Model Yachting News • Week Ending September 18, 2021

Posted on by Paul McBride

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

Sunday Morning on Lily Pond

Bill Hagerup checks out his Santa Barbara, recently rescued from the far shore by Tim Wright.
Strong winds and many rescues brought an early end to this glorious day of sailing on Lily Pond.
Two Santa Barbaras, a US12, and a Soling set sail on Lily Pond.
The strong steady wind on Sunday was in sharp contrast with a couple weeks ago, when there was no wind, and not even a ripple on Lily Pond.

Hard Work Recognized
Over this summer, Karen Enos stepped in to take on the difficult task of keeping skippers in line and recording scores for each Soling regatta. We felt it was time she was presented with her official scorekeeper hat, a hearty thank-you, and a round of applause.

We certainly don’t want to forget our official scoring trainer and US12 scorekeeper. For years B. B. Wright has dedicated herself to the Back Bay Skippers in many ways. We can’t say thank you enough to both of these dedicated volunteers.

Quiz and Game Fun Page – Updated 9/18/2021

Skippers Memorial

This year's new scorekeeper Karen Enos receives a Back Bay Skippers Cap.
Long Time Scorekeeper and Line Judge B.B. Wright
Tim Wright reviews some rules and answers questions before the start of racing.

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

A Finicky Wind
First the good news for this week — not one weed call! The bad news centered around those pesky Back Bay head-scratching winds. For the September 14 Soling regatta it was interesting – puzzling might be a better word — to see a mast pennant fluttering one way and the boat sailing another, or the pennant indicating a passing wind and the boat at a standstill! Go figure. Still, it was a wonderful day out on the water — especially for Paul McBride, who had his most consistent day yet with a solid Sailor Class regatta win.

Sailors check their boats at the dock, while the RC Rescue Boat stands by at the ready.
The Rescue John Boat almost needed a rescue, when they lost an oar.

The day’s sunshine brought an enthusiastic group of spectators as well as twenty-one skippers who launched for the eight-race regatta. Thirteen skippers represented the Sailor Class, and the Master Class counted eight, all filling the bay with brightly colored boats.

The Soling Sailor Class approached the line for a close finish.

Out on the Water
The Sailor Class regatta winner, Paul McBride, was followed closely at only seven tenths behind by Steve Leker, posting one second place and four thirds. Always in the thick of things, Joel Nelson had one first-place finish and a couple of second-place races for his third place in the regatta. Sadly, Al Stevens was sailing along in fine style with four wins until the pressure got to his controller and dropped him to fourth place. Anthony Quinn, the “Italian Stallion” beat off the rest of the competition for fifth place.

Al Stevens 978
The Soling Master Class heads toward the first Mark.

Not much changed at the head of the Master Class with Tim Wright taking the win, but Rick Laird was successful enough at reading the shifting winds for second place. That definitely was worth a trip up from Boston! Don Cundy didn’t post any wins this week, but he was consistent with a line of thirds and fourths plus one second to place third overall. The old commodore, Mark Whitehead, who seems to own sixth place, climbed to the dizzying heights of fourth. Denis Boisvert captured fifth by finishing second in a couple of races.

The US12s
On September 16, the US12 fleet had seven boats ready for an afternoon of sailing with wind to move us around the course. We did indeed have wind. It was generally coming off the land over our right shoulders. However, it varied considerably in velocity and strength. The wind shifts came and stayed, just until you thought you could depend on them. Then they shifted again. It was tough going and hard to be consistent. Still, we completed twelve races with quick turnarounds and eager sailors.

The US12s are off to a good start.
Tim Wright 438 leads the pack, with John Simms 101, Kurt Clason 86, and Robert Strodel 65 not too far behind.

We welcomed back Bob Strodel, who just finished up a busy camp season, and Kurt Clason, who has had (and still has) a very busy construction season. Since they caught the rest of us after a season of racing, they brought up the rear today. However, you could see the awareness growing in both of them as they recalled their sailing from much earlier regattas. Watch for them in the future.

In fifth place was Bob Brennan, who came in first once and third once. Bob was testing out repairs on a leaky boat, and it seemed to be dry(ish) so his day was a success. In fourth was Don Cundy, who came in first once and third twice. Third place went to Paul McBride, with three second-place finishes and five thirds. In second place, John Simms had six second-place finishes and three thirds. In first, Tim Wright had ten firsts and threw out two seconds. There was a rumor circulating that Tim’s sails were somehow made with spider webs and butterfly wings because they moved his boat with just a breath of air. It was just a rumor and there has been nothing to confirm it. Tim didn’t say anything. Interesting?!?

Next week we have unscored races, and we welcome sailors who want to bring Solings or any other boat. We like to sail, race, and obey rule #1: Have fun! We hope you join us next week.

Shots from Friday and Saturday’s Vintage Race Boat Regatta on Wolfeboro Bay – Photo Album – Video

Don Cundy and Mark Whitehead were Starters waving the Red and Green flags to control boats entering the course.
The first Wolfeboro Vintage Race Boat Regatta sponsored by the New Hampshire Boat Museum was held on Wolfeboro Bay in 2000.
The Regatta is held every other year. The two day event is on the American Power Boat Association Vintage Circuit.
The larger boats are launched by a large crane in the parking lot Hot Pit Area.
The Large Hydros racing around the course can be heard from miles away.
Many Back Bay Skippers help with crowd control on the docks, entrances to the Hot Pits and parking area, and the launch area for the smaller boats.
Tim Wright is always happy to get tuning and sailing tips from young sailors.

 
Join the Fun
The season is still going strong despite no scoring, 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. And don’t forget Lily Pond in Gilford Sunday mornings at 9:00, weather permitting!

Upcoming events:

  • October 30, 2021 MinuteMan Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Footy Series Race 5, Rosemary Lake, Needham MA
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NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM – UP TO CAMP TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM – UP TO CAMP TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW