Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Limited Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B.B. Wright, Mark Whitehead
Layout by Ken Gerber
Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry
e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com
Unbelievable – No Rain!
More unbelievable was the wind. When we set up, the wind was an ideal 8 or 9 mph, but as races started, it fluctuated from 0 to 5 or 6 to 8 or 0 to 3, with wind in some places and none in others. Strange, strange, strange!
It was, however a glorious day to be sailing on Back Bay, with sunshine and temperatures in the mid-seventies. Twenty-two skippers launched, fifteen from the Master Class and seven from the Sailor Class.
Awards were given to three who were absent at the Model Yachting Fair. Bruce Wilhelm received a certificate for third place in the Summer Series and a third place for the 2024 season in the Soling Sailor Class. Linwood Davis received his first-place Soling Sailor Class award in both the Summer Series and the season. To Jeff Witzel went a Summer Series certificate and season award for second place in the Soling Master Class.
Solings Out on the Water
The Sailor Class first and second places were the same as last week. Chuck Rudinsky led with two wins and four seconds, scoring 1.86. Don McBride tallied three wins for a second-place score of 2.00. Third place went to Jim Opie with two wins, two seconds, and a score of 2.57.
Tim Wright was at the top of the Master Class with a mere three wins and a score of 2.14. With one win and two seconds, Lin Davis’ score of 5.00 placed second. Rounding out the top three was Rick Gates with a score of 5.83, two second-place finishes.
US12 Regatta
On Thursday, June 5th, eight US12 sailors were treated to a beautiful day of sailing. The winds were as consistent as they get on Back Bay, and the hot sun was cooled off by the perfect breeze. It only took until 2:45 to get in twelve races, at which time we decided to call it a day as it was the hottest day of the season so far. Thanks to our well-known “guest” scorekeeper, Karen Enos, for covering the regatta. She found that with only eight sailors, it is much more comfortable in the shade across the walking path. Since the sailors aren’t used to leave the sightlines open from across the path, quite a few times we heard “So and so, please move!” It was a challenge for the eight of us to remember the scorer was behind us, but definitely brought more heat relief for the scorer.
US12s on the Water
On the course, Tim Wright sailed well and finished in first overall, winning eleven of twelve races with one third-place finish. The other winner of a race was Jim Opie. The racing was tight throughout, with seven of eight sailors having a third-place finish or better, and all but Tim throwing out a sixth place or worse.
In the end, John Simms came in second with 7 second-place finishes and an average score of 2.70. In third, Rick Gates had another consistent day with 2 seconds and 5 third-places finishes and a 3.10 average. In fourth, with a second and 4 thirds was Don McBride and a score of 3.90. Jim Opie was fifth with a 4.40 average. Along with his win, Jim had a third and a couple of fourths. Bruce Wilhelm came in sixth (5.30), and had a second and third place finishes.
Rick Laird (5.60) came back to sail his new boat again, but was still having water intrusion issues. There was a lot of water in his boat by the end of the day. He was sailing a heavier boat each race. No one could see where it is entering. He finished in seventh place. In eighth, Anthony Quinn had a short day. A shroud let go after a collision which he couldn’t fix on site. After four races, with no throw outs, he had a score of 5.75.
The sailing was great, the weather couldn’t get much better, and the competition was stiff. However, the best part is always the camaraderie which always makes it worthwhile. We look forward to our next chance to sail, on June 12th and hope you can join us for another pleasant Thursday afternoon on Back Bay.
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
Upcoming Events: [2025 Schedule]
- April 29 – October 28 , 2025 Regattas 1PM-3PM Tuesday Solings, Thursdays US12s
- June 14, 2025 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
- July 5, 2025 Model Yachting Day
- July 7-11, 2025 Model Yacht Building
- 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:
- September 8, 2024 4th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH [More Photos]
- 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