Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Editing & Proofreading Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by B. B. Wright, Tim Wright, Paul McBride
Layout by Ken Gerber
Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry
e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com
In Memory of Lorraine Crocker
1932 – 2023
Sail Number 14
Model Yacht Building Class of 2013
Film Crew
In anticipation of the 2024 Zoom training classes, videographer Steve Leker brought his camera to get closeups of regatta starts and cross-traffic rights-of-way. Tim Wright and Steve worked together to come up with the best training shots.
It Must Be New England
We carefully check several weather reports the day before our regattas, make the call, and hope we are right. All too often, Mother Nature does what pleases her that day or minute, totally ignoring meteorologists. The October 24 Soling regatta was no exception. The forecast of partly sunny with winds of five to six mph, and reasonable temperatures was way off base. The reality was cold, cloudy, and a strange wind that hovered above the water at zero to four mph!
The good news is that Rule #1 (to have fun) was very much in evidence. The skippers who launched seventeen Solings and two US12s didn’t let any of the conditions bother them. When there was a lull, they had colorful fall foliage to admire and still managed to complete seven races.
Tuesday Scores US12s 1 Don McBride 1.4 2 Al Stevens 3.0 Sailor Class Solings 1 Ted Monetta 4.3 2 Jeff Witzel 7.0 2 Anthony Quinn 7.0 4 Jim Opie 7.8 5 Dave Corbett 9.0 6 Linwood Davis 9.4 7 Mark Bodenstab 10.0 8 Dick Currier 13.3 9 Skip Koehler 13.7 Master Class Solings 1 Tim Wright 1.6 2 Mark Whitehead 3.3 3 Don Cundy 3.8 4 Joel Nelson 5.5 5 Denis Boisvert 7.8
Solings on the Water
It was a bit weird to see boats moving from mark to mark over flat calm water. The first few races used only half the course, followed by a couple sailing the full course before switching back to half-course. As the wind disappeared completely, so did the sailors!
Don McBride brought his new Soling for sea trials, which he quickly abandoned for the borrowed #400 US12 and took the lead over Al Stevens’ #33, garnishing three wins and two second-place finishes.
The Sailor Class was led by Ted Monetta, who was able to master the light winds, scoring 4.3. Jeff Witzel and Anthony Quinn duked it out for second place with scores of 7.0. However, Anthony competed in only three races so the edge goes to Jeff. At 7.8, Jim Opie captured fourth. New skipper Dave Corbett with his on-the-job training scored 9.0, a good accomplishment. Congratulations, Dave, for rounding out the top five!
Our Master Class leader was the light-air wizard Tim Wright, who won the day with a 1.6, aided by his four wins. Commodore Mark Whitehead had a little more than his usual success in the light conditions, placing second with a 3.3 score. Don Cundy is always in the mix, placing third with his overall score of 3.8. Ending with a score of 5.5, Joel Nelson earned fourth place this week, and although Denis Boisvert struggled a bit, he landed in the top five at 7.8.
Always with a top score on OUR score sheet is Karen Enos, our faithful keeper with the watchful eye!
“Sail What You Bring”
The day was everything we could have hoped for (almost!). The temperature was unseasonably warm, the fall colors were still beautiful across the water, and the camaraderie was ever-present. While we had no wind before the racing started, the wind did make an appearance, giving us a variety of speeds from zero to eight. While directionally challenged, the wind still lasted long enough for ten races with a mixture of boats. There were three Solings, six US12s, and one Laser. With spirited and congenial racing, there was a sense that this was the last regular Thursday and we made the most of it. Next week, on Thursday, November 2, we sail at 11:00 AM for two hours, then the dock comes out and the season is over.
It has been a wonderful season of sailing. Throughout, we have been fortunate to have B. B. Wright score our races. Each Thursday, she keeps us moving so we can get our races started in a timely manner. All of the sailors thank her for the time and expertise she brings to the US12 sailing. She is one of the many dedicated volunteers who keep this program strong.
Every week, we expose spectators to the joys of sailing, and many take the opportunity to try it for themselves. There is great satisfaction in sharing our sport with others passing by. The smiles we induce, shown by the excitement of both the ones who dare to try and the ones who are content to watch, make each chance to share our boats special. Some spectators come on a regular basis just to watch. The Back Bay Skippers have a good thing going, and the weekly sailing will be missed. Even more, we will miss the camaraderie of the group. Our members are friends. As we spread out for the winter, we look forward to spring when we reconvene.
US12s on the Water
The boats were scored, not the competitors. Due to the relaxed nature of the day, there were no throw-outs for the scores. The Laser sailed in three races, winning two and managed a 2.67 average finish per race. B. B. Wright’s Soling, #285, made its first racing appearance in years. Her lavender boat, Journey, came in first in one race, and managed to finish with a 2.83 average. US12 #101 had two wins and a 3.00 average. US12 #10 finished first once and had a 3.22 average. US12 #35 was sailed by a Soling skipper and did well enough to finish first once. The average of 3.55 was a solid showing. Two boats finished with a 4.00 average. US12 #20 won two races in a row, and US12 #130 won the first race by a mile. US12 #223 had a 5.90 average. Two Solings came in next with 7.20 (#61) and 7.77 (#148) averages.
Thanks to all who have helped with the dinghy and the buoys, the signs, and all of the other little things people do to help out. It lessens the burden and makes for more enjoyable times sailing. After all, we are all there to have fun. That is Rule #1! It seems that 2023 hit the mark! In this case that’s a good thing!
Keep your eyes and ears open for our January annual meeting, which also is the start of the winter seminars. Along with Steve Leker’s technical expertise, Tim Wright leads monthly discussions on rules, tactics, and many other aspects of RC sailing and racing. Photos and videos are used to demonstrate points and help sailors to figure out how to make their boats faster and more competitive. Hopefully, we will see you next week, but if not, have a good winter and use the time to get your boat up to snuff.
Thursday Scores Sail Class Average 94 Laser 2.67 285 Soling 2.83 101 US12 3.00 10 US12 3.22 35 US12 3.55 20 US12 4.00 130 US12 4.00 223 US12 5.90 61 Soling 7.20 148 Soling 7.77
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 with their mixed companions on Tuesday and US12s plus “what you brung”on Thursday, weather permitting. Wednesday serves as an alternate day should sailing conditions be poor.
You don’t have much time to join the fun since we’re planning to pull the dock on November 2. 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.
Upcoming Events:
- November 2, 2023 11:00 AM Sailing, 1:00 PM Dock Out
- January – March, 2023 Zoom Meetings and Seminars
- September 8, 2024 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