 3.50 | 2.67 | 0.83 |
| Bodenstab, Mark | Sailor | 38% | 3.67 | 5.38 | -1.71 |
| Griggs, Doug | Sailor | 50% | 3.75 | ||
| Barstow, John | Sailor | 25% | 4.00 | 3.78 | 0.22 |
| Corbett, Dave | Sailor | 25% | 4.50 | 5.36 | -0.86 |
| Wolcott, Clint | Sailior | 25% | 5.00 | 3.80 | 1.20 |
| Butler, Jeanne | Sailor | 25% | 5.50 | 10.33 | -4.83 |
| Currier, Dick | Sailor | 25% | 6.00 | 8.14 | -2.14 |
| Curran | Sailor | 25% | 6.00 | 6.00 | 0.00 |
2025-07-08 Soling Master Class Regatta | ||||
| Name | Races/Throws (Pct) | Total Pts. | Average | Score |
| Wright, Tim | 10/2 (100%) | 14 | 1.40 | 1 |
| Witzel, Jeff | 10/2 (100%) | 29 | 2.90 | 2 |
| Boisvert, Denis | 10/2 (100%) | 34 | 3.40 | 3 |
| Posnack, Al | 10/2 (100%) | 38 | 3.80 | 4 |
| Davis, Linwood | 10/2 (100%) | 52 | 5.20 | 5 |
| Leker, Steve | 10/2 (100%) | 52 | 5.20 | 5 |
| Pacini, Bob | 10/2 (100%) | 56 | 5.60 | 7 |
| Monetta, Ted | 10/2 (100%) | 57 | 5.70 | 8 |
| Wilhelm, Bruce | 10/2 (100%) | 69 | 6.90 | 9 |
| Gerber, Ken | 10/2 (100%) | 79 | 7.90 | 10 |
| Quinn, Anthony | 9/1 (82%) | 78 | 8.67 | 11 |
2025 Soling Master Class Season Scores | |||||
| Name | Class | % Regattas | Score | 2024 | Diff |
| Wright, Tim | Master | 88% | 1.00 | 1.08 | -0.08 |
| Witzel, Jeff | Master | 62% | 2.40 | 2.83 | -0.43 |
| Gates, Rick | Master | 25% | 3.50 | 8.38 | -4.88 |
| Posnack, Al | Master | 88% | 5.00 | 5.18 | -0.18 |
| Boisvert, Denis | Master | 88% | 5.71 | 5.90 | -0.19 |
| Jousse, Alain | Master | 12% | 6.00 | ||
| Leker, Steve | Master | 50% | 6.00 | 7.62 | -1.62 |
| Monetta, Ted | Master | 100% | 6.00 | 6.43 | -0.43 |
| Davis, Linwood | Master | 100% | 6.62 | ||
| Cundy, Don | Master | 38% | 6.67 | 3.38 | 3.29 |
| Barstow, Tom | Master | 62% | 7.20 | 6.25 | 0.95 |
| Whitehead, Mark | Master | 88% | 7.43 | 6.69 | 0.74 |
| Quinn, Anthony | Master | 62% | 8.20 | 8.83 | -0.63 |
| Pacini, Bob | Master | 88% | 8.29 | 8.00 | 0.29 |
| Malay, Bill | Master | 50% | 8.75 | 10.00 | -1.25 |
| Gerber, Ken | Master | 50% | 9.00 | 9.00 | 0.00 |
| Ware, Genie | Master | 38% | 10.33 | ||
| Laird, Richard | Master | 25% | 10.50 | ||
| Wilhelm, Bruce | Master | 75% | 12.33 |
2025-07-10 US12 Regatta | ||||
| Name | Races/Throws (Pct) | Total Pts. | Average | Score |
| Wright, Tim | 11/2 (100%) | 13 | 1.18 | 1 |
| Davis, Lin | 11/2 (100%) | 25 | 2.27 | 2 |
| Simms, John | 11/2 (100%) | 33 | 3.00 | 3 |
| Laird, Rick | 11/2 (100%) | 35 | 3.18 | 4 |
| Gates, Rick | 9/1 (75%) | 36 | 4.00 | 5 |
| Brennan, Bob | 6/1 (50%) | 25 | 4.17 | 6 |
2025 US12 Class Season Scores | |||||
| Name | Class | % Regattas | Score | 2024 | Diff |
| Wright, Tim | Sailor | 100% | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 |
| Chalder, Glenn | Sailor | 20% | 2.00 | ||
| Davis, Lin | Sailor | 40% | 2.00 | 4.00 | -2.00 |
| Simms, John | Sailor | 100% | 3.00 | 2.57 | 0.43 |
| Quinn, Anthony | Sailor | 60% | 3.33 | 5.23 | -1.90 |
| McBride, Donald | Sailor | 40% | 3.50 | 4.43 | -0.93 |
| Gates, Rick | Sailor | 40% | 4.00 | 3.93 | 0.07 |
| Brennan, Bob | Sailor | 40% | 4.50 | 5.80 | -1.30 |
| Laird, Rick | Sailor | 40% | 5.50 | 3.40 | 2.10 |
| Wilhelm, Bruce | Sailor | 80% | 5.75 | 6.56 | -0.81 |
| Opie, Jim | Sailor | 60% | 6.00 | 6.40 | -0.40 |
Upcoming Events: [2025 Schedule]
- April 29 – October 28 , 2025 Regattas 1PM-3PM Tuesday Solings, Thursdays US12s
- 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:
- July 5, 2025 Model Yachting Day
- July 7-11, 2025 NHBM Model Yacht Building Workshop
- September 8, 2024 4th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH [More Photos]
- 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