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.
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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
Previous Highlights
Score Sheets
Upcoming Events:
Past Events:
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
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
Sunshine but Little Wind
Weather predictions for the May 14 Soling regatta was a cloudy sky with nine-mph winds. WRONG – O. It was sunny – which was a pleasant and welcome surprise – but the winds didn’t pay attention and were very light. The Back Bay Skippers struggled to complete seven races, some spots on the water okay and others very calm. There were eighteen sailors who launched their yachts and scored.
Bob Pacini, whom we haven’t seen in a few years, stopped by and sailed a couple of races with Tim Wright’s #383. Snowbird Don McBride joined us for the first time this season, and we gave him a good workout, sending him home happy at the end of the day.
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US12 Sailing
Five intrepid sailors braved the rain forecast of May 16 and were rewarded with some wonderful US12 sailing under gray skies. It was the first day of US12 sailing this season. The winds were variable, both in direction and velocity. Does that sound familiar? However, the sailors compensated with a variety of courses to take advantage of the current wind.
Due to the low-key nature of the day, scores were not kept, and starts were relaxed as well. Everyone liked getting the boats out on the water and shaking out any problems. Tim Wright had a sheet let go, Bob Strodel had a slight steering mishap, and Jim Opie was experiencing electrical issues — until he wasn’t. Bruce Wilhelm lost his steering for a while, and Don McBride sailed the wrong boat, wondering why nothing was working! They were all early-season issues better dealt with before official scoring next week.
We all are looking forward to the scoring season starting next week
Scores 1 Tim Wright 1.5 2 Al Posnack 2.7 3 Mark Whitehead 4.2 4 Joel Nelson 4.8 5 Ted Monetta 5.3 6 Steve Towne 6.3 7 Steve Leker 6.4 8 Don McBride 7.3 8 Anthony Quinn 7.3 9 Mark Bodenstab 9.5 9 Denis Boisvert 9.5 10 Bruce Wilhelm 9.8 11 Bob Pacini 10.0 12 Bill Malay 10.2 13 Jeff Witzel 10.8 14 Bob Brennan 11.0 15 John Cavanagh 12.2
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
Previous Highlights
Score Sheets
Upcoming Events:
Past Events:
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
Written by Mark Whitehead
Editing and Proofreading Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by B. B. Wright, Paul McBride
Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Layout by Ken Gerber
Games by Dave Perry
e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com
What a Way to Start!
The season for our Back Bay Skippers began on May 7 with one of those perfect days. The sun was out and there was a good steady breeze to keep yachts moving for the entire regatta. Eleven skippers braved the elements for this tuneup competition, taking the opportunity to practice before official scoring starts on May 21. The solid wind provided captains with challenging yet fun races.
Tim Wright brought a new outhaul that should solve the dinghy’s past line-tangling problems. While the dinghy was uncovered and out on the water, Tim Wright and Mark Whitehead got the buoys set, Al Stevens providing three spiffy, hard-not-to-notice buoys to mark the race course. Thank you, Tim and Al!
Sailing for the US12 Fleet Was Canceled
Due to iffy weather forecasts, there was no official US12 sailing on May 9. A few skippers might have decided to sail, but nothing was organized. Better luck next week.
Solings on the Water
No matter what boat was sailed or what number appeared on the sail, we scored all boats under that skipper’s official number. Missed races were ignored as the scores for races completed were averaged for unofficial scoring totals. For a couple of races, Tim Wright sailed his Herreshoff gaffe-rigged sloop with cotton sails, and Steve Leker launched his DF95 to compete with the Solings.
Despite a couple of lower scores with his schooner, Tim Wright managed to lead the way with a 2.5. A tight race for second between Jeff Witzel and Steve Leker ended in a second-place tie with a score of 3.0. Steve grabbed first place in race #10 with his DF 95 to jump ahead of several skippers. Mark Whitehead’s score of 3.1 put him in third place, while Steve Towne scored 3.6 for fourth and Denis Boisvert captured fifth with 3.7. Just tenths of a point separated first through fifth, just one little slipup making the difference.
Scores 1 Tim wright 2.5 2 Jeff Witzel 3.0 2 Steve Leker 3.0 3 Mark Whitehead 3.1 4 Steve Towne 3.6 5 Denis Boisvert 3.7 6 Bob Strodel 6.1 7 Ted Monetta 6.6 8 Bill Malay 6.7 9 Anthony Quinn 8.5 10 John Cavanagh 10.0
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
Previous Highlights
Score Sheets
Upcoming Events:
Past Events:
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
Written by Mark Whitehead
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
Always Active
With the assistance of B. B. Wright and Steve Leker, Tim Wright presented a Zoom session on April 9 about rules and tactics. These learning sessions are meant to help our Skippers prepare for their upcoming season.
Dock-In Delayed
Because of so much rain, the lake was at near-record level. Dock-in originally was scheduled for April 18, but Mother Nature had other ideas as she covered all town docks along the river with water. On the very last day of the month, opportunity knocked. Sailing will start on Tuesday, May 7.
Our fantastic crew had the job done in a flash, but looked a bit damp when rain instead of predicted intermittent showers arrived. Soggy hats off to Bob Brennan, Denis Boisvert, Al Stevens, Joel Nelson, Steve Leker, Paul McBride, Tim Wright, B. B. Wright, Ken Gerber, John Simms, Skip Koehler, and Mark Whitehead.
Just Spectacular
For the past few years, Camp Brookwoods has very graciously hosted our final gathering before sailing starts.
As a way of introduction, Al Posnack was presented with an award for the most improved Back Bay Skipper of 2023. Al improved his standing in the Master Class by 7.18 points. As our 2024 race director, Al also was presented with an official hat.
On a lighter note, Tim Wright, our sailing wizard, revealed his secret on maneuvering in light air by showing a battery-operated propeller-drive for the keel. DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT USING IT! IT’S ILLEGAL!
This was followed by an introduction to the scoring system by B.B. Wright.
The call went out to “man your stations” and those attending made the rounds for the next couple of hours.
The Back Bay Skippers offered a completely different format this year as they hosted a sailing information fair with nine booths. Anthony Quinn demonstrated how to make Soling sails. Tim Wright handled rigging and knots while B.B. Wright and Karen Enos described our scoring system. Al Posnack offered advice on tuning, Bruce Wilhelm on transmitters, Jeff Witzel on boat painting, and John Barstow on electrical troubleshooting. For boat restoration it was Joel Nelson, and Mark Whitehead told those interested how to make panel sails.
Sailing on Back Bay
It all starts May 7, 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.
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.
Videos and Photos
Previous Highlights
Score Sheets
Upcoming Events:
Past Events:
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
Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright, Kathleen Whitehead
Editing and Proofreading Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by B. B. Wright, Paul McBride, Al Posnack
Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry
e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com
In Memoriam
The Back Bay Skippers Lose a Former Member
During Saturday sails on Lily Pond in Gilford many years ago, a friendship developed between our commodore and Ned Lakeman. It was Ned who made a sail for Mark’s inherited hull and later guided him through the sail-making process. Garage shelves in his West Ossipee home sagged with trophies. Ned admitted to being a triple winner of national championships with his schooner, but confessed that first place with Solings tended to elude him. His wife, Jackie, claimed even more trophies were on display in Florida, adding that several became ingredients in landfill stews. In the cellar, at least fifteen boats Ned had made were stored in Peacock Alley, named after the location for completed vessels at Herreshoff in Bristol, Rhode Island. On a long table were patterns, fabric, tools, and a sewing machine. Although he once catered to a steady clientele, sail production had dropped to personal use.
Historically, most participants in RC yacht racing clubs once sailed the big boys, and Ned certainly confirmed that notion.
Born and raised in Swampscott, Massachusetts, Ned began model sailing with his dad in Marblehead. After serving on a Navy sub during World War II, he followed a family tradition with GE, but two years as a draftsman was all he could tolerate. Becoming a Gloucester fisherman, he filled his lungs with salty air and felt the wind on his face while combing the Atlantic for herring and menhaden. When fishing seasons ended, he pounded nails. As proprietor of a fish market in Marblehead, he added bait to his inventory and purchased a delivery truck that could be transformed into a snowplow for winter depths.
There were eight years during the 1960s when Ned managed a family lumber and home-improvement business in Littleton, New Hampshire; however, Marblehead drew him back to the coast. Completing a stint at a metal-plating shop, he moved to Gloucester where he bought a 40-foot motorboat with his four sons to trap mackerel delivered to Boston by Jackie until increased volume demanded a switch to shipping.
As that volume increased, so did Ned’s fleet. He added a 50-foot dragger, invested in a 105-foot seine that he rigged to haul netting, and went on to buy a steel boat in Biloxi, Mississippi that could carry 200 tons of fish. The flotilla continued to grow when he succumbed to the purchase of a 144-foot bunker steamer with an 800,000-pound capacity. Moving to Maine, the family’s boats added up to the largest tonnage in Portland. Eventually, however, the business was laid on the shoulders of their two younger sons.
Snow becoming too heavy to shovel, Ned and Jackie sold their Ossipee home several years ago to live year-round in Port Charlotte, Florida, their son Jack nearby.
Edmund W. Lakeman was born June 24, 1925 and died in his sleep on January 14, 2024 just shy of his 99th birthday. He was predeceased by his wife and sons Larry and Fred, but is survived by sons John and Ned as well as seven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. A private service will be announced this summer.
Not Ready Yet
Mother Nature is not quite ready to let us install the dock and start sailing. April traditionally brings showers, but March barged in to share the spotlight. Its fluctuation from rain to snow to rain dampened any thoughts about sailing. Back Bay has been in the same situation with ice in and out, really confusing the ducks and geese.
Al Posnack tried to launch his boat in Gilford, but it bounced back when he threw it in.
Zoom Sessions
This month, Tim Wright presented a session for sailors on good and bad sailing techniques plus terms when sailing. It helps to know what the words mean since sailing has its own language. There were photos and videos highlighting sail shape and proper setup for racing as well as buoy roundings, starts, and intersecting fleets.
Tim’s goal is to get people involved and thinking about the topic by asking questions to promote understanding about the rules and intricacies of sailing and racing.
The April Zoom session will revolve around rules and tactics, which are closely intertwined. It takes an understanding of rules to use tactics in your favor. There will be photos and videos showing when things go as they should, and also when things go wrong. There is a lot of material ready to go. We hope to see you on April 9 at 7:00 PM.
The photos will be from B. B. Wright’s vast photo archives, and Steve Leker will host the Zoom meeting.
Punxsutawney Phil Has No Idea What the Weather Will Be
Since Phil has an accuracy record of only 30 percent, we Back Bay Skippers take it one day at a time. Our sailing will start before you know it, however. Look for us after the dock goes in. The Solings sail at 1 PM on Tuesdays and the US12s at 1 PM Thursdays. Come and enjoy the show or try your hand at sailing – we love to share.
Videos and Photos
Previous Highlights
Score Sheets
Upcoming Events:
Past Events:
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
Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright, Al Posnack
Editing and Proofreading Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by B. B. Wright, Paul McBride
Layout by Ken Gerber
Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry
e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com
Nationally Recognized Skipper
Al Posnack was recognized nationally by the US Sailing Association as Community Sailing Volunteer of the Year at US Sailing’s national conference in Savannah. He has spent the last twenty-five years volunteering in various roles at the Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association. Our congratulations to Al for this award!
Speaking of volunteering, Al will be the Back Bay Skippers’ race director this season and, as always, a top competitor.
Skippers Meeting
At the annual Skippers meeting held on Zoom January 17, approval was given to the 2024 schedule, officers, committees, and regattas. At the top of the list was recognition of those who significantly contributed to the success of the 2023 sailing program. They are Tim Wright, Don Cundy, Paul McBride, Al Stevens, Ken Gerber, Steve Leker, Anthony Quinn, Denis Boisvert, B. B. Wright, Karen Enos, Wes Matchett, Bob Brennan, Bruce Wilhelm, Mark Bodenstab, Mark Whitehead, and Kathleen Whitehead. Of course, each and every Back Bay Skipper contributes to our success!
The 2024 schedule will include special regattas on July 16 and July 18 for new Skippers and their mentors, as well as help from a mentor at regular weekly regattas. We look forward to welcoming all new Skippers this year.
Following the meeting, Tim and B. B. Wright and Steve Leker presented a pictorial review of the 2023 season.
New Video
As an accompaniment to our recently updated Soling Building Manual, Steve Leker, Al Stevens, and Mark Whitehead produced a video on the crafting of a slotted mast. Steve did all the video photography, editing, and production of this very informative production. Thank you, Steve, for all your hard work. The result was fantastic!
How to Win without Going Fast
Al Posnack presented the February Zoom class on Wednesday the 21st. The photographs were supplied by B. B. Wright, and additional program support was supplied by Tim Wright and Steve Leker.
Many Skippers have a tendency to concentrate on boat speed rather than taking advantage of many decision-making opportunities on the race course. These include how to take the shortest line to the next mark, how to manage your starts, and where to position your boat relative to other boats and on mark roundings. What comes into play are shifts in wind velocity and direction, which provide many opportunities for the alert Skipper. Al emphasized the difference between lifted tack and headed tack, and the importance of working to stay on the lifted tack that will have a much greater benefit than a small difference in boat speed.
With graphics, pictures, and B. B.’s videos, Al’s program illustrated lifts, headers, and “opportunities lost.” The illustrations also showed the good, bad, and ugly of sailing in traffic, defending your position against nearby boats, and managing crowded starting lines.
In addition, Al pointed out the importance of being observant, the importance of raising your concentration level and recognizing the fact that there’s always room to improve in this game we all play.
March Zoom Class
Tim Wright will be presenting another of his sessions for sailors on March 12 at 7:00 PM. One of the first parts will be nomenclature and terms when sailing. It helps to know what the words mean as sailing has its own language. Photos and videos will then be used to highlight sail shape and how to set up a boat for racing, and will continue by showing sailing rules, strategies, and tactics. There will be buoy roundings, starts, and intersecting fleets. As Al Posnack said in his February presentation, “There will be the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
Tim’s goal is to get people involved and thinking about the topic by asking questions to promote understanding about the rules and intricacies of sailing and racing. He looks forward to helping sailors improve their understanding and increase their “fun” quotient. After all, Rule #1 is to have fun!
Punxsutawney Phil Has Spoken
Did you know that Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow this year and winter might be short-lived. “Ice-In” was late and lasted only about ten minutes this year so who knows, Phil might be right for a change. (His record isn’t that great.) The Back Bay Skiers are still hitting the slopes hard and aren’t prepared for sailing just yet. But the way things are going, the dock might go in next month!
Videos and Photos
Previous Highlights
Score Sheets
Upcoming Events:
Past Events:
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
Written by Mark Whitehead
Editing and Proofreading Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by B. B. Wright, Mark Whitehead, Paul McBride
Layout by Ken Gerber
Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry
e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com
The Skippers Prepare for Their 2024 Season
When the lake hardens – well, sort of — and sailing takes a break, the Back Bay Skippers have a long list of winter projects.
The San Antonio Collection
The San Antonio collection was donated to us in October and is slowly being brought back to its original grandeur. At present, there are four boats undergoing restoration. Steve Towne has completed his work on the Vintage Marblehead; Ted Monetta is well underway with the V36; Paul McBride is laboring diligently on the cabin cruiser; and the “brickyard” Footy was placed under Joel Nelson’s wing.
Sailing Classes on Zoom
On January 17, Tim Wright will lead his first Zoom sailing class assisted by our videographer and Zoom host, Steve Leker. B. B. Wright, our season photographer, will support the presentation, as will Al Posnack, a sailing instructor in Gilford. Al’s subject in February will be “how to win without going fast“ – a look at winning decisions you can make on the racecourse that have nothing to do with boat speed. If you sail, the information is valuable for any boat size. Contact us if you’d like to join in.
For the Younger Set
As the youngsters stop by our regattas during the summer, we give out sailboat kits so they too can enjoy the experience. Building the kits this year are Mark Bodenstab and Ken Gerber.
Getting Ready for 2024
This is the time when Skippers smooth out all those nicks and dings that accumulated over the past season — unless, of course, they’re a SNOWBIRD and continue to sail.
Model Yacht Building Class
This year’s limit for the July building class is eight, and prior to Christmas six already had registered. If you are interested in the class, don’t hesitate. Those age 14 and older are eligible unless constantly accompanied by an adult. Sign up now at https://www.nhbm.org/model-yachting/model-yacht-building/.
Al Stevens, Mark Whitehead, Steve Leker, and Anthony Quinn are well under way prepping parts needed for the class. Al has assembled tool and parts kits for each student, and even built a rolling cupboard to hold them. Anthony Quinn, our faithful sailmaker, is busy cutting and sewing the jib and main sails. Steve Leker is making progress with building stands. John Barstow 3D-printed all the bowsies for this year’s class. Mark Whitehead has readied most of the masts as well as the booms, stay hooks, tangs, goosenecks, backstay cranes, and spreaders. The last few masts will be used for demonstrating the process, when Steve Leker is scheduled to videotape production in Mark’s workshop, Al Stevens assisting. This video will be shared with all Back Bay Skippers.
Denis Boisvert and Mark Whitehead have updated the Soling Manual, Denis offering his engineering experience and a CAD program to give our manual the real professional look.
Some of the Lucky Recipients of Sailboat Kits:
The dock goes in late May. We hope to see you then!
Videos and Photos
Previous Highlights
Score Sheets
Upcoming Events:
Past Events:
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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
Soling 1M Building Manual 2023
by Denis Boisvert & Mark Whitehead
Editor Steve Leker
Download Full Manual as a ZIP file. Revised 2024-01-12
YouTube Video: Soling 1M Slotted Mast Build, by Steve Leker and Mark Whitehead
