Model Yachting News • Week Ending July 8, 2023

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Editing & 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

Rick Parent is with his Santa Barbara and Police and Fire-Rescue Solings in the Independence Day Parade.

The Fourth of July Parade in Wolfeboro

Our model yachting ambassador, Rick Parent, took on the parade float duties for the New Hampshire Boat Museum and the Back Bay Skippers.

Rick Parent, in the shade, watches over his three boats on the NHBM float.
Paul McBride

2022 Awards

To build up the anticipation, we like to delay presentation of shirt awards for the top three finishers in each class from the previous season. Wednesday, July 5, was the big day for our Soling sailors, with awards given to US12 yachtsmen on Thursday, July 6.

Paul McBride also was recognized for the great job he did reporting news about Model Yachting Day on July 1.

 

Soling Sailor Class

1st Place Tom Barstow
2nd Place Bill Malay
3rd Place Bob Brennan

Soling Master Class

1st Place Tim Wright
2nd Place Don Cundy
3rd Place Denis Boisvert

US12 Class

1st Place Tim Wright
2nd Place Don Cundy
3rd Place John Simms

2022 Soling 1M Sailor Class 1st Place: Tom Barstow
2022 Soling 1M Sailor Class 2nd Place: Bill Malay
2022 Soling 1M Sailor Class 3rd Place: Bob Brennan
2022 Soling 1M Masters 1st Place: Tim Wright
2022 Soling 1M Masters 2nd Place: Don Cundy
2022 US12 1st Place: Tim Wright
2022 US12 2nd Place: Don Cundy
2022 US12 3rd Place: John Simms

Hot! Hot! Hot!

Along with higher temperatures, winds were on the light side, making position recovery very difficult. Eighteen skippers braved the heat, and despite hard-to-find wind, managed to complete six races, which allowed one throw-out.

The milfoil divers were in Back Bay last week so there were four weed calls. Weed honors were earned by Steve Leker, Jeff Witzel, Jack Minahan, and Bill Malay — honors not happily received!

We were hoping to leave the rescue dinghy covered, but Mark Whitehead was de-masted, Roger Rice decided to cuddle up to the ski jump, and Bruce Brown lost his controls. So much for that plan.

You had to get your feet wet to launch your boat this week.
Solings line up to head to the third mark.
Anthony Quinn 937
Ted Monetta 237 and Anthony Quinn 937
Bruce Brown 55
Roger Rice 330
US12s

The US12 Fleet on July 6

The US12 skippers arrived to feel little wind but incredibly humid heat. Our hopes were to sail a few races without baking in the process, and to our delight, the wind wasn’t quite as soft as it seemed. The heat didn’t abate, but we did manage to complete twelve races, six sailors competing and making a day of it.

Our scorekeeper, B. B. Wright, brought her chair with a canopy to help keep the heat at bay. We also had a visitor, David Corbett, who stayed almost the entire time, trying out some boats and watching the races. David will be a member of the Soling boatbuilding class next week.

Each race today had varied conditions, meaning that everyone had a chance.

The fleet is competitive and the conditions were challenging. We were happy to have twelve races and to get together as a group. We hope to see more of our fleet next week!

Out on the Water

In the Sailors Class this week, it was Anthony Quinn taking top honors with three first-place finishes. Just four tenths behind, Jim Opie held the second spot with a first and three seconds. New to the fleet was Dave Hogenson, who crossed the line with a first, a second, and a third to finish a strong third overall. Sailing well this week was Ted Monetta, who placed fourth, and landing in the fifth spot overall was another new skipper, Jeff Witzel, who grabbed a first and a second.

No surprise that Tim Wright sailed to five first-place finishes for top of the podium in the Master fleet. Al Posnack overcame some early-season issues to take the second slot, and only four tenths behind Al was Steve Leker in third. Don Cundy finished the day in fourth place overall, and the last of our top five was Jack Minahan.

Tim Wright 438
Tim Wright 438
US12s

For the day in Thursday’s US12 Fleet, Tim Wright was top seadog winning ten of twelve races for a score of 1.0 points. Don Cundy, once again sailing a loaned boat, was consistent, having five seconds, six thirds, and a score of 2.50. Third place and sixth place were separated by just over a point. John Simms (3.10 points), after having an electrical glitch, switched boats and managed third place. He also had two first-place finishes and three seconds. In fourth with a score of 3.70, Jim Opie had two seconds and two thirds. In fifth place at 4.00, Don McBride sailed in six races before calling it a day. In sixth at 4.20, Paul McBride had three thirds on his list of achievements.

Sorry ducklings, we have the dock reserved.

Trophy Room

US12s head to the first mark.

Skippers Memorial

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Conner and Keegan got sailboat kits.

Sailing on Back Bay
The radio-controlled model yachts are 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.

Quiz and Game Fun Page - Updated 11/4/2022​

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending July 1, 2023

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Paul McBride, Mark Whitehead
Editing & Proofreading Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, Mark Whitehead
Layout and Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry
e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

 

No Regattas This Week
The scheduled regattas for Solings and US12s were canceled this week due to poor weather, although only threatening clouds blew in for Thursday.

Model Yachting Day July 1
However, several Back Bay Skippers were able to sail this week at Model Yachting Day on Saturday, July 1, when passersby of all ages were encouraged to sail one of many Solings and US12s on display. Initiated by Rick Parent, this has become an annual event and now has support from the New Hampshire Boat Museum. Starting early in the morning, Rick set up his tent and extensive collection that included a Santa Barbara plus themed Solings and US12s. During the morning, many people stopped by to look at the boats and talk about sailing.

Part of Rick Parent's Fleet of Solings and US12s
Rick's Santa Barbara and More Solings
Rick Parent unwraps his new lightweight boat hook.
Karen Enos

By the start of the sailing event at 1PM, Karen Enos had refreshments set up, and Anne Lennon, NHBM Programs and Events Manager, had a table set up with information and giveaways from the museum.

Anne Lennon at the NHBM Table
Many people got to try RC sailing for the first time.
Example of Boat Made From Kit

Everyone who passed by was encouraged to select a boat and try sailing. Rick and his family and friends helped with setting up and launching the boats, and Back Bay Skippers Tim Wright, Steve Leker, Anthony Quinn, Denis Boisvert, Paul McBride, and Rick helped with sailing instructions. Young and old had a great time. After a turn at sailing, children aged 12 and under not only received sailboat medals on ribbons with “Back Bay Skippers 2023” on the back but also were offered sailboat kits.

Sailing Medal Front
Sailing Medal Back

Fortunately, the sun, clouds, and winds were favorable for the event with enough of a breeze to keep the boats moving without unbearable calm. Steve Leker had a rescue tugboat ready, but it was not needed, as all equipment performed flawlessly and no rescues were required.

The Rescue Boat was not needed.
Denis Boisvert and His Schooner

Entire families were sailing — parents and children. Some children even sailed multiple boats. The police boat, the pirate boat, the Santa Barbara, and Denis Boisvert’s schooner seemed to be especially popular.

By the end of the event, about thirty medals had been given out to children along with several sailboat kits. Many will have fond memories of sailing RC boats as well as conversations about sailing. Rick and his family and friends made quick work of packing up the tent, chairs, and boats — now ready for next year.

Launching the Fire Rescue Boat
Lots of New Skippers

Wolfeboro Independence Day Parade, 10AM July 4, 2023
In Wolfeboro’s Fourth of July Parade, look for Rick Parent on the NHBM float with his Santa Barbara and one or two of his other boats. Also scheduled to be in the parade are boats and cars to be auctioned in the NE Vintage Boat and Car Auction on July 15 as well as two entries in the Vintage Race Boat Regatta to be held September 15 and 16.

Trophy Room

A Useful Diagram Showing Sail Position Relative to Wind Direction

Skippers Memorial

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Fun For All!

Sailing on Back Bay
The radio-controlled model yachts are 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.

Quiz and Game Fun Page - Updated 11/4/2022​

Because of so much interest in the sport, the Soling building class was doubled in size this year. Last year’s class filled almost immediately so we have tried to meet that demand. The class has only one vacancy so anyone interested should sign up immediately on the NH Boat Museum website. The class runs from July 10 through July 14.

Model Yacht Building Workshop

Model Yacht Building Class

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

2023 • US12 Season Scores

NAME
CLASS
%REGATTAS
SCORE
Wright, Tim
Sailor
100
1
Simms, John
Sailor
100
2.25
McBride, Donald
Sailor
50
3.5
Brennan, Bob
Sailor
75
5
Quinn, Anthony
Sailor
100
5.25
Cundy, Don
Sailor
75
5.33
McBride, Paul
Sailor
100
6.25
Wilhelm, Bruce
Sailor
100
6.25
Gates, Rick
Sailor
25
7
Opie, Jim
Sailor
100
7.75

2023 • Soling 1M Master Class Season Scores

NAME
CLASS
%REGATTAS
SCORE
Wright, Tim
Master
100
1
Whitehead, Mark
Master
75
2.67
Leker, Steve
Master
75
3.33
Posnack, Al
Master
50
4.5
Boisvert, Denis
Master
50
5
Cundy, Don
Master
50
5
Barstow, Tom
Master
100
5.25
Burns, Jay
Master
50
6
Minahan, Jack
Master
50
6
Milay, Bill
Master
75
7
Gates, Rick
Master
25
8
McBride, Paul
Master
50
9
Nelson, Joel
Master
25
11

2023 • Soling 1M Sailor Class Season Scores

NAME
CLASS
%REGATTAS
SCORE
Gerber, Ken
Sailor
25
1
Quinn, Anthony
Sailor
100
1.5
Towne, Steve
Sailor
75
2.67
Opie, Jim
Sailor
100
3.5
Rice, Roger
Sailor
25
5
Wolcott, Clint
Sailor
25
5
Brown, Bruce
Sailor
50`
5.5
Strodel, Bob
Sailor
50
5.5
Stevens, Al
Sailor
25
6
Monetta, Ted
Sailor
75
6.67
Wilhelm, Bruce
Sailor
75
7.33
Bly, Zeke
Sailor
50
8
Hogenson, Dave
Sailor
50
10.5
Barstow, John
Sailor
25
11
Ware, Genie
Sailor
25
11
Witzel, Jeff
Sailor
25
11
Wallace, Paul
Sailor
50
12
Koehler, Skip
Master
25
23

June 22, 2023 • US12 Regatta

NAME
CLASS
SCORE
SEASON
Wright, Tim
Sailor
1
1
Cundy, Don
Sailor
2
5.33
Simms, John
Sailor
3
2.25
Brennan, Bob
Sailor
4
5
Quinn, Anthony
Sailor
5
5.25
McBride, Paul
Sailor
6
6.25
Gates, Rick
Sailor
7
7
Opie, Jim
Sailor
8
7.75
Wilhelm, Bruce
Sailor
9
6.25

June 20, 2023 • Soling 1M Master Class Regatta

NAME
CLASS
SCORE
SEASON
Wright, Tim
Master
1
1
Leker, Steve
Master
2
3.33
Cundy, Don
Master
3
5
Whitehead, Mark
Master
4
2.67
Burns, Jay
Master
5
6
Barstow, Tom
Master
6
5.25
Minahan, Jack
Master
7
6
Gates, Rick
Master
8
8
McBride, Paul
Master
9
9

June 20, 2023 • Soling 1M Sailor Class Regatta

NAME
CLASS
SCORE
SEASON
Quinn, Anthony
Sailor
1
1.5
Opie, Jim
Sailor
2
3.5
Barstow, John
Sailor
3
11
Towne, Steve
Sailor
3
2.67
Wolcott, Clint
Sailor
5
5
Bly, Zeke
Sailor
6
8
Brown, Bruce
Sailor
7
5.5
Ware, Genie
Sailor
8
11
Monetta, Ted
Sailor
9
6.67
Wilhelm, Bruce
Sailor
10
7.33
Wallace, Paul
Sailor
11
12
Hogenson, Dave
Sailor
12
10.5
Koehler, Skip
Sailor
13
23

Model Yachting News • Week Ending June 24, 2023

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Editing & Proofreading Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by B. B. Wright, Paul McBride, Mark Whitehead
Layout by Ken Gerber
Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry
e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

 

Appreciated

We have two individuals who volunteer week after week to support our program. Scorekeepers, Karen Enos for the Soling fleet and B. B. Wright for the US12 fleet, are the reason we have scores to tally and awards for sailing accomplishments. We Back Bay Skippers appreciate them for keeping us on track through all of Mother Nature’s moods. A very special thank-you to both!

Karen Enos
B.B. Wright
Commodore Whitehead awarded a first-win pin to Steve Towne for winning a race on June 14th.

Light Winds but Welcome Sunshine

The June 20 Soling regatta welcomed this year’s record turnout with twenty-four skippers challenging the funky winds of Back Bay. Question of the day was, “Where is it?” — the wind, that is. Offshore, from the north, blowing in from the south, or from the west?

The split fleet with those in Master Class crossing the start line before those in Sailor Class somehow managed to complete eight races, all of which were very competitive.

Anthony Quinn

Out on the Water

The Sailor Class for this week was led by Anthony Quinn, posting one win, two seconds, and a third. Second place for the day went to Jim Opie, just one point behind thanks to two wins and two seconds but weighted down by a couple of poor finishes. Always competitive, Steve Towne and John Barstow tied for third overall. A strong showing from Clint Wolcott placed him in fifth.

 

Anthony Quinn 937 and Clint Wolcott 38 approach the finish line.
Tim Wright

He did it again! Tim Wright took seven of the eight races to lead the Master Class. Steve Leker had a great day with four second-place finishes and two thirds, putting him in the spotlight for second. Don Cundy sailed to third with one first, one second, and a third. Mark Whitehead held off Jay Burns’ strong fifth-place showing, to place fourth, Jay’s score only .34 behind Mark.

Tim Wright 383
Making Adjustments
Bruce Brown 55 and Skip Koehler 2416
Scorekeepers and Skippers
Solings head to the third mark.
Don Cundy, Tim Wright, and Rick Gates on the Dock

Nine US12 Sailors

The Skippers were treated to a wonderful day on June 22. The temperature was warm but not hot, the wind never too strong and almost never too soft, making the day very pleasant. We had spectators who were willing to try out the boats – from a four-year-old to a motorcycle rider who eagerly switched from audience to participant when offered. Our race officials reminded skippers to stay near the line so we managed thirteen races. The boats were well suited to the breeze, and a good time was had by everyone.

 

When it came to scoring, the always changing winds kept the racers on their toes. Some races went well for individuals, and others not so much. At some point, who cares. The experience was the prize. However, we do keep score, and Tim Wright won the day with consistent scoring. Don Cundy was in good form and came in second, thanks to three wins and three seconds. John Simms, always near the top, glided into third. Bob Brennan finished in fourth, and not far behind was Anthony Quinn in fifth. Only .01 point behind Anthony was Paul McBride in sixth. Rick Gates, who usually comes on Tuesday, sailed a borrowed boat and came in seventh. Right in the thick of it in many races were Jim Opie and Bruce Wilhelm, eighth and ninth respectively.

All of the sailors and officials left Back Bay with a smile. It was a great day.

Season Race Results

Anthony Quinn 937
Paul McBride 223
The US12s have a good breeze at the start.
US12s are off to a good start.
US12s head to the first mark.
A Peaceful Day of Sailing

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Join the Fun!

Sailing on Back Bay
The radio-controlled model yachts are 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.

Quiz and Game Fun Page - Updated 11/4/2022​

Because of so much interest in the sport, the Soling building class was doubled in size this year. Last year’s class filled almost immediately so we have tried to meet that demand. The class has only one vacancy so anyone interested should sign up immediately on the NH Boat Museum website. The class runs from July 10 through July 14.

Model Yacht Building Workshop

Model Yacht Building Class

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

June 15, 2023 • US12 Regatta

NAME
CLASS
SCORE
SEASON
Wright, Tim
Sailor
1
1
Simms, John
Sailor
2
3.33
McBride, Donald
Sailor
3
3.5
Quinn, Anthony
Sailor
4
5.33
McBride, Paul
Sailor
5
6.33
Wilhelm, Bruce
Sailor
6
5.33
Opie, Jim
Sailor
7
7.67
Cundy, Don
Sailor
8
7
Copyright © 2026 New Hampshire Boat Museum
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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