Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Editing and Proofreading Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by B. B. Wright, Paul McBride, Mark Whitehead
Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Layout by Ken Gerber
Games by Dave Perry
e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com
We Didn’t Think It Was Summer Yet
It’s easier to get used to the heat when done gradually. When temperatures suddenly rose to the high eighties on Tuesday, it took its toll on the Skippers — except for the Snowbirds!
There were sixteen who attacked the course for the May 21 Soling regatta, the first to be scored officially for the season. Instead of wind predicted to blow around 8 mph, we had a mixed bag with many dead spots, challenging all who competed. Members of the Master Class and Sailor Class raced together, and managed to complete nine races. A lot of us could have used twelve races for two throw-outs instead of only one!
We were surprised to have three weed calls so early in the season, and wondered if some inconsiderate person was dumping lawn trimmings into the bay. Boo! Hiss!
Al Stevens 1014, Fast Money
Along with Al Stevens’ Fast Money, Skipper Curran sported a new suit of spiffy sails as well. The fleet gets better looking every year.
.
The US12 in Action
Due to a threat of thunderstorms on Thursday, the US12 fleet sailed on Wednesday, May 22. The weather was hot, with temperatures touching 90°. It was especially hot for this early in the season. However, we did have a little wind now and then, and managed to complete eight races. Sailors were shaking off the cobwebs of boats not sailed since fall, and they managed to get in some spirited sailing — with numerous missed buoys and other signs of rust.
We thank our scorekeeper, B. B. Wright, who sat in the hot sun to keep us moving and provide an official voice. It was a good afternoon with a hope that we have many more to come.
Out on the Water
Bruce Wilhelm with three firsts and two seconds took top honors in the Soling Sailor Class. Bob Strodel posted four seconds and two thirds for second, and Mark Bodenstab got his #54 going with one second and three thirds for third. We can always count on Al Stevens to do the unusual, and he didn’t disappoint, earning fourth spot with a second, a third, a fourth, and two fifths. The new sail helped Curran take the fifth spot with a fourth and two fifths.
It was no surprise that Tim Wright took seven firsts and two seconds to lead the way in the Soling Master Class. Only six tenths behind was Jeff Witzel, who scored two firsts and six seconds for a solid second-place finish. Anthony Quinn complained about being promoted to the tough Master-Class competition but finished in third with one win and two thirds. It looked to the rest of us that he was right where he belonged. Ken Gerber sailed his #14 to one second and one third for a respectable fourth-place showing. Mark Whitehead, who hates light air, posted one second and two thirds for fifth place.
In the end, Tim Wright won the day in Wednesday’s US12 Class, with Anthony Quinn and Don McBride close behind. The fourth- and seventh-place finishers were less than seven tenths apart. In order, they were Bob Brennan, Bruce Wilhelm, Rick Gates, and Rick Laird. Jim Opie was eighth and was tuning his boat during the afternoon. Everyone in the fleet had at least a third-place finish. We all enjoyed the sailing and the camaraderie.
Sailing on Back Bay
The 2024 season has begun, with radio-controlled model yachts 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.
Come join the fun! We love to share so give it a try
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:
- June 15, 2024 Saturday, Sasquatch Footy Regatta – Race Notice
- July 6, 2024 Saturday, Model Yachting Day at Back Bay
- July 8-12, 2024 NHBM Model Yacht Building Workshop
- July 13, 2024 NHBM Vintage Boat Auction
- September 8, 2024 Sunday, 4th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
Past Events:
- 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 San Antonio Fleet Donation, SailFlow