Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Editing & Proofreading Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by B.B. Wright, Paul McBride, Mark Whitehead
Layout and Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry
e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com
B. B. Wright Comes to the Rescue
When Soling scorekeeper Karen Enos was under the weather this week, B. B. Wright, scorekeeper for the US12s, filled in. A great big thank-you goes to B. B. from all Soling skippers!
The Right Call
As usual, New England weather is very unpredictable, and this week was no exception. Because of cool temperatures and drizzle, Commodore Whitehead canceled Tuesday’s sailing, opting for Wednesday instead. Although wind wasn’t the greatest, Wednesday at least was warm and sunny. Hooray!
June 14 brought out twenty skippers for a seven-race Soling regatta. Joining us for the first time was Jeff Witzel with #34, newly acquired from Russ Schundler. Jeff has several boats in his fleet but until this week, not a Soling, with its own learning curve to master.
Also joining us for the first time this season were Genie Ware and John Barstow. In Genie’s first race, Race 6, she just blew away the male-dominated field with a decisive win. She’s won a race in the Sailor Class fleet before, but this was against both Sailor and Master classes. For her accomplishment, she was presented with a sailboat pin.
Out on the Water
This week, the Sailor Class was led by Steve Towne posting one win, two seconds, one third, and a couple of fourths. Tied for second place overall were Jay Burns and Anthony Quinn, Jay with one win and Anthony with two. The fourth spot went to Bill Malay with one win and one second-place finish.
The Master Class was led by Tim Wright with five wins and a second. Placing second for the second week in a row was Mark Whitehead, who is a mighty happy commodore about being more consistent. Among his finishes were one win and two seconds. Landing in third was Don Cundy posting three seconds.
US12s Launch for Race Day
The forecast for June 15 was ominous, but apparently the weather didn’t listen. Seven skippers were treated to a wonderful afternoon with good wind and sunny, partly cloudy skies. While the wind shifts were ever-present (When aren’t they?), the variable wind speed was right in the wheelhouse for the US12s. Thanks to our race director, Don Cundy, and scorekeeper, B. B. Wright, we were able to complete thirteen races.
Despite the fact there were only seven boats in any given race, there were still many collisions. In particular, Tim Wright’s boat seemed to seek out ways to get in the way of Don McBride. In one right-before-the-race foul, Tim did a pre-start 360°. Due to the effects of the foul on Don, Tim got a better start than Don, so did another 360° to make sure Don’s boat started out ahead of Tim’s boat on the windward leg.
We had mark-rounding issues as well as missed marks, which always affect the scoring. One lesson for everyone is to communicate your intentions, and make known your plans when right-of-way rules are concerned. For example, a leeward boat has right-of-way over a windward boat but can’t just head up. They need to let the windward boat know what they plan so the windward boat can make preparations for the upcoming maneuver. It’s a lesson for all of us that we should talk about what we’re planning for our boats when they come together.
As for the results, Jim Opie had a tough day, and finished in seventh place. Jim did manage to get a fourth-place finish, however. His persistence and tenacity will help to turn the tides. Bruce Wilhelm finished in sixth place, and had a third and three fourths. Paul McBride, in fifth, had a first, a second, and two thirds. Anthony Quinn had an interesting day. His own boat had a breakdown after the first race. He then raced a loaner to finish in fourth for the day. He had three seconds and a third. Don McBride managed to overcome the interactions with Tim’s boat to finish a solid third. He had two seconds and four thirds. In second, John Simms finished first in three consecutive races. He also had five second-place finishes. Tim Wright was able to get his boat away from Don McBride’s enough to win the day with nine firsts.
The scores, however, are secondary to the fun the group has together. We have become a family of like-minded people who enjoy the time we spend together. In this day and age that is priceless. Thanks to all of our volunteers, scorekeepers, writers, web page creators, and so many more. Thanks, too, to the sailors who help clean up after a day of racing. All the volunteers make a difference and are a strength of our group. The season is definitely in full swing.
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 is open for registration now so sign up 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