Model Yachting News • Week Ending October 25, 2025

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead,Tim Wright
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B. B. Wright
Layout by Ken Gerber
Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

The Last Soling Regatta of the Season

We even had wind!!! It has been several weeks since Mother Nature provided a full afternoon of reasonably steady breeze, and it was certainly enjoyed by all. Eleven skippers launched for the October 21 regatta completing a season record of sixteen races. A good dose of sunshine greeted us so it made the day even more enjoyable.

The outer buoy is currently about twenty yards away from the course so Tim Wright called for a three-mark course and an upwind start. It was an interesting course that made the first mark a little tight at times.

Rumors before race day reported that there wasn’t much water off the dock, but the rain must have heightened the levels, alleviating problems for boat launch.

Mark Berne joined us for a test run of the recently donated #808 Soling. Mark hopes to sail with his seven-year-old son next season, and we look forward to his participation.

Mark Berne
Recently Donated Soling 808
Mark Berne's son, Mark
For a while Ted Monetta sailed the Vintage 36 he restored from the San Antonio collection, but it was taking on too much water.

Out on the Course.

Tim Wright posted eleven wins for a final score of 1.50. Ted Monetta again had a strong showing with a score of 2.79 for second place, thanks to a win and three seconds. Anthony Quinn seems to like third place, scoring two seconds and two thirds for a final tally of 3.80. It should be noted that Jeff Witzel was only six one hundreds of a point behind with a score of 3.86. Jeanne Butler scored a fourth in Race #4, while Mark Whitehead and Steve Leker crossed the finish line first in Races #8 and #9 respectively.

It's a good start.
Skippers and Scorekeepers
Congestion at the First Mark
The Soling Fleet
The Fleet with a Good Breeze
Rounding the Second Mark
Rounding the Third Mark
Crossing the Finish Line
John Simms gets his US12 sail #101 ready to launch.

Sailing on October 23

On this last Thursday of the season, four sailors were treated to ideal conditions. While the temperature was in the mid-50s, the sun felt warm. The wind was great for most of the time……. but we were sailing on Back Bay. The shifts were dramatic, and strength of the puffs was balanced by the baffling calms. Still, the inconsistency of the winds and its shiftiness made for some tremendous lead changes and dramatic finishes. Overall, it was a perfect day for sailing.

Tim Wright sailed his RC Laser sail #94.
Bob Shapiro launches his RC Laser from the dock.

Bob Shapiro came up from Bow Lake and brought one of his RC Lasers, which he sailed with an A rig (big sail). John Simms brought his US12 and displayed his prowess and consistency. Anthony sailed Tim Wright’s Laser for one race then switched to his Soling. Tim Wright sailed his Soling for the first race then switched to his RC Laser with a B rig (smaller sail). The choice of the Laser’s rig can be an important decision. Too much sail, and the Laser will bury its bow and stop. Bob sailed well and avoided demonstrating how much it affects one’s position when stopping on a dime, and losing control!

Overall, boat 101 (US12) with John Simms at the helm finished with a score of 2.07. Boat 94 (Laser, B rig) ended at 2.21. No Bean Salad, Bob’s Laser (A rig) had a score of 2.43. Soling 58 finished with a score of 3.29. Each boat had a first-place finish, and each had a last place. The racing was very interesting to see how each boat did in each succeeding race, wind shifts making a huge difference. The last race was advertised for bragging rights for the six months till we sail again. It is only fitting that those bragging rights go to John Simms, who sailed well all day.

We want to thank B.B. Wright for keeping score all season long. She has been a stalwart supporter of our group and a great ambassador to all who stop to ask about our hobby. Thanks, too, to Diane Guerriere for assisting B.B. during the long season. Their dedication to the task of score-keeping made our season much more interesting and official. We all appreciate their hard work for the Back Bay Skippers.

We enjoyed a great season, and are sorry to see it end. Thanks to all who had a part in it.

Heading to the First Mark
The Fleet on the Second Leg
Join the fun!

Sailing on Back Bay

Sadly the sailing has ended and the dock will be put to bed on Tuesday, October 28. We look forward to seeing you at Back Bay in 2026. News will be posted monthly over the winter months so you can keep up with Back Bay Skipper activity.

October 21 Scores
 1   Tim Wright        1.50
 2   Ted Monetta       2.79
 3   Anthony Quinn     3.80
 4   Jeff Witzel       3.86
 5   Steve Leker       4.46
 6   Doug Griggs       4.89
 7   Bob Pacini        5.00
 8   Kevin Bennett     6.29
 9   Jim Opie          6.50
10   Mark Whitehead    6.58
11   Jeanne Butler     8.40

Meet the Skippers

Paul McBride

– Behind the scenes a key player in the operations of the Back Bay Skippers and an invaluable resource for the group.

Paul McBride was born in Rochester, New Hampshire and lived there through his years at Spaulding High. Summer Sundays were always spent in Wolfeboro swimming, and sailing on Rust Pond. He graduated from MIT with a BS in Electrical Engineering (Computer Science). While there he sailed Tech Dinghies in the Charles River Basin and worked part-time at the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory (Draper Labs), where the Apollo moon mission guidance computer software and parts were designed and built. Retired now, living partly on Rust Pond and in Waltham, Massachusetts, he has kept busy with the Back Bay Skippers since 2013, serving as treasurer; taking photos; publishing the news; and sailing Solings, US12s, Footys, and Lasers. He also serves as vice president of the Lakes Region Model Railroad Museum.

Paul McBride

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

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Skippers Knowledge Base

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2025 Schedule]

  • October 28, 2025 Dock Out
  • January – March 2026 Sailing Seminars via Zoom

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending October 18, 2025

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B. B. Wright
Layout by Ken Gerber
Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Just a Pleasant Day

Not much wind swirled in for the October 14 Soling regatta, but thermometer readings were comfortable and eleven skippers had a good day sailing seven races. The rest of the skippers don’t know what they’re missing by not sailing in the fall when temperatures and dew points are low. An unusually large group of spectators joined the fun this week, and several took the controls.

The water is unusually low.
Scorekeeper Karen Enos keeps a close eye on the start.

The unofficial scoring, smaller fleets, and boat-sharing all combine for relaxing days of friendly competition. With so few boats, it’s baffling that traffic jams occur at the marks. The commodore always carries the rule book so participants can check who has the right of way – or just ask. At least our trusty scorekeeper, Karen Enos, keeps us honest at the start and finish line. Thank you, Karen!

The Skippers

Out on the Course

The names of the top three skippers would sound familiar, but there was a fair amount of boat switching, so results will be by boat numbers this week.

The US12 #400, with more sail area and weight to maintain momentum in the light air, took the day with five wins, two seconds, and a score of 1.17. Second went to #237’s three seconds and two thirds for a final score of 2.83. Third went to #111 with three fourths and a second, scoring 3.17.

It should be noted that Steve Leker sailed #58 for a win and a third before scurrying home after a tough weekend of camping in the wilds of New Hampshire.

Heading to the Next Mark
The Colorful Soling Fleet
The US12 #400 was the winner.
The Solings chase the US12 around the mark.
Rounding the Mark
The Soling Fleet

High Winds on Thursday

Ted Monetta was there, of course, since it doesn’t matter to him what the conditions are. Our understanding is that he won every race. The #237 Soling fought the tough conditions by itself, while the rest of the skippers stayed home in front of a warm fire with a hot toddy. Let’s hope they all can sail for next week’s final Thursday of the season.

All is quiet on the Bridge Falls Path.
The seas were rough, but a passerby took up the controls.
Heading to the Second Mark
Ted Monetta rounds the mark
Gusty Winds
Ted Monetta 237 takes another victory lap.
Tim explains it all.

Sailing on Back Bay

Only one week remains for model yacht sailing on Back Bay in Wolfeboro, so join us before the season ends. Any boat class is welcome from 1 PM to 3 PM on Tuesday or Thursday, weather permitting. Wednesday is used for an alternate day if needed. Come join the fun – perhaps try the controls.

October 14 Scores
1  #400 US12      1.17
2  #237 Soling	  2.83
3  #111 Soling	  3.17
4  #1068 Soling	  3.83
5  #12 Soling	  4.50
6  #831 Soling	  5.83
7  #76 Soling	  6.67
8  #7 Soling	  7.17
9  #54 Soling	  8.33  
10 #887 Soling	  8.50
Two Races #58	  2.00

Meet the Skippers

Team Whitehead

Mark Whitehead

Leaving the demanding food service industry after more than thirty years, the last fifteen as director at the University of Southern Maine, Mark Whitehead started down a pleasant side road. First, he shifted from fifth to third gear with shorter commutes and workdays for local employers, then retired at 62.

Commodore Mark Whitehead

From the 1970s, with inspiration and planning by his wife, Kathleen, travel from coast to coast was on the agenda, accompanied by their three children in the early years. Since retirement, Mark and Kathleen have visited forty-nine states and all Canadian provinces and territories. Skiing always has been part of the Whitehead family’s winter agenda. What wonderful memories they’ve shared together.

Reveling in the time spent with his tools honing a lifelong interest in woodworking, retirement was an easy transition. Mark has become an avid sailor of radio-controlled model yachts. To that end and with Kathleen’s inspiration in 2008, Mark established the Back Bay Skippers. He has served as the group’s commodore, has been a board member of the New Hampshire Boat Museum, and has led the model yacht building classes, resulting in more than a hundred new Solings.

Over the years, he snatched opportunities to build a strip canoe, a 23-foot cold-molded mahogany sloop, an occasional ship model, a piece of furniture now and then, and many other projects. Now, however, with relaxed hours at his disposal, he experiments and practices his skills, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrate nature and/or the beauty of the wood itself.

Kathleen Whitehead

When Kathleen was born in Wolfeboro, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor two weeks later. Raised in Laconia, she liked to brag that she’d attended Harvard – Harvard Street School, that is. Often during World War II and for many summers to follow, she lived with grandparents in Melvin Village. Graduating from high school in 1959, she continued her education at UNH.

Although she and Mark have no idea when they first met as Melvin kids, they were married at the community church in 1962 and happily announced the eventual births of Adam, Kevin, and Kristen. After six moves in four years due to Mark’s assignments, in 1968 they purchased a house in Ossipee.

Kathleen Whitehead

Employment as Mrs. Whitehead started immediately as a breakfast waitress at Lake Placid Club. The mile-long hallway to a kitchen the size of a football field having individual stations for each menu item convinced her to go elsewhere. She then answered the need for a temporary receptionist and switchboard operator at the Saranac Lake hospital, her typing skills punching out letters for delinquent accounts.

There were twelve rewarding years with the Governor Wentworth Regional School District split by a one-year intermission with Yankee Title Abstract Company. Her goal, however, became employment that allowed off-season travel once Mark retired from the food-service rat race. One summer, she stocked a chuck wagon and offered snacks to golfers at Kingswood Golf Course. After three seasons managing a gift shop at Story Land in Glen, she earned her CDL to become a tour driver on Wolfeboro’s Molly the Trolley for seven summers, passengers unable to escape her historical tidbits. Molly’s parents also owned Panoramic Publishing Company at the time and quickly invited her to an office job as well. For sixteen years, many responsibilities kept her happily occupied until retirement at the age of 68.

Over the years, in addition to arts, crafts plus demolition, design, and finish work on DIY home improvements, she volunteered for at least eighteen organizations. Her composition juices were stimulated as a columnist for“The Grunter,” describing happenings in Ossipee Corner. As secretary for the Village Players, her detailed records of board meetings were called hours not minutes. You might have seen her onstage a couple of times, but for most of thirty years, the theater’s programs listed her as set designer and decorator.

Always an enthusiastic perambulator, she hoofed it hither and yon with her fuzzy family member, eight to twelve miles not unusual. A fan of back roads, she loved entering some unknown byway not posted Dead End to see where it emerged. And being a true Sagittarian, she was an explorer. With a philosophy of “Do Before Too Late,” she researched and compiled itineraries to every Canadian province and territory plus every state except Hawaii. Her love of nature and the outdoors led to a final total of eight gardens, each saying “Weed me” every summer, her many feathered friends saying “Feed me” every winter.

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

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Skippers Knowledge Base

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2025 Schedule]

  • April 29 – October 28 , 2025 Regattas 1PM-3PM Tuesday Solings, Thursdays US12s
  • October 28, 2025 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending October 11, 2025

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B. B. Wright, Mark Whitehead, Karen Enos
Layout by Ken Gerber
Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Steve Leker Gets His Trophy

It was a little slow in coming, but Steve Leker was presented with the Sasquatch Regatta trophy for first place.

Steve Leker belatedly received the perpetual trophy for winning this year's Sasquatch Footy Regatta.
A Beautiful Fall Day for Sailing
A Beautiful Fall Day for Sailing

Wrong-O! Again!

Meteorologists predicted southwest winds of nine mph, but that wasn’t even close. For the ten-race regatta on October 7, they varied from flat calm to maybe five mph, and it was luck of the draw if you had wind where you were located on the course. It was a beautiful fall day for the thirteen skippers who sailed, however. Sun was plentiful with a temperature sneaking into the eighties, but the dew point was low. The lake level also was very low, so it was a challenge to launch boats from the dock, the dingy resting comfortably on the bottom of the bay.

Due to the low water level, the dinghy is resting on the bottom of the bay.

On the Water

Tim Wright sailed his Laser for the first four races, taking a one-race break before launching his Soling. It didn’t matter; he took the day with five wins and a score of 1.38. Anthony Quinn was on fire, winning three races to score an impressive 2.56 for second place. Ted Monetta crossed the finish line first in two races, scoring 4.67 for third place.

The fleet heads to the first mark.
The Fleet at the Mark
The Fleet Rounding the Mark
Tim Wright sailing his R/C Laser heads to the finish line while the other boats are still rounding the marks.
October 7 Scores
 1 Tim Wright          1.38
 2 Anthony Quinn       2.56
 3 Ted Monetta         4.67
 4 Linwood Davis       5.44
 5 Bob Pacini          5.56
 6 Steve Leker         5.80
 7 Mark Whitehead      6.22
 8 Bruce Wilhelm       7.11
 9 Jim Opie            7.44
10 John Barstow        7.56
11 Kevin Bennett       8.22
12 Mark Bodenstab      8.60
13 Jeanne Butler      10.33

High Winds Anticipated

Because heavy wind gusts were anticipated for Thursday, sailing on October 9 was canceled.

Meet the Skippers
Team Wright:

Tim Wright, Vice Commodore

Tim grew up in Connecticut and spent summers sailing on the waters of Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. He raced until he turned 16, when it got to be too cutthroat, so he stopped racing but not sailing. He taught sailing at a camp on Cape Cod, at a yacht club in Jamestown, and at a youth program in Jacksonville, Florida. After buying a 30-foot Chinese Junk there, he moved aboard and relocated it to Fort Lauderdale. During his time in South Florida, he married B.B., helped commission sailboats, and earned his U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s 100-ton license. Captaining deliveries up and down the East Coast from Florida to New England as well as charters to the Bahamas and the Florida Keys were part of his life for a while.

 

Vice Commodore Tim Wright

After living six years on the Junk, Tim and B.B. moved to dry land in Marlboro, Massachusetts, where Tim began his academic teaching career. After thirty years teaching at two different schools, he retired to New Hampshire and learned about the Back Bay Skippers. He bought two Soling 1-Meter kits for B.B. and him to build, and they enrolled in the BBS building class. Tim didn’t know that racing was part of the program. He discovered that remote-control sailing is right up his alley, and the growing competence of the fleet helps keep him on his toes.

Tim continues to hone his skills on Ossipee Lake with a Vanguard 15 and a small catboat.

B.B. Wright, Scorekeeper

Many people have asked B.B. how she got her name. Her given name is Brucie Beverly Tucker, and her mother also was named Brucie. Her father, Albert, gave her the nickname of “B.B.” Some of her friends still call her Brucie, since her schools used Brucie in their yearly records.

Born just south of Philadelphia in Darby, B.B. was raised in Bryn Mawr and Germantown, Pennsylvania. She is the oldest of three girls. Her two sisters live in Michigan and Minnesota. She also has two half-brothers who live in California and Nevada.

Scorekeeper B.B. Wright

B.B. attended school in Philly until high school, when she spent three years at a small Quaker School in southwestern New Hampshire. After college in Vermont, B.B. taught at an Independent school in Connecticut, then moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she married her best friend, Tim Wright. After six years of live-aboard life, they moved to Massachusetts, where they both taught at Independent schools on the north shore of Boston.

Moving to New Hampshire after years of vacationing on Ossipee Lake, B.B. and Tim have since built RC boats and raced with the fleet in Wolfeboro. They both enjoy the friendships they’ve formed with the other RC sailors and their families. After racing for four years, B.B. decided to become a scorekeeper and has worked in that position for the past ten years.

Join the fun!

Sailing on Back Bay

Only two weeks remain for model yacht sailing on Back Bay in Wolfeboro, so join us before the season ends. Any boat class is welcome from 1 PM to 3 PM on Tuesday or Thursday, weather permitting. Wednesday is used for an alternate day if needed. Come join the fun – perhaps try the controls.

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

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Skippers Knowledge Base

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2025 Schedule]

  • April 29 – October 28 , 2025 Regattas 1PM-3PM Tuesday Solings, Thursdays US12s
  • October 28, 2025 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending October 4, 2025

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B. B. Wright, Mark Whitehead, Ted Monetta
Layout & Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Just One Showed Up Last Week

Ted Monetta was the only skipper who sailed his Soling September 23, apparently not wanting to believe sailing could be canceled. Rainfall of varying intensities on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday resulted in the only cancellation of all three sailing days this season.

Ted Monetta is not going to let any silly weather forecast stop him from sailing.
This week, Tuesday was a beautiful fall day for sailing.
Kevin Bennett heads his boat toward the start line.

Much Better This Week

Even though we didn’t have the winds predicted, there were warm temperatures and sunshine. It seemed like there were far too many flat calm spots, but the eleven-skipper fleet managed to complete nine races.

Because the water ski club’s jump and slalom course had been removed, we adjusted our buoys a bit, using three instead of four. Actually it worked out well considering the conditions.

Tim Wright brought Bob Gabel’s Independence Class boat for some more sea trials, which certainly affected his early scores, but he accomplished what he wanted, making further adjustments on the rig.

The fleet sets sail to the first mark.
The Independence Class boat leads at the start.
The Fleet Becalmed

Out on the Soling Course

Even with a few third-place finishes, Tim Wright led the way, scoring 1.71 overall. Ted Monetta surged during the regatta’s last half to come from behind and take second place. With one first, one second, and five thirds, he ended with a score of 2.75. Commodore Mark Whitehead did just the opposite, starting out well but lagging for the final races. His two wins and two seconds helped him place third overall with a score of 3.25.

The fleet approaches the third and final mark.
September 30 Scores
 1  Tim Wright       1.71
 2  Ted Monetta      2.75 
 3  Mark Whitehead   3.25
 4  Jeff Witzel      4.63
 5  Doug Griggs      4.88
 6  Anthony Quinn    5.40
 7  Howard Germon    5.50
 8  Chuck Rudinsky   5.60
 9  Jim Opie         5.71
10  Mark Bodenstab   7.00
11  Kevin Bennett    7.38
Looks like Bob Strodel is ready for sail-anything-you-bring Thursday.

Thursday Sailing

October 2 was a wonderful fall day. It had sunshine and a cool crispness. On the other hand, the wind was very fickle and inconsistent, but that’s what we expected. It’s Back Bay. We weren’t surprised by what we had. In fact, it led to some engaging racing. B.B. Wright and Diane Guerriere kept score, but the scores were quickly forgotten. We all were too busy enjoying ourselves in the present to look back at the scores.

John Simms launches his US12 from the dock.
Preparing to Start

Perhaps the most fun we had was trying to bring John Simms’ wayward boat back to the dock without using the rescue dinghy. The inconsistent winds and John’s rudder locked hard over, making it a challenge to control, but the difficulty didn’t stop us from trying. The other four boats tried taking turns in rapid succession to get in the right spot to steer John’s boat back to shore. It looked at times like a choreographed dance that went on for some time. When it proved too much to accomplish, Tim and John uncovered the rescue boat, and Tim rowed out to retrieve it. In the end, the rudder servo needed to be replaced. The rest of the sailors would like to thank John for giving them the opportunity to try retrieving his boat. It was perhaps the most entertaining part of the afternoon.

Thanks to all who came down and made the day so special.

The fleet tries to nudge John Simms' boat back to the dock.
Ultimately, Tim Wright needed to do the rescue.
Heading to the Next Mark with Full Sails
Bob Pacini's New US12, Sail #10
Leisurely Roundings of the Mark
It is all downhill to the next mark.
Tim Wright's Soling goes to, while the US12s go fro.
The US12 Fleet in Close Formation Leading Tim Wright's Soling
Bruce Wilhelm 267, Bob Pacini 10, John Simms 101
Lukey 2 and Logan 3
I'm not so sure about this.
Lets do this thing.

Sailing on Back Bay

There are not many days left so join us for Model Yacht sailing on Back Bay in Wolfeboro from 1 PM to 3 PM weekly, the Solings on Tuesday and US12s or any boat on Thursday, weather permitting. Wednesday serves as an alternate day should sailing conditions be poor. 

It’s 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.

Join the fun!

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

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Skippers Knowledge Base

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2025 Schedule]

  • April 29 – October 28 , 2025 Regattas 1PM-3PM Tuesday Solings, Thursdays US12s
  • October 28, 2025 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending September 20, 2025

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B. B. Wright, Mark Whitehead 
Layout & Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Bow Lake Laser Regatta

On Sunday, September 14, twelve Laser Class skippers gathered on Bow Lake for the annual AMYA Region 1 championship regatta. In attendance representing the New Hampshire Boat Museum Back Bay Skippers were Tim Wright and Paul McBride. B. B. Wright assisted with scoring duties.

Glenn Chalder, AMYA Region 1 Director, brought the banner to make it official.
The start and finish line was off the end of the dock, and we sailed form the dock, boats, and deck behind the dock.
Sailing was not always this orderly.
Tim Wright and Bob Shapiro, Host for the Event

For the fourth time, Tim Wright won top honors, scoring eight firsts and a net total of eleven points. Paul McBride sailed to tenth place with one fourth and a net score of ninety-four points.


Region 1 Laser Championship Regatta Scores
  Place      Name                   Score
    1        Tim Wright               11
    2        Michael Hoydis           24
    3        Glenn Chalder            28
    4        Bob Shapiro              43
    5        Bill Shaw                46
    6        Jacques Rioux            55
    7        Tim Stone                57
    8        Nate Hendrickson         75
    9        Russell Franklin         79
   10        Paul McBride             94
   11        Fred Skeels              94
   12        Mike Baker              123
The top five received flags.
Tim Wright gets his US12 and Solings ready to sail.

A Small Soling Fleet

We don’t know whether it was the light wind prediction or just too many things going on, but there were only twelve skippers who launched this week. The weather was absolutely spectacular, with sunshine and a temperature just below eighty degrees. The winds have been out of the north the last few days, creating a slightly different course.

The fleet completed eleven races thanks to increasing wind during the afternoon. There were spots where the boats just sat until the puffs caught up with the fleet, but at least we could maneuver around the course.

The Skippers
Steve Leker's DF95 Sail #94
The Scorekeepers, Karen Enos and B.B. Wright
The boats spread out on the way to the mark.
Clint Wolcott rescued his runaway boat, while mastering an uncooperative dinghy.

Solings on the Course

There were a couple of boats from other classes on the water this week — Tim Wright bringing his US12 and sailing that for the first two races, and Steve Leker sailing his DF 95 to a seventh-place finish.

For the rest of the sailing season, the scores are unofficial. Skippers are scored as long as they finish. The placements are totaled then divided by the number of races completed for an average score.

 All classes sailed together, with three from the Sailor Class and nine from the Master Class. The leader was Tim Wright with an unbeatable 1.0, and second went to Ted Monetta with a 2.5. Only participating in four races but doing well, Tom Barstow had an average of 4.5 for third. Bob Pacini sailed to fourth with his score of 5.1. Just three tenths of a point behind was Mark Whitehead with 5.4 and fifth place. Linwood Davis, Denis Boisvert, and John Barstow all scored 5.6 for a chummy sixth-place finish. Just behind Steve Leker’s score of 5.8 in seventh place was Clint Wolcott’s score of 6.0 for eighth. He was followed by Genie Ware and Kevin Bennett with scores of 7.4 and 8.0 respectively.

A Good Start
The Solings round the last mark and head to the finish line.
Scores
1   Tim Wright          1.0
2   Ted Monett          2.5
3   Tom Barstow         4.5
4   Bob Pacin           5.1
5   Mark Whitehead      5.4
6   Denis Boisvert      5.6
6   Linwood Davis       5.6
6   John Barstow        5.6
7   Steve Leke          5.8  (DF 95)
8   Clint Wolcot        6.0
9   Genie Ware          7.4
10  Kevin Bennett       8.0

September 18 US 12 fleet

We welcomed a Soling, a One-Meter One-Design (ODOM), and an RC Laser. While the Soling sailed only a single race, the rest of the fleet was very competitive. In one race, after the fourth mark and heading for the finish line, all six boats were within two boat lengths. That was indicative of the racing all afternoon.

The fleet rounds the last mark.
Tim Wright sails his Laser #94 and Rick Laird sails his One-Design One-Meter (ODOM) #716.
A Slow Start

While some boats jumped out to big leads, the fickle winds tended to bring them together for exciting finishes, changing places right up to the finish line. All boats had at least one finish in the top two, and all three different classes had at least one win. Other than the winds, the day was perfect.

The fleet heads to the first mark.
The Laser is in the lead.

We had a number of people come by to watch, including one particular soon-to-be four-year-old boy, Archie, who was captivated by the sailing and his ability to control a boat from shore. He said, “I am good at controlling boats.” His mother says he has no problem with confidence. His enthusiasm and delight were contagious.

We thank the people who make sailing possible, and treasure the days we have remaining.

Tim Wright showed Archie how to use the controls.
Take the controls ...

Sailing on Back Bay

Join us for Model Yacht sailing 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. As the regular scoring season is over, boats of any class are welcome on Thursdays.

It’s 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.

and receive a sailboat kit.

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

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Skippers Knowledge Base

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2025 Schedule]

  • April 29 – October 28 , 2025 Regattas 1PM-3PM Tuesday Solings, Thursdays US12s
  • October 28, 2025 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending September 13, 2025

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B. B. Wright, Kathleen Whitehead, Mark Whitehead 
Layout by Ken Gerber
 Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

National Champion

We were joined this week by one of the top Soling sailors in the nation. Our guest was Don Ouimette — a national champion, past District 1 director, and past vice president of the American Model Yachting Association.

Don Ouimette and Anthony Quinn
A Slow Start

Official Scoring

For the last officially scored Soling regatta on September 9, it was one of those glorious days with comfortable temperatures and sunshine. The wind, however, was a bit capricious, varying from zip to about six mph. Nonetheless, it was one of those fun days for the eighteen skippers in attendance. Despite fickle wind, the Soling fleet did manage to complete eight races, giving everyone a much-needed throw-out for the day.

Solings Out on the Course

There were six skippers in the Sailor Class this week, led by Doug Griggs posting four wins, one second, and a third. Doug’s final tally was 1.86. Mark Bodenstab earned the second spot with his three wins and two thirds, scoring 2.57. Kevin Bennett sailed to third place earning three seconds, three thirds, and a score of 2.86.

Our guest Don Ouimette led the Master Class with six wins, a second, and a third, scoring 1.14. In a strong second, Back Bay Skippers’ Tim Wright had two wins, four seconds, and two thirds for a 1.86. Third went to Linwood Davis with a score of 3.50.

The Soling Sailor Class starts a race.
A Beautiful Fall Day for Sailing
The Soling Master Class starts a race.
Heading to the First Mark
Skippers, Scorekeepers, and Visitor Don Ouimette
The Soling Master Class
Solings spread out along the fourth leg.

Delayed from June

On Wednesday, September 10, the annual Sasquatch Footy Regatta was held. Early fog lifted to reveal sun in a blue sky, welcoming three skippers from the Massachusetts Minuteman and five Back Bay Skippers. The winds were light at first, delaying the start by thirty minutes, but they grew stronger and remained throughout the day. The final race tally was twelve; however, we had heavy attrition with four of the skippers withdrawing before the final races. The little twelve-inch boats are very finicky as well as a real challenge to sail.

Sasquatch Footy Regatta Perpetual Trophy and Individual Trophies
Order of Finish:
1  Steve Leker		Back Bay Skippers		16 points
2  Herb Dreher		Minuteman			17 points
3  Jack Berglund        Minuteman			28 points
4  Mark Whitehead	Back Bay Skippers		35 points
5  Steve Doherty	Minuteman			57 points
6  Rick Gates		Back Bay Skippers		71 points
7  Paul McBride         Back Bay Skippers		80 points
8  Jim Opie             Back Bay Skippers		91 points
The Registration Tent
Footys start a race.
Footys head to the first mark.
Footys on the Course with Steve Leker 41 in the Lead
Rick Gates checks out his boat.
Footys approach the second mark.
The Footys are off to a good start.
Footys zip by a mark.
Herb Dreher 734
Steve Leker 41
Jack Berglund 65
Mark Whitehead 12
Steve Doherty 456
Rick Gates 355
Paul McBride 17
Jim Opie 130
Steve Leker, First Place
Herb Dreher, Second Place
Jack Berglund, Third Place
Footy Regatta Sailors and Staff

US12 Sailing

On 9/11, the season’s final afternoon of officially scored US12 racing, the weather saved its best for last. The five US12 racers were treated to a beautiful day, with warm temperatures and good winds for most of the afternoon. With guest scorekeeper Karen Enos, they managed to complete thirteen races.

The sailors would like to thank the season-long efforts of the scorekeepers. They work hard to keep things moving along while sighting starting lines and recording finishes. They volunteer their time, but it is also a commitment. If they can’t be there, they have to find substitutes. None of the sailors have to do that. So, thanks to B. B. Wright, Karen Enos, and Diane Guerriere for all of your efforts to keep our sailing days recorded accurately and fairly. Thank you! We don’t say it often enough.

 

Skippers and Scorekeepers
Lin Davis gets his boat ready to launch.

On the course, Lin Davis took top honors in a tightly contested race. With seven wins in thirteen races, he ended up with a 1.64 average. Right behind in second place was Rick Laird with a 1.82 average. Rick had two wins and five second-place finishes. In third place, John Simms had a win, four seconds, and a 2.73 average. Anthony Quinn ended up in fourth place with a 3.40 average. He had a win and one second-place finish. In fifth, Bob Strodel had two second-place finishes and a 3.75 average. The racing was spirited and close all afternoon.

Get ready for open sailing next Thursday. Bring any boat you have and enjoy an afternoon of friendly learning and competition.

Preparing for the Start
US12 Start
"Paddle faster, Honey. The sailboats are beating us."
"Are you sure the one in front does all the paddling?"
On the Way to the Third Mark
The US12 fleet rounds the second mark.
US12s approach the mark.

Sailing on Back Bay

Join us for Model Yacht sailing 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.

It’s 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.

Join the fun!

Scores

2025-09-09 Sailor Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Griggs, Doug7/1 (100%)131.861
Bodenstab, Mark7/1 (100%)182.572
Bennett, Kevin7/1 (100%)202.863
Wolcott, Clint7/1 (100%)223.144
Opie, Jim6/1 (86%)203.335
Butler, Jeanne5/0 (62%)244.806
2025 Sailor Class Soling Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2024Diff
Cain, BryerSailor0%0.00  
McBride, DonaldSailor12%2.00  
Hogenson, DaveSailor38%2.172.25-0.08
Bennett, KevinSailor81%2.466.67-4.21
Griggs, DougSailor62%2.70  
Opie, JimSailor44%2.862.670.19
Barstow, JohnSailor50%3.123.78-0.65
Bodenstab, MarkSailor38%3.675.38-1.71
Corbett, DaveSailor19%4.335.36-1.03
Clare, HenrySailor6%5.0010.50-5.50
Wolcott, ClintSailior25%5.003.801.20
Butler, JeanneSailor31%6.0010.33-4.33
Currier, DickSailor12%6.008.14-2.14
CurranSailor12%6.006.000.00
2025-09-09 Master Class Soling Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Ouimette, Don7/1 (100%)81.141
Wright, Tim7/1 (100%)131.862
Davis, Linwood6/1 (86%)213.503
Quinn, Anthony5/0 (62%)275.404
Boisvert, Denis7/1 (100%)385.435
Posnack, Al7/1 (100%)415.866
Leker, Steve7/1 (100%)436.147
Rudinsky, Chuck7/1 (100%)446.298
Witzel, Jeff7/1 (100%)507.149
Malay, Bill7/1 (100%)547.7110
Whitehead, Mark7/1 (100%)598.4311
Ware, Genie7/1 (100%)669.4312
2025 Master Class Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2024Diff
Ouimette, DonGuest6%1.00  
Wright, TimMaster88%1.071.08-0.01
Germon, HowardMaster6%2.00  
Gates, RickMaster12%3.508.38-4.88
Witzel, JeffMaster69%4.642.831.80
Monetta, TedMaster94%4.676.43-1.76
Davis, LinwoodMaster88%5.07  
Posnack, AlMaster81%5.385.180.20
Jousse, AlainMaster6%6.00  
Cundy, DonMaster19%6.673.383.29
Quinn, AnthonyMaster69%7.098.83-1.74
Gerber, KenMaster56%7.229.00-1.78
Whitehead, MarkMaster88%7.436.690.74
Barstow, TomMaster69%7.556.251.30
Boisvert, DenisMaster75%7.585.901.68
Leker, SteveMaster56%8.227.620.60
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster31%8.80  
Pacini, BobMaster81%9.008.001.00
Lalley, RickMaster6%10.00  
Malay, BillMaster56%10.2210.000.22
Laird, RichardMaster19%10.67  
Ware, GenieMaster62%11.00  
Wilhelm, BruceMaster69%11.18  
2025-09-11 US12 Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Davis, Lin11/2 (100%)181.641
Laird, Rick11/2 (100%)201.822
Simms, John11/2 (100%)302.733
Quinn, Anthony10/1 (83%)343.404
Strodel, Robert8/1 (67%)303.755
2025 US12 Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2024Diff
Wright, TimSailor92%1.001.000.00
Chalder, Glenn
 8%2.00  
Davis, Lin 67%2.004.00-2.00
Simms, JohnSailor100%3.082.570.51
McBride, DonaldSailor17%3.504.43-0.93
Quinn, Anthony
 67%3.755.23-1.48
Laird, RickSailor42%3.803.400.40
Gates, Rick
 17%4.003.930.07
Brennan, BobSailor17%4.505.80-1.30
Strodel, RobertSailor42%4.607.00-2.40
Wilhelm, BruceSailor67%5.386.56-1.18
Opie, JimSailor42%6.006.40-0.40

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

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Skippers Knowledge Base

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2025 Schedule]

  • April 29 – October 28 , 2025 Regattas 1PM-3PM Tuesday Solings, Thursdays US12s
  • October 28, 2025 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending September 6, 2025

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B. B. Wright, Mark Whitehead 
Layout by Ken Gerber
 Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Fall Sailing

We had no idea where the summer went as we competed in our first regatta of September. There’s just one more week of officially scored regattas before moving to a more relaxed schedule, but we certainly don’t stop sailing until there’s a definite chill in the air.

We welcomed an old friend and fellow skipper, back from a five-year hiatus. Rick Lalley joined us this week, using the #76 boat. Rick used to drive three hours from Thomaston, Maine every week, but he no longer is able to make such a long journey. We were delighted to have him join us, and we thank his wife, Ann, for providing the opportunity.

Rick Lalley
Rick Lalley's Soling Sail #688

With sunshine and cooler temperatures, twenty-three skippers sailed the eight-race regatta. We could have used a little more wind, but occasional gusts helped to push us around the course. There were seven from the Sailor Class and sixteen from the Master Class, and topping our agenda for next season will be the creation of a better balance in the fleets.

Starting Weather Conditions
Ending Weather Conditions

Solings on the Course

There was a strong showing from Jim Opie, his five wins, a second, and two thirds putting him at the top of the Sailor Class this week with a score of 1.43. Doug Griggs had two wins, two seconds, and two thirds for second place and a score of 2.29. John Barstow’s score of 3.29 and a third-place finish was reached thanks to a win and two seconds.

 

A Soling Master Class Start
A Soling Sailor Class Start

With six wins, Tim Wright was hard to beat as he scored 1.14 in the Master Class. Linwood Davis earned two seconds, two thirds, and a score of 3.29 for second place. The old Navy guy, Anthony Quinn, sailed into the third spot with a win and two seconds, scoring 4.14.

Our returning skipper, Rick Lalley, showed that his old skills also were returning when he placed second in Race #8.

Skippers and Scorekeepers
The Soling Master Class is at the first mark.
Who's on first?
Solings spread out along the fourth leg.

The US12 Fleet

The six US12s that sailed on Thursday, September 4, had a very similar day to last week, except more so. Wonderfully warm temps, with highs in the low eighties, and a good southerly wind — the same as before.

The increased strength of the wind and the wildly variable wind directions, often just a yard apart, made the sailing very tricky indeed. Every point of the compass was well represented by the wind’s direction. At one time we had two boats within a yard of each other, directly across and beside each other, going in the same direction at the same speed, both close-hauled but on different tacks and moving well! A gust must have come down between them and gone outwards. Each skipper was reacting appropriately, and it lasted for twenty seconds. It was one of those days on Back Bay. Keeping us moving were the strong winds and our scorekeepers.

Jim Opie 130 crosses the finish line.
US12s head to the first mark.

On the course, Tim Wright won eleven of twelve races, and finished with a 1.00 average. He was challenged often by the other sailors, and loves the rising level of competition. Lin Davis finished second with a 2.80 average. He had a first place as well as four second-place finishes. Bob Strodel finished third in the closest race of the fleet. Bob had three seconds and three thirds, and finished with a 3.20 average. Right behind in fourth, and always a tough competitor, John Simms had a 3.30 average. He had a second and six thirds. In fifth, Anthony Quinn had three seconds and a score of 3.57. In sixth, Jim Opie, fresh off his win in the Soling Sailor Class on Tuesday, decided to let everyone experience success. No, not seriously, but due to the fickle winds he was often just short at the finish. The whole group was tightly bunched and changing positions all afternoon.

 

The group really enjoys their time together and a chance to share humor, stories, and a great pastime. We have only one more week of official scoring on September 11, then starting September 18, Thursday becomes a “Bring What You Have Day” — any boat, any skipper for a relaxed and fun-filled afternoon of racing.

Thanks to all who make it possible for us to sail and share our hobby.

US12s: John Simms 101, Jim Opie 130, Lin Davis 400, and Bob Strodel 65
Lin Davis 400 and John Simms 101 round the second mark.
Fickle Winds -- 400 on Starbord Tack, 438 and 101 on Port Tack

Featured Skippers

Paul McBride

Paul McBride

Paul McBride was born in Rochester, New Hampshire, and lived there through his years at Spaulding High. Summer Sundays were always spent in Wolfeboro swimming and sailing on Rust Pond.

He graduated from MIT with a BS in Electrical Engineering (Computer Science). While there, he sailed Tech Dinghies in the Charles River Basin and worked part time at the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory (Draper Labs), where the Apollo moon mission guidance computer software and parts were designed and built.

Retired now, living partly on Rust Pond and in Waltham, Massachusetts, he has kept busy with the Back Bay Skippers since 2013, eventually as treasurer, photographer, news publisher, and as a sailor of Solings as well as US12s, Footys, and Lasers. Currently, he also is vice president of the Lakes Region Model Railroad Museum.

Paul McBride's Soling Sail #23
Paul McBride's US12 Sail #223
Steve Leker

Steve Leker

Steve was born in 1955 as the third of three kids, which he claims explains so much. There was a brother in the middle, and first-born Karen is the sister now known as a scorekeeper for the Back Bay Skippers.

Typical for any boomer kid, his bicycle was the doorway to freedom, which expanded greatly when dirt bikes replaced pedal power. Trail riding was a passion from junior high into his college years.

He met a beautiful girl, and one of their first dates involved a sail on a Sunfish when she promptly fell off during a tack. Forty-three married years later, they still laugh about it, so all is well.

The years went by as an entomologist, a vocational teacher, a licensed pest management professional, a turf manager, and a corporate nuisance wildlife franchise trainer.

Along the way were a dozen marathons, 200-mile relay races, century bike rides, many half marathons and sprint triathlons, countless 5k’s, and a full Iron-man. A highlight of running was the honor for six years of coaching non-runners from the couch to the finish line of the Disney Marathon while they simultaneously raised thousands of dollars for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Their son married a Massachusetts girl and began raising two energetic sons, which made for Steve and his wife an easy decision to leave Florida and move permanently to New Hampshire. The seasons are gorgeous and the small-town living, according to Steve, is fabulous!

Steve Leker's Soling #41
Bruce Wilhelm

Bruce Wilhelm

Bruce was born and raised in California, where he graduated from CalPoly and married Joanne in 1973. They had two children and now can brag about three grandchildren.

Before moving to New Hampshire in 1989, they lived in California, Texas, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts. Bruce retired in 2017 after a forty-four-year career in commercial sales and marketing, the last half of that time with Epson America. Since 2015, they have lived in Moultonborough, and sailed people-sized boats until 2019. The very next year, he built his US12, and in 2022, he added a Soling to his fleet.

Bruce Wilhelm's US12 sail #267 crosses the finish line.
Bruce Wilhelm's Soling #831 in Calm Waters

Sailing on Back Bay

Join us for Model Yacht sailing 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.

It’s 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.

Take control!
The Sasquatch Footy Regatta is on Wednesday, September 10, from 10AM to 3PM.

Wednesday, September 10, the Back Bay Skippers will host the Sasquatch Footy Regatta that was postponed from an earlier date due to rain. The little twelve-inch boats are a great show, so come join the fun.

Scores

2025-09-02 Soling Sailor Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Opie, Jim7/1 (100%)101.431
Griggs, Doug7/1 (100%)162.292
Barstow, John7/1 (100%)233.293
Bennett, Kevin7/1 (100%)294.144
Bodenstab, Mark7/1 (100%)304.295
Wolcott, Clint7/1 (100%)365.146
Butler, Jeanne6/1 (86%)315.177
2025 Soling Sailor Class Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2024Diff
Cain, Bryer
 0%0.00  
McBride, DonaldSailor13%2.00  
Hogenson, DaveSailor40%2.172.25-0.08
Bennett, KevinSailor80%2.426.67-4.25
Opie, JimSailor40%2.502.67-0.17
Griggs, DougSailor60%2.89  
Barstow, JohnSailor53%3.123.78-0.65
Bodenstab, MarkSailor33%4.005.38-1.38
Corbett, DaveSailor20%4.335.36-1.03
Clare, HenrySailor7%5.0010.50-5.50
Wolcott, ClintSailior20%5.333.801.53
Butler, JeanneSailor27%6.0010.33-4.33
Currier, DickSailor13%6.008.14-2.14
CurranSailor13%6.006.000.00
2025-09-02 Soling Master Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim7/1 (100%)81.141
Davis, Linwood7/1 (100%)233.292
Quinn, Anthony7/1 (100%)294.143
Monetta, Ted7/1 (100%)466.574
Gerber, Ken7/1 (100%)476.715
Witzel, Jeff7/1 (100%)497.006
Whitehead, Mark7/1 (100%)507.147
Boisvert, Denis7/1 (100%)517.298
Posnack, Al7/1 (100%)568.009
Lalley, Rick7/1 (100%)628.8610
Barstow, Tom7/1 (100%)659.2911
Malay, Bill7/1 (100%)669.4312
Leker, Steve5/0 (62%)5010.0013
Pacini, Bob7/1 (100%)7510.7114
Ware, Genie7/1 (100%)7911.2915
Rudinsky, Chuck7/1 (100%)8512.1416
2025 Soling Master Class Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2024Diff
Wright, TimMaster87%1.001.08-0.08
Germon, HowardMaster7%2.00  
Gates, RickMaster13%3.508.38-4.88
Witzel, JeffMaster67%4.202.831.37
Monetta, TedMaster100%4.676.43-1.76
Davis, LinwoodMaster87%5.23  
Posnack, AlMaster80%5.335.180.15
Jousse, AlainMaster7%6.00  
Cundy, DonMaster20%6.673.383.29
Whitehead, MarkMaster87%7.156.690.46
Gerber, KenMaster60%7.229.00-1.78
Quinn, AnthonyMaster67%7.408.83-1.43
Barstow, TomMaster73%7.556.251.30
Boisvert, DenisMaster73%7.825.901.92
Leker, SteveMaster53%8.387.620.75
Pacini, BobMaster87%9.008.001.00
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster27%9.00  
Lalley, RickMaster7%10.00  
Malay, BillMaster53%10.2510.000.25
Laird, RichardMaster20%10.67  
Ware, GenieMaster60%10.89  
Wilhelm, BruceMaster73%11.18  
2025-09-04 US12 Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim10/2 (100%)101.001
Davis, Lin10/1 (91%)282.802
Strodel, Robert10/2 (100%)323.203
Simms, John10/2 (100%)333.304
Quinn, Anthony7/1 (64%)253.575
Opie, Jim10/2 (100%)464.606
2025 US12 Class Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2024Diff
Wright, TimSailor100%1.001.000.00
Chalder, Glenn
 9%2.00  
Davis, Lin
 64%2.144.00-1.86
Simms, JohnSailor100%3.092.570.52
McBride, DonaldSailor18%3.504.43-0.93
Quinn, Anthony
 64%3.715.23-1.52
Gates, Rick
 18%4.003.930.07
Laird, RickSailor36%4.253.400.85
Brennan, BobSailor18%4.505.80-1.30
Strodel, RobertSailor36%4.507.00-2.50
Wilhelm, BruceSailor73%5.386.56-1.18
Opie, JimSailor45%6.006.40-0.40

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

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Skippers Knowledge Base

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2025 Schedule]

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending August 30, 2025

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B. B. Wright, Mark Whitehead 
Layout by Ken Gerber
 Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

From Across the Pond

It was a special treat at the August 26 Soling regatta to welcome a family from Belfast, Ireland, guests of the Muir family. They all took turns sailing Henry Clare’s number 48, everyone’s faces beaming with smiles.

Jeff Witzel received a certificate
for second place
in the Soling Master Class Spring Series.
Guests of Warren Muir from Belfast, Ireland include, left to right, Dr. Aileen Millar, Warren Muir, Logan Mutt, Dr. Christopher Mutt, and Dylan Mutt.
Henry Clare's Soling #48 --
Henry is Warren Muir's Grandson

We Had Wind!

The forecast was for 12-mph winds. Although the velocity didn’t climb that high, it was nice to have a steady breeze all afternoon. The fleet of sixteen Masters and five Sailors managed to complete twelve good races

The only weed call was by Ken Gerber in Race #12. We have no idea where he found it — did he bring it from home? There were three de-mastings — an unusually high number. One victim was Commodore Mark Whitehead’s #12 when he bumped into Chuck Rudinsky’s #301, sending #12 to the hospital for the remaining races. A real bummer! The rest of the fleet continued to sail, totally enjoying sunshine and temperatures in the 70s with low dew points.

Weather Conditions

Solings on the Course

John Barstow pulled off a decisive victory in the Sailor Class, with eight firsts and a score of 1.20. Congratulations, John! Jim Opie took three firsts and four seconds, earning a score of 2.00 for second place. The Belfast Mutt family finished third with three seconds and two thirds, scoring 3.11. Just one tenth behind was Dave Corbett with two second-place finishes and a score of 3.12. Curran had a win but sailed only one race, not qualifying for the regatta.

Leading the Master Class was Tim Wright with eight wins and a score of 1.30. On a hot streak, Ted Monetta had two wins. In one, he was so far ahead of the rest of the fleet, they must have been in another time zone. He scored 4.30 for the second spot overall. Linwood Davis had one win and a couple of seconds, leading to a score of 4.40 for third.

Scorekeepers B.B. Wright and Diane Guerriere
The Soling Master Class at the Start of a Race
The Soling Master Class makes a fast getaway from the start.
The Soling Master Class
Lots of Activity on the Dock
An Orderly Group of Solings

There Were Five

Sailors were treated to another wonderful late-summer day on August 28. Our scorekeepers (B. B. Wright and Diane Guerriere) managed to keep us moving along, and we again finished twelve races before 3:00 PM. The wind was enough to keep us moving too (most of the time), which was nice. All points of the compass were represented by the winds we faced. It is unusual for us to have upwind sailing on every leg at one point or another. Reading the winds, and being on the right side of the wind shifts was as much luck as skill. As usual, positions changed often, and many times, the last leg saw places change dramatically. The camaraderie was evident among the sailors, scorekeepers, and onlookers, so it was a good day all around.

Tim Wright 438, Lin Davis 400, John Simms 101,
and Bob Strodel 65 start the race.
US12s catch some wind on the first leg.

On the course, Tim Wright won ten of twelve races. His average after two throw-outs was 1.00, good for first place. In second, Lin Davis earned a 2.40 average, having finished first once and second five times. In third, John Simms at 2.70 also had a first place and a second with five third-place finishes. Anthony Quinn, in fourth, left early but still managed three seconds and a third for a 3.38 average. Bob Strodel ended with a 3.80 after a second and three thirds. Everyone had at least four top-three finishes. The racing was keen, and, more importantly, the spirit of fun was evident.

Let it be said that the scores are perhaps the least important part of the afternoon. The friendship, the time spent together sharing a captivating pastime, and the sharing of our sport with passersby are what really make the racing fun. After all, that is why we gather together. Fun is the name of the game, and constant learning is part of the fun. We are all in this together, making this a pleasurable way to share our love of sailing and small boats.

The US12s on a Very Orderly Approach to the Third Mark
Anthony Quinn 937

We look forward to officially scored racing for the next two weeks. Once the scored season ends, we’d like to invite anyone to sail with us on September 18. Bring any boat, and try your luck and skill in a relaxed atmosphere. We welcome all sailors and all boats. Let’s enjoy the season while we can. It’s hard to believe that we’ve almost completed the 2025 officially scored Back Bay season!

Tim Wright 438
Lin Davis 400
John Simms 101
Bob Strodel 65

Featured Skippers

Karen Enos

Our Faithful Soling Scorekeeper Karen Enos

Born in Lansing, Michigan, Karen grew up in Kansas City, Missouri with two younger brothers. After high school years in Texas and Mississippi, she graduated with a B.S. from Kansas State University, teaching math and science for fifth, sixth, and seventh grades in Kansas. After two years, she moved to the Dallas, Texas area for twenty-five years, where her forever career in healthcare began. Healthcare years continued in Pensacola, Florida, where she lived for twenty-four years before retiring in 2013. She then moved to New Hampshire with her brother and sister-in-law in 2021.

In Pensacola, she learned to scuba dive – her greatest pleasure — and traveled to many places with a group of friends to dive. Her other interests include gardening, kayaking, hiking, volunteering at the town swap shop, scoring for a great group of Back Bay Skippers, traveling, feeding the birds (and squirrels, unfortunately), and assisting with animal rescue.

Mark Bodenstab

Soling Skipper Mark Bodenstab

Mark moved to the Lakes Region in 2016 after experiencing careers as a Naval aviator and civil engineer. He is thoroughly enjoying retirement with his wife, Julie, and their frequent visits with children and grandchildren – which now include sailing demonstrations.

Mark Bodenstab sails Soling Sail Number 54.
Anthony Quinn

Skipper Anthony Quinn

Born and raised in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Anthony graduated from Gloucester High School in 1954, and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy. In 1958, he married Cynthia, also from Gloucester. While on his second tour, he was selected for the Naval Enlisted Scientific Education Program, and was accepted to Marquette University while still on active duty. After four years, he graduated with a BS in mechanical engineering, with a specialty in nuclear reactor design.

Anthony Quinn's Soling Sail Number 111 is in fine form.

He was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy and served on numerous ships and stations in the United States, Japan, Italy, and Germany. In 1970, he attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, earning an MS in meteorology.

After a total of thirty-seven years, he retired at the rank of commander and became a naval science instructor at Middletown High School in Middletown, New York. He also headed up the NJROTC program there until 2002, when he retired for good at age sixty-five.

He and Cynthia have two children and two grandchildren. In 2004, he and Cynthia relocated to Wolfeboro. His hobbies include woodworking, golf, remote-controlled sailboats, volunteering, and bonsai.

Anthony Quinn's US12 Sail Number 937 zips across the finish line.

Sailing on Back Bay

Join us for Model Yacht sailing 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.

It’s 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.

Join the fun!

Scores

2025-08-26 Soling Sailor Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Barstow, John10/2 (100%)121.201
Opie, Jim10/2 (100%)202.002
Mutt Family9/1 (82%)283.113
Corbett, Dave8/1 (73%)253.124
Curran1/0 (8%)11.00 
2025 Soling Sailor Class Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2024Diff
Cain, BryerSailor0%0.00  
McBride, DonaldSailor14%2.00  
Hogenson, DaveSailor43%2.172.25-0.08
Bennett, KevinSailor79%2.276.67-4.39
Opie, JimSailor36%2.802.670.13
Griggs, DougSailor57%3.00  
Barstow, JohnSailor50%3.143.78-0.63
Bodenstab, MarkSailor29%3.755.38-1.62
Clare, HenrySailor7%4.0010.50-6.50
Corbett, DaveSailor21%4.675.36-0.70
Wolcott, ClintSailior14%5.003.801.20
Butler, JeanneSailor21%5.6710.33-4.67
Currier, DickSailor14%6.008.14-2.14
CurranSailor14%6.006.000.00
2025-08-26 Soling Master Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim10/2 (100%)131.301
Monetta, Ted10/2 (100%)434.302
Davis, Linwood10/2 (100%)444.403
Posnack, Al10/1 (91%)494.904
Rudinsky, Chuck10/2 (100%)545.405
Witzel, Jeff10/2 (100%)545.405
Whitehead, Mark5/1 (45%)326.407
Gerber, Ken10/2 (100%)666.608
Leker, Steve9/1 (82%)677.449
Quinn, Anthony9/1 (82%)677.449
Barstow, Tom10/2 (100%)797.9011
Ware, Genie10/2 (100%)888.8012
Boisvert, Denis7/1 (64%)699.8613
Pacini, Bob10/2 (100%)10310.3014
Malay, Bill10/2 (100%)11211.2015
Wilhelm, Bruce10/2 (100%)11211.2015
2025 Soling Master Class Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2024Diff
Wright, TimMaster86%1.001.08-0.08
Germon, HowardMaster7%2.00  
Gates, RickMaster14%3.508.38-4.88
Witzel, JeffMaster64%4.002.831.17
Monetta, TedMaster100%4.716.43-1.71
Posnack, AlMaster79%5.005.18-0.18
Davis, LinwoodMaster86%5.50  
Jousse, AlainMaster7%6.00  
Cundy, DonMaster21%6.673.383.29
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster21%6.67  
Whitehead, MarkMaster86%7.176.690.47
Barstow, TomMaster71%7.206.250.95
Gerber, KenMaster57%7.509.00-1.50
Leker, SteveMaster50%7.717.620.09
Boisvert, DenisMaster71%7.805.901.90
Quinn, AnthonyMaster64%7.898.83-0.94
Pacini, BobMaster86%8.588.000.58
Malay, BillMaster50%10.0010.000.00
Ware, GenieMaster57%10.38  
Laird, RichardMaster21%10.67  
Wilhelm, BruceMaster79%11.18  
2025-08-28 US12 Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim10/2 (100%)101.001
Davis, Lin10/2 (100%)242.402
Simms, John10/2 (100%)282.803
Quinn, Anthony8/1 (73%)273.384
Strodel, Robert10/1 (91%)383.805
2025 US12 Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2024Diff
Wright, TimSailor100%1.001.000.00
Chalder, GlennGuest10%2.00  
Davis, LinSailor60%2.174.00-1.83
Simms, JohnSailor100%3.002.570.43
McBride, DonaldSailor20%3.504.43-0.93
Quinn, AnthonySailor60%3.505.23-1.73
Gates, RickSailor20%4.003.930.07
Laird, RickSailor40%4.253.400.85
Brennan, BobSailor20%4.505.80-1.30
Strodel, RobertSailor30%5.007.00-2.00
Wilhelm, BruceSailor80%5.386.56-1.18
Opie, JimSailor40%6.006.40-0.40

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

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Soling 1M Building Manual

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Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

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US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2025 Schedule]

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e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending August 23, 2025

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B. B. Wright, Mark Whitehead 
Layout by Ken Gerber
 Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Ahh! Seventy Degrees!

At last a reprieve from the hot and humid weather! The August 19 skipper count doubled from last week, reflecting more bearable conditions. The wind, however, was its normal fluky self — zilch in spots and not bad in others. With twenty boats on the water, the two-fleet configuration was called by our race director, Al Posnack — seven Sailors and thirteen Masters. Despite weak winds, the fleet managed to complete nine races.

Al Posnack gleefully receives a certificate for 3rd place in the Soling Master Class Spring Series from Commodore Mark Whitehead.
Weather Conditions

Howard Germon returned to sail with us this week, giving his new #76 boat a good workout and certainly challenging the rest of us. It was disappointing, however, that new skipper Bryer Cain clipped his boom on the dock and was unable to sail with us this week. Hopefully he can get back in action for our next regatta.

Solings on the Course

Dave Hogenson gave himself a going-away present by taking first place in this week’s Sailor Class. Four first-place finishes gave him the win with a score of 2.38. Jim Opie shined with a first, a second, and two thirds to take second place with a score of 2.60. A tie for third between John Barstow and Kevin Bennett showed scores of 2.88. Kevin had three first-place finishes, but John’s more consistent placement in the top three led to the tie. The top five competitors were all within one half of a point, so congratulations on a job well done!

A Very Orderly Fleet of Solings
The Soling Sailor Class starts a race.

No surprise in the Master Class with Tim Wright taking seven firsts for a score of 1.00. Somehow Tim always has the best wind in his sails. Howard Germon’s new boat got off to a good start with one win and three seconds for a second-place score of 3.12. Linwood Davis was in the top four at the end of five races, which included two seconds for third overall and a score of 4.25.

The Soling Master Class spread out on the first leg.
Solings round the second mark.
The Soling Sailor Class on the way to the first mark passes through the Master Class heading to the third mark.
Lin Davis 22, Rick Laird 333, Al Posnack 111, and Howard Germon 76 are at the first mark.
Heading away from the start line, the Soling Master Class begins to spread out.
Solings head to the first mark.

US12 Sailing

The five sailors who raced on Thursday, August 21, were treated to cool temperatures and good winds most of the time. Which direction the wind would blow was always in doubt, but it was a good, steady wind — until it wasn’t. Some dead spots appeared, but the majority of races were done with a good breeze. We were delighted to complete twelve races by 2:40. To achieve that, we can thank B. B. Wright and Diane Guerriere, our scorekeepers, who kept us on task.

Before the racing started, Tim Wright sailed a model called an Independence class built by Bob Gabel. Bob and Liz are downsizing and wanted to find a good home for the boat he built. Tim received it through the New Hampshire Boat Museum, and spent time making it work. The test sail went very well, and Tim was pleased with the results. Thanks to Bob for all of his volunteer work for the museum, and for the generous donation of his boat.

A Beautiful Day for a US12 Regatta
US12s prepare to start.

The course we sailed was mostly out between the outer marks, and the breeze was remarkably strong offshore. It made the skippers pay attention all the time as things changed quickly.

Tim Wright won the day with nine victories and three seconds. His final average, after the two throw-outs, was 1.10. Lin Davis sailed to two victories and five seconds, his final average of 2.30 good enough for second place. John Simms missed a few races but still managed to finish third with a 2.88 average. He had two seconds and five thirds in the eight races counted. Finishing strongly in fourth, Bruce Wilhelm had a first, two seconds, and three thirds for a 3.10 average. Bob Strodel is still working to get his boat to respond correctly, and had many third-place finishes. He ended with a 3.78 average and a fifth-place finish for the day. His boat is coming out of mothballs and has a few issues to be resolved. Once that happens, watch out!

Overall, it was a very pleasant day, with good winds, warm temperatures, and good vibes between the sailors and our scorekeepers. There were a few collisions on the outer legs of the course, but everyone rolled with the punches, partly due to the wonderful day we were fortunate enough to experience. We can only hope for such a nice day next week. Thanks to all who made it possible.

Tim Wright 438 and Bob Strodel 65
Independence Class
US12s head to the mark.
John Simms 101 and Bob Strodel 65
US12s at the Mark

Featured Skippers

Bob Pacini

Bob Pacini
Originally from just outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, there wasn’t much sailing to be done in those days. Bob attended college as an engineer major, interrupted by the Vietnam War. After performing his duty, he returned to NYU and worked as a prosthetist orthotics, making artificial limbs and braces for forty-three years. His relaxation from this high-stress work was a passion for wood-turning and boatbuilding. He has continued both of those activities since retirement, and now enjoys New Hampshire life with his wife and family in their Melvin Village home.

Bob Pacini 1068
Rick Laird

Rick Laird
Born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, Rick Laird attended an art school associated with Springfield Technical Community College. Moving to Boston, he worked for a graphics house on Summer Street. He also joined the 27th Lancers Drum and Bugle Corps of Revere, and became interested in sailing catamarans while admiring them from Rhode Island beaches as a youth. He tried various boat lengths then settled into sailing on fresh waters at Quannapowitt Lake in Wakefield, Massachusetts. 

Rick Laird's US12 Sail Number 307
Rick Laird's Soling Number 333

Although time took its toll on his body and spirit, he couldn’t give up sailing. Wandering into a model boat shop in 1993, he bought his first radio-controlled sailing yacht. Over the years, he’s won many regattas and regional competitions, but decided his best achievement was placing second four times in the U.S. Vintage Marblehead Championships.

Sailing on Back Bay

Join us for Model Yacht sailing 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.

It’s 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.

Leo and Anna received sailboat kits.

Scores

2025-08-19 Soling Sailor Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Hogenson, Dave8/1 (100%)192.381
Opie, Jim5/1 (62%)132.602
Barstow, John8/1 (100%)232.883
Bennett, Kevin8/1 (100%)232.883
Griggs, Doug8/1 (100%)243.005
Bodenstab, Mark2/0 (22%)84.006
Corbett, Dave4/0 (44%)184.507
2025 Soling Sailor Class Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2024Diff
Cain, Bryer
 0%0.00  
Clare, HenrySailor0%0.0010.50-10.50
McBride, DonaldSailor15%2.00  
Hogenson, DaveSailor46%2.172.25-0.08
Bennett, KevinSailor85%2.276.67-4.39
Opie, JimSailor31%2.752.670.08
Griggs, DougSailor62%3.00  
Barstow, JohnSailor46%3.333.78-0.44
Bodenstab, MarkSailor31%3.755.38-1.62
Corbett, DaveSailor15%4.505.36-0.86
Wolcott, ClintSailor15%5.003.801.20
Butler, JeanneSailor23%5.6710.33-4.67
Currier, DickSailor15%6.008.14-2.14
CurranSailor15%6.006.000.00
2025-08-19 Soling Master Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim7/1 (88%)71.001
Germon, Howard8/1 (100%)253.122
Davis, Linwood8/1 (100%)344.253
Pacini, Bob8/1 (100%)384.754
Gerber, Ken8/1 (100%)425.255
Monetta, Ted8/1 (100%)496.126
Whitehead, Mark8/1 (100%)516.387
Posnack, Al8/1 (100%)577.128
Barstow, Tom7/1 (88%)557.869
Quinn, Anthony8/1 (100%)648.0010
Laird, Richard8/1 (100%)688.5011
Boisvert, Denis8/1 (100%)759.3812
Ware, Genie8/1 (100%)8310.3813
2025 Soling Master Class Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2024Diff
Wright, TimMaster85%1.001.08-0.08
Germon, HowardMaster8%2.00  
Gates, RickMaster15%3.508.38-4.88
Witzel, JeffMaster62%3.882.831.04
Monetta, TedMaster100%4.926.43-1.51
Posnack, AlMaster77%5.105.18-0.08
Davis, LinwoodMaster85%5.73  
Jousse, AlainMaster8%6.00  
Cundy, DonMaster23%6.673.383.29
Barstow, TomMaster69%6.786.250.53
Whitehead, MarkMaster92%7.176.690.47
Boisvert, DenisMaster69%7.225.901.32
Gerber, KenMaster54%7.439.00-1.57
Leker, SteveMaster46%7.507.62-0.12
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster15%7.50  
Quinn, AnthonyMaster62%7.758.83-1.08
Pacini, BobMaster85%8.098.000.09
Malay, BillMaster46%9.1710.00-0.83
Ware, GenieMaster54%10.14  
Laird, RichardMaster23%10.67  
Wilhelm, BruceMaster77%10.80  
2025-08-21 US12 Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim10/2 (100%)111.101
Davis, Lin10/2 (100%)232.302
Simms, John8/1 (73%)232.883
Wilhelm, Bruce10/2 (100%)313.104
Strodel, Robert9/1 (82%)343.785
2025 US12 Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2024Diff
Wright, TimSailor100%1.001.000.00
Chalder, Glenn
 11%2.00  
Davis, Lin 56%2.204.00-1.80
Simms, JohnSailor100%3.002.570.43
Quinn, Anthony
 56%3.405.23-1.83
McBride, DonaldSailor22%3.504.43-0.93
Gates, Rick
 22%4.003.930.07
Laird, RickSailor44%4.253.400.85
Brennan, BobSailor22%4.505.80-1.30
Strodel, RobertSailor22%5.007.00-2.00
Wilhelm, BruceSailor89%5.386.56-1.18
Opie, JimSailor44%6.006.40-0.40

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

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Skippers Knowledge Base

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2025 Schedule]

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending August 16, 2025

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Proofreading & Editing by Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B. B. Wright, Mark Whitehead, Diane Guerriere 
Layout by Ken Gerber
 Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

A Day for the Diehards

The August 12 Soling regatta was held on one of the dog days of 2025’s summer — 116 degrees and the usual questionable wind. The participating number was half a normal fleet as ten skippers, believe it or not, obeyed Rule #1 and had a fun day. Because of the low numbers and limited wind, we went all in on a three-buoy course. Only half the course seemed to have wind, which made that an appropriate decision. With ten skippers and eight races, it was an official regatta.

Weather Conditions: Hot and Calm
Scorekeeper Karen Enos

Our scorekeeper, Karen Enos, went from shade to sun to cover her scoring duties, and we can’t thank her enough for her dedication!

Solings Out on the Water

After reveling in the cooler climate of Canada, Dave Hogenson returned to Back Bay, the recipient of a lighthearted scolding from the commodore for arriving late. Dave took revenge by leading the Sailor Class with his four first-place finishes and a score of 1.4, squeezing past Doug Griggs by a mere three hundreds of a point. Doug, using the recently donated #76 boat, scored four wins as well, landing him in second place with a score of 1.43. John Barstow had a win and four seconds, earning a 2.14 for third. Mark Bodenstab had three third-place finishes but not enough races to qualify for the regatta. Mark, you couldn’t sail one more race? Must have been the heat.

Solings at the Start
Solings Becalmed

A skipper who’s been making great progress in the Master Class this season is Bruce Wilhelm, who outdid himself this week with three wins and a second for a score of 2.29. Jeff Witzel, always in the hunt, was less than three tenths behind with one win and three seconds for a 2.57. Ted Monetta had another strong showing, placing third with two wins and a score of 2.86. Battling all afternoon, Bob Pacini and Mark Whitehead tied for fourth at 3.0, Mark capturing two firsts but whittling away his score with a trio of low finishes. Genie Ware held the sixth spot with 4.57, only 2.3 points separating the entire fleet.

Skippers, Scorekeepers, and a Spectator.
Solings are at the first mark on the shortened course.

One Long Line of Geese

The geese look almost fully grown.
The Visiting Sailing Club

Thursday US12 Sailing on August 14

A good day for sailing. Unlike the light winds we usually get in August, the six sailors were treated to a delightful wind. It ranged from drifter to overpowering, but, for the most part, it was just right. Big wind shifts were the order of the day. It seemed the favored end of the line changed each race. The shifts made every race a challenge, places changing constantly throughout the competition. The temperature was toasty, but the wind helped to keep it bearable. Our scorekeeper, B. B. Wright, with help from Diane Guerriere, kept us moving and we finished twelve races by 2:45, giving us two throw-outs each. Once we reached that plateau of twelve races, it was time to find shade and a cold drink.

US12s start the race, with a couple of boats over early going back to restart.
Vice Commodore Tim Wright and the Scorekeepers

On the Course

Tim Wright had an outstanding day, crossing the finish line first in every race for a score of 1.00. His throw-outs were two first-place finishes! What a shame! John Simms had a strong day, with nine seconds and a final average of 2.10, putting him in second place for the regatta. In third place, Lin Davis had two seconds and six thirds, his final average 3.20. The closest finish in this regatta was the race for fourth place. Rick Laird edged out Bob Strodel by one tenth, 4.20 to 4.30. Rick had three third-place finishes. Bob had a second and many fourths to finish in fifth place. Bruce Wilhelm managed one third-place finish and a 4.80 average to end up in sixth place.

The sailors and scorekeepers walked away thinking they were very lucky to have such a good wind this time of year. Many spectators stopped their walking to watch the racing. Perhaps the best part was that we never had to use the rowboat since no one had to be rescued! Thanks to all who make our racing possible. We hope to have another day next week just like this one.

US12s round the first mark.
Bob Strodel 65 rounds the mark chasing Rick Laird 307, Lin Davis 400, and Bruce Wilhelm.
US12s approach the second mark.
US12s head to the third mark.
US12 Skippers enjoyed a great day of sailing.
US12s on the Second Leg

Featured Skippers

Genie Ware

Living west of Boston, Genie Ware is the mother of two and a retired clinical child psychologist. Her life revolves around not only a young grandson but also music and the arts. She serves as board chair of the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, she sings in a traveling choir. and she plays cello in a recreational orchestra — trying hard, as Genie puts it, to appear that she knows what she’s doing. Being a Back Bay Skipper also has added fun to her life, building and sailing Solings with her husband, John Barstow.

Genie Ware 74 crosses the finish line.
Dave Hogenson

Dave Hogenson lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife, Elizabeth, and proudly mentions their two children and three grandchildren. Having earned a PhD in engineering, he worked for BioPharma, building manufacturing facilities. For winter activities, he skis the Rockies and flies R/C airplanes, but during summers he might be found at his home near Melvin Village.

Dave Hogensen 303
Bob Brennan shown with his Soling 5149, also sails a US12 sail number 927.

A longtime Skipper, Bob Brennan and keeper of the memorials has resided in Wolfeboro for many years. He is a retired police officer from California although he grew up in the Boston area.

Sailing on Back Bay

Join us for Model Yacht sailing 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.

It’s 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.

John and James received sailboat kits.
It's fun for the whole family.

Scores

2025-08-12 Soling Sailor Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Hogenson, Dave5/0 (62%)71.401
Griggs, Doug7/1 (100%)101.432
Barstow, John7/1 (100%)152.143
Bodenstab, Mark3/0 (38%)93.004
2025 Soling Sailor Class Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2024Diff
Cain, Bryer
Sailor0%0.00  
Clare, HenrySailor0%0.0010.50-10.50
McBride, DonaldSailor17%2.00  
Bennett, KevinSailor83%2.206.67-4.47
Hogenson, DaveSailor42%2.402.250.15
Griggs, DougSailor58%2.71  
Opie, JimSailor25%3.002.670.33
Barstow, JohnSailor42%3.403.78-0.38
Bodenstab, MarkSailor33%3.755.38-1.62
Corbett, DaveSailor17%4.505.36-0.86
Wolcott, ClintSailior17%5.003.801.20
Butler, JeanneSailor25%5.6710.33-4.67
Currier, DickSailor17%6.008.14-2.14
CurranSailor17%6.006.000.00
2025-08-12 Soling Master Class Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wilhelm, Bruce7/1 (100%)162.291
Witzel, Jeff7/1 (100%)182.572
Monetta, Ted7/1 (100%)202.863
Pacini, Bob7/1 (100%)213.004
Whitehead, Mark7/1 (100%)213.004
Ware, Genie7/1 (100%)324.576
2025 Soling Master Class Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2024Diff
Wright, TimMaster83%1.001.08-0.08
Gates, RickMaster17%3.508.38-4.88
Witzel, JeffMaster67%3.882.831.04
Posnack, AlMaster75%4.785.18-0.40
Monetta, TedMaster100%4.836.43-1.60
Davis, LinwoodMaster83%6.00  
Jousse, AlainMaster8%6.00  
Barstow, TomMaster67%6.506.250.25
Boisvert, DenisMaster67%6.625.900.72
Cundy, DonMaster25%6.673.383.29
Whitehead, MarkMaster92%7.186.690.49
Quinn, AnthonyMaster58%7.438.83-1.40
Leker, SteveMaster50%7.507.62-0.12
Rudinsky, ChuckMaster17%7.50  
Gerber, KenMaster50%7.839.00-1.17
Pacini, BobMaster83%8.508.000.50
Malay, BillMaster50%9.1710.00-0.83
Ware, GenieMaster50%9.67  
Laird, RichardMaster17%10.50  
Wilhelm, BruceMaster83%10.80  
2025-08-14 US12 Regatta
    
NameRaces/Throws (Pct)Total Pts.AverageScore
Wright, Tim10/2 (100%)101.001
Simms, John10/2 (100%)212.102
Davis, Lin10/2 (100%)323.203
Laird, Rick10/2 (100%)424.204
Strodel, Robert10/2 (100%)434.305
Wilhelm, Bruce10/2 (100%)484.806
2025 US12 Season Scores
     
NameClass% RegattasScore2024Diff
Wright, TimSailor100%1.001.000.00
Chalder, Glenn
Sailor12%2.00  
Davis, Lin
Sailor50%2.254.00-1.75
Simms, JohnSailor100%3.002.570.43
Quinn, Anthony
Sailor62%3.405.23-1.83
McBride, DonaldSailor25%3.504.43-0.93
Gates, Rick
Sailor25%4.003.930.07
Laird, RickSailor50%4.253.400.85
Brennan, BobSailor25%4.505.80-1.30
Strodel, RobertSailor12%5.007.00-2.00
Wilhelm, BruceSailor88%5.576.56-0.98
Opie, JimSailor50%6.006.40-0.40

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