Model Yachting

US12 Sailing

The winds for the US12s on Thursday lived up to Back Bay’s usual August variety. While we did have wind, we never knew where it was coming from. On one start, two boats were almost touching on parallel courses, close-hauled on different tacks for what seemed a long time. How is that even possible? It was some competitive racing as no lead was ever safe. Boats went flying past others as if they were standing still. Sometimes the gambles on where the wind would pick up paid off, and sometimes they really didn’t. Competitive racing, close finishes, and friendly vibes fill our Thursdays. B. B. Wright did another fine job of scoring, and resisted bribes from some of the sailors. Her integrity can’t be bought! We appreciate her willingness to come every Thursday and keep us moving in the right direction.

US12 Sailing

The weather and the wind on August 3rd left us scratching our heads. As the day got cloudier, the wind became more erratic and directionally challenged. Wind shifts came frequently, often surrounded by lulls or dead spots. The seven sailors were tested from the start and had to stay on their toes. No lead was ever safe, it seemed, and a puff could push a trailing boat ahead at any time. Many close finishes were recorded by B.B. Wright, who does a solid job getting our results down on paper. We finished thirteen races, with two people offering Jeff Witzel, a Soling sailor, a chance to try his hand at US12s.

The wind made things interesting and everyone felt they did well in some races and not so much in others. There is always next week. Let’s hope for another good day of sailing.

US12 Regatta Held Wednesday, July 26

Because of the impending weather on Thursday, rescheduling was necessary. Perhaps due to appointments or the late notice, only four boats sailed the twelve races. Despite the fickle wind, there were some moments when the boats were really moving, and then there were the more common July winds, light and variable. Spirited racing in the hot humid weather was key for the day.

Despite the small number of sailors and the energy-sapping heat, the skippers had a good day. B. B. Wright scored for us and used her shaded chair to keep cool under the sun. One of these weeks we will have a great day with cool breezes, consistent winds, and sunny skies, but it wasn’t this week. Still, we had fun in the sun.