Headed South
Sadly for us, John and Bonnie McClun left Wolfeboro to call Amish country in Pennsylvania’s Lancaster area their home. Movers were scheduled to arrive Thursday, September 19, when their change of residence was officially launched.
John had been a longtime sailor in both the Soling and US12 fleets, and Bonnie was an outstanding scorekeeper for the US12 regattas. So they wouldn’t forget us, they were presented with a memento of their days with the Back Bay Skippers.
Previous Highlights
- Back Bay Skippers Video (WMUR NH Chronicles)
- Tim Wright Wins CAN/AM Challenge
- Lake Discovery Camp
- US12 AMYA Region 1 Championship, Nashua
- Sasquatch Footy Regatta (Nor’Easter Footy Series)
- Skippers Spring Party
Upcoming Events
- 9/24 Soling Season End
- 9/26 US12 Season End
Score Sheets
US12 News
Tim Wright reports that the sailors this week for the US12s had two big questions. The biggest was the weather. On September 12, the rain looked like it might go all day, but both Mark Whitehead and Tim Wright thought it would stop. It did at 12:15! We had just enough time to set the marks, get the boats out and ready, and plan the course.
There were twelve races, with the wind lessening over the afternoon. The wind direction dictated a course from left to right. The racing was competitive except for Tim Wright, who seemed to get his wind from a more reliable source. That was the other big question. Where did he get it? It was apparent at the start that his boat was moving well, and he came in first for the day with 10 points. Paul McBride, who has been making good decisions over the last few weeks, came in second for the third week in a row with 25 points.
The differences in scores between third and fourth, and fifth and sixth were two points in each case. The races came down to the finish on many occasions, and the closeness of the scores showed how good the racing was. Jerry Leach (34) had some trouble with his jib sheet but managed to finish in third, barely two points ahead of Don McBride (36). In fifth place with 42 points, Jim Opie finished two points ahead of Bob Brennan (44). Bob hasn’t sailed his US12 often this year, and tried to shake off a little rust. In the next to last race, Bob got a second place, showing there is hope for the future.
The group enjoyed the day and the sailing, and putting up with the fickle wind yet again. We needed no crash boat or boat hook, so it was a good day! As the scored season is rapidly winding down, all sailors are enjoying the wonderful last days of sailing this summer and into the fall.
New Skippers Meet the Challenge
Last week it was Jay Burns who charged to the front of the Sailor Class and took his first win. We didn’t realize it until the scores came in, so presentation of his awesome Back Bay Skippers award wasn’t presented until this week.
Completing his boat in July and with very little stick time under his belt, it was Nelson Steiner who took his first win this week, receiving the coveted Back Bay Skippers water bottle.
Out on the Water
The September 17 Soling regatta launched twenty-one boats for a frustrating eight races. The wind was predicted to blow at a pitiful five mph, and it did but only in very limited spots. Most races had very very light winds — great for the light-air wizards, but a real struggle for the rest of us.
But actually the wind was like this: VERY LITTLE
When the spray settled in the Sailor Class, Diane Labella displayed woman power as she sailed to the top, followed by Don and Paul McBride. Jay Burns did a great job sailing into fourth with Nelson Steiner pulling off fifth.
Light air must agree with Dan Masessa because he won the Master Class. Rick Lalley and Bob Brennan tied for second, and Anthony Quinn held off challenges by Rick Gates to place third, Rick landing in fourth. Completing the top five was Tom Greig.
Join the Fun
If you don’t want to build a boat, we’ll help you find a used one. Don’t want to sail? Just come and watch — we put on a great show every Tuesday and Thursday starting at 1:00 PM, weather permitting. Be sure to bring your camera.
