Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Editing Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, Mark Whitehead, B.B. Wright
Layout & Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry
We Welcome a New Scorekeeper
New to the area, Karen Enos joined our group for the June 8 regatta as our scorekeeper. The best part was that she had fun and didn’t leave screaming and pulling out her hair! Keeping score is no easy task, and it’s a challenge holding everyone to the rules.
Karen is from Gulf Breeze, Florida and had lived there for twenty-four years. Previously, she lived in Dallas, Texas for twenty-five years and grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. She spent thirty-five years in the medical field, and is an avid scuba diver, gardener, and animal lover. She loves the water and grew up with boats, but all were powered.
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
- Sheila Ryan Memorial Footy Regatta
- Awards for 2019 Season
- Tim Wright Wins CAN/AM Challenge 2019
- Lake Discovery Camp 2019
- US12 AMYA Region 1 Championship, Nashua
- Sasquatch Footy Regatta (Nor’Easter Footy Series)
- Skippers Spring Party 2019
Score Sheets
Just One of Those Great Days
Fourteen skippers, Don Cundy as scorekeeper along with Karen Enos, plus B.B. Wright and regatta overseer Bill Quayle joined this week’s action.
It didn’t feel so hot thanks to a breeze coming across the bay, although thermometers insisted it was indeed hot. The winds held for most of the day at a good steady pace, allowing ten races to be completed. Tim Wright called the course and added a white center buoy for a better upwind leg. As always, it was close competition but smiles all around.
Out on the Water
In the Sailor Class, Steve Leker led the way with a good steady performance. The second spot went to Paul McBride, and third was earned by Joel Nelson, who is regaining his form after a 2020 hiatus. Anthony Quinn ran a strong fourth and Paul Wallace was fifth.
Tim Wright fought off a strong challenge from Don McBride to take the regatta win with eight victories. Don McBride’s Number 10 did a masterful job grabbing the second spot. After last week’s mechanical disaster, Mark Whitehead was back in contention with a third place. Al Posnack was in a “foul mood” that knocked him out of the top three, but he did manage to land in fourth. Richard Laird rectified some of his mechanical issues from last week to take fifth place.
The US12 Fleet
On June 10, the US12 fleet was treated to a delightful day of sailing on Back Bay. The humidity was gone, the temperatures were down to 80, and the winds were close to perfect for the boats (most of the time). The winds shifted a lot so every leg of every race was an adventure. The sailors were forced to focus all the time to take advantage of the changes.
Tim Wright was able to get to the front by the end of each race, but challenges were there. Many skippers flirted with the lead, and pushed Tim to sail his best. John Simms is getting more consistent with his starts, which is affecting his scoring in a positive way. Don Cundy was in the mix all day as were Jim Opie and Rick Parent. Paul McBride, Paul Wallace, and Bob Brennan were always ready to take advantage of any wind shift to improve their position as well. The group also welcomed Bob Strodel to the US12 fleet. He made his first showing with a new boat from Florida, and quickly found out there is a lot to learn. He displayed a great attitude and willingness to learn. Welcome, Bob!
Bob Brennan introduced us to his sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Andy Haskett, and their grandson, Jayce. Jayce and Andy took turns sailing one of Bob’s US12s while Donna enjoyed watching and taking pictures. They all seemed to have a great time with the Back Bay Skippers, being with Bob and sitting by the bay on a beautiful New Hampshire day. They let us know that it’s too hot in North Carolina at this time of year to spend time outside until it’s evening. We were happy to have them join us and hope they can return.
Our scorekeeper, B.B. Wright, kept the sailors moving, starting races shortly after the last boat finished. This enabled us to finish twelve races, which gave us two throw-outs each. One of our most faithful fans, Don Opie enjoyed watching both the sailors and the boats as they raced by.
We don’t always get such a nice day to sail and certainly enjoyed this one…. and hope for more just like it.
Coming Soon
The Sasquatch Footy Regatta is only one week away, June 19. Racing starts at 10 AM on Back Bay. Skippers from New Hampshire and Massachusetts will be challenging the winds of Wolfeboro for the Sasquatch Footy Trophy and, of course, bragging rights.
Join the Fun
The season is underway so folks are encouraged to stop by on Tuesday and Thursday at 1 PM to watch the action (weather permitting of course), or Wednesday if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate on Tuesday or Thursday. Make sure you have your camera at the ready.
This week Jack came to watch us sail and received a sailboat kit.
Upcoming events:
- June 19, 2021 Sasquatch Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Footy Series Race 2, 10AM Back Bay, Wolfeboro NH
- July 10, 2021 Scott Spacie Memorial Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Series Race 3, 11AM Rosemary Lake, Needham MA
- August 14, 2021 Sheila Ryan Memorial Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Series Race 4, 10AM Lily Pond, Gilford NH
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