Model Yachting News • Week Ending May 10, 2025

Posted on by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

The Rain Just Wouldn’t Quit

Mother Nature sure messed with this week’s schedule, even the rain day wasn’t great.

As a result, the US12 fleet made sure the Soling sailors were welcome. Thursday, May 8, was a great day for sailing. The cool air combined with warm sun made it very pleasant to be outside. The wind gave the illusion, at times, of being steady, which is an improvement for Back Bay. Eight Soling sailors rounded the marks with three US12s and one Herreshoff 30, the skippers sometimes switching boats. Consequently, the scores below represent the boats not the skippers.

The sailors want to thank our stand-in scorekeeper, Dr. Diane Guerriere. She has been an observer and a helper in the past, but today Diane took on the role without backup and did a great job. Thank you!

1. US12 438           1.00
2. Soling 820          2.20
3. Soling 58            2.67
4. Soling 211          3.10
5. Soling 237          3.27
6. Soling 12            3.82
7. Soling 1068       4.00
8. Soling 301         5.90
9. US12 429           7.00
10. Herreshoff 30   7.00
11. Soling 54          7.10

Weather Conditions at the Start of Sailing
The Skippers lined up for the start.
This start was a bit staggered.
The fleet heads to the first mark.
Tight Competition Headed to the First Mark

As racing cobwebs slowly disappeared, the competition got tighter. Don McBride brought his US12 to sail. However, it didn’t survive the first race. The boom separated right at the gooseneck, so he sailed a loaner for a few races. This is the time of year to find these issues before the real scoring starts.

A special note goes to Rick Laird, who drives up from Charlestown, Massachusetts to sail his US12. This one is a brand-new build and was launched for the first time in water. Unfortunately, the boat had some untraceable leaks. As a result, Rick was carrying a lot of extra ballast around the course. It should be mentioned that although he came in ninth overall, Rick was second in the US12 fleet!

Many thanks to the sailors who came and to those who helped out during and after the racing. It is wonderful to be among friends again, sharing a passion for sailing RC sailboats. Next week, we look forward to another great week and want to extend the offer for all boats to sail on Thursday. You never know what might sail up — maybe even a Chinese Junk. We hope to see you next week – whatever you bring.

A Great Day for Sailing
The Fleet on the Second Leg
Solings and a US12 round the mark.
Solings round the mark.
Skippers and Scorekeeper Diane Guerriere
Solings start a race.

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!

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

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

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
  • May 20, 2025 Season Starts,  First Scored Regatta
  • May 28, 2025 Model Yachting Fair and 2024 Awards Presentation
  • June 14, 2025 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
  • July 5, 2025 Model Yachting Day
  • July 7-11, 2025 Model Yacht Building
  • September 11, 2025 Scoring Season Ends
  • September 14, 2025 5th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
  • October 28, 2025 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending May 3, 2025

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Editing and Proofreading 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

An apology: Bruce Brown was a great help for dock-in and we missed him in the group picture. Thank you, Bruce.

What a Way to Start the Sailing Season

Eleven skippers braved sunshine and a gentle breeze for the first scheduled regatta of the season on April 29. The fleet completed nine races with six skippers from the Master Class and five from the Sailor Class. Because of the smaller number of participants we went all in with both fleets sailing together. There was very little congestion at the start line and course marks; that will come later, I’m sure.

The Soling Fleet is off to a good start.
Skippers and Scorekeepers
Solings
Fine-Tuning the Start Line by Moving the Start Buoy into Position

We were able to test the R/C movable buoy under competitive conditions. It was a little hard to understand the wind direction for the placement of the buoy, but we did manage a reasonable upwind start and a squared-off finish line.

Solings Out on the Water

Picking up where he left off, Tim Wright took the day in the Master Class, accomplishing four wins and a score of 1.3. Anthony Quinn eked out second place with two wins and a score of 3.0. Just one tenth of a point behind Anthony, Ted Monetta’s score of 3.1 showed that his new jib seemed to do the trick, placing him in third with one win and three second-place finishes.

The Sailor Class was led by Jim Opie who took inspiration from watching the sailing in Hawaii this winter, scoring 5.4. New skipper Chuck Rudinsky made a strong showing scoring second with a 6.6, and Kevin Bennett, sporting new sails, took the third slot with a score of 7.0.

New Sails for Jeanne Butler 825
New Sails for Kevin Bennett 887
Commodore Mark Whitehead launched his new Soling.

The US12 Fleet Welcomed All Sailors and Boats

Until the scoring season starts, and after the scoring ends in the fall, all are welcome to sail on Thursday. It is a great way to hone rusty skills or learn new ones. May 1st was the type of day most winter residents dream of. It was warm in the sun, cool in the shade, with a gentle wind, blossoms blooming, and gardens started. It’s a wonderful time of year with lots to do, and apparently our skippers took advantage of good weather to catch up on chores so it was just Tim that sailed.

Our fleet captain, Tim Wright, arrived early to sail a wooden Herreshoff 30 before launching his US12, ready to take on all comers.

The sailing went well for him for six races. In each race Tim was miles ahead of any boat, with the lead growing at every mark. He won every race as if no one else was on the course. B. B. Wright came to score, but left without putting any numbers to paper. Diane Guerriere came to watch for a few minutes. When Tim decided to go home, sailing ended. Anthony Quinn stopped by as the trio was leaving early.

It was a great sailing opportunity missed, but there aren’t enough hours in the day this time of year for all that has to be done. For that reason, you are all excused. Hope to see you next week!

US12

Sailboat Kits for Young Skippers

We now have a full complement of sailboat kits for kids thanks to Ken Gerber and Mark Bodenstab.

Mark Bodenstab

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!

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

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

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
  • May 20, 2025 Season Starts,  First Scored Regatta
  • May 28, 2025 Model Yachting Fair and 2024 Awards Presentation
  • June 14, 2025 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
  • July 5, 2025 Model Yachting Day
  • July 7-11, 2025 Model Yacht Building
  • September 11, 2025 Scoring Season Ends
  • September 14, 2025 5th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
  • October 28, 2025 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • April 2025

Posted on by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

First In

We have photographic evidence that Steve Towne was first to launch his yacht in early April, sailing the waters of Lake Wentworth. Al Posnack claims that he sailed from the dock at his home, but that’s only a rumor.

Steve Towne enjoyed an early-season sail on Lake Wentworth.
Vice Commodore Tim Wright

Rules and Roundings: Part 2

Attended by nineteen Back Bay Skippers, it was on April 8 that Tim Wright continued with his education program on Zoom. The session was programmed by Steve Leker and illustrated with photographs by B. B. Wright.

The rules of sailing are designed to prevent collisions out on the water so it’s important that we all understand the right-of-way. Congestion at the marks is often caused by skippers not fully understanding those rules and the nuances of taking the most tactically appropriate course. With the aid of some great photos and videos, Tim demonstrated the rules and tactics required.

Meet a New Skipper

Chuck Rudinsky has joined our group, participating in “Dock In” and getting in a little sailing time with his new boat. Chuck hails from Gilford and is a seasoned sailor but is new to RC sailing. For many years, he has raced “Finns,” a single-handed Olympic class and a very difficult boat to master.

Also there to watch the action were Dan and Nancy Simonds from Laconia. Dan will be making his Soling during the July workshop.

Chuck Rudinsky
Dock is ready to be loaded.

Yahoo! The Dock Is In!

Right on schedule, the dock went in on April 22 and sailing started as soon as the buoys were placed. The weather even cooperated, giving us sixty-degree temperatures and calm seas.

As usual we had a spectacular crew to handle the task.

 

Many thanks to the resident security guard who regularly patrolled our dock during the off season.
Putting the First Section of the Dock onto the Trailer
Spring is here. It's time to put in the dock.
Dock Parts Unloaded, Ready for Assembly
Moving the First Section into Position
The first section is in place.
Adding the Third Section
Looks like a perfect fit.
Dock Completed and Dinghy Ready

Left to Right: Bill Malay, Ted Monetta, Kevin Bennett, Anthony Quinn (hiding), Chuck Rudinsky, Paul McBride, Ken Gerber, Tom Barstow, Tim Wright, B. B. Wright, and Karen Enos. Front Row: Mark Whitehead, Joel Nelson, and Steve Leker. Not shown: Bruce Wilhelm and John Simms of the transportation crew.

The maiden voyages of the buoy boats and the RC buoy were performed. Over the winter, Steve Leker built a movable RC buoy and a boat to deliver the buoy while Mark Whitehead built a sister delivery boat. The system proved to be a complete success.

Steve Leker
Steve Leker's Moveable RC Buoy
Steve Leker's Buoy-Delivery Boat
Commodore Mark Whitehead
Mark Whitehead's buoy-delivery boat moves Steve Leker's RC buoy into position.
Retrieving the Buoy
Tim and B.B. Wright
Chuck Rudinsky 301
Tim Wright and Chuck Rudinsky were the first to launch from the newly installed dock.
Tim Wright 58 rounds the third mark.
Kevin Bennett 887

Great Weather So Why Not

Thursday’s forecast was for warm weather and 7 mph WSW winds so the skippers went right to the water. The US12 group got an early start this spring, and there were more than just US12 sailors. In all, we had five sailors sailing four different classes. Jeanne Butler and Chuck Rudinsky sailed Solings, Mark Bodenstab sailed a US 1M from the San Antonio collection that he’s refurbishing, and Jim Opie and Tim Wright sailed US12s. Tim also sailed an RC Laser for one race.

The sailing was delightful, the wind had its moments, and the little flying things were annoying but not biting. Although scores were kept, it is too early in the season to start writing about it. Jim Opie’s US12 had some wonderful moments and looked very good. Chuck Rudinsky is getting in practice with his Soling, so keep an eye on his progress! Jeanne repainted her boat, this time in “submarine gray.” We haven’t seen it underwater to see if that’s an appropriate name for it. Hopefully we don’t! It looks just fine on top of the water.

Two US12s: Jim Opie 130 and Tim Wright 400, and One US 1M: Mark Bodenstab 359

The weather was very nice, the wind okay, and the company delightful. It was good to see so many familiar faces. B. B. Wright was scoring; Diane Guerriere manned the timer, offering support; and Anthony Quinn came by to check out the action and drop off some sails. All in all, it was a great start to our Thursday sailing.

We’re getting ready for another wonderful season and look forward to more people coming out and getting their feet (and their boats) wet!

Sailing on Back Bay

The sailing season has started with radio-controlled model yachts on Back Bay in Wolfeboro from 1 PM to 3 PM weekly, the Solings on Tuesday and the US12s on Thursday, weather permitting. Wednesday serves as an alternate day should sailing conditions be poor.

Join the fun! We love to share so don’t be shy about asking to try your hand at the controls. Come watch the show or take a picture. It’s a sight to behold.

Join the fun!

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

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

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 US12
  • May 20, 2025 Season Starts,  First Scored Regatta
  • May 28, 2025 Model Yachting Fair and 2024 Awards Presentation
  • June 14, 2025 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
  • July 5, 2025 Model Yachting Day
  • July 7-11, 2025 Model Yacht Building
  • September 11, 2025 Scoring Season Ends
  • September 14, 2025 5th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
  • October 28, 2025 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • March 2025

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead
Editing and Proofreading 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

Reflections and Rules about Roundings
Tim Wright presented the March Zoom class on the eleventh. After a few hiccups with the internet connections the class got underway with twenty skippers in attendance. We were pleased to have our youngest skipper, Henry Clare, attend from Montreal.

A few shots from Back Bay started the program’s reflections. This was followed by an informative program skillfully demonstrating how to be in the best position to lead the fleet to and around the marks. The rules are designed to prevent collisions, but being in the right is not always the best strategy. Communication with your fellow skippers is an important part of placing your boat in the best position.

Tim deserves the credit for presenting these programs, but we also want to thank Steve Leker for programming the Zoom show and B. B. Wright for her helpful photographs.

Henry Claire
Tim Wright, Vice Commodore
Steve Leker
Rick Laird

Getting Ready for 2025
Rick Laird has upgraded his US12 with a brand new boat for the 2025 season. Not to be outdone, the same can be said for Mark Whitehead’s new Soling that he built over the winter. In a smaller version, Bigfoot Footy is being designed by Tim Wright and his cousin. All three Back Bay Skippers expect to lead the fleets with their new creations.

Rick Laird's New US12
Commodore Mark Whitehead
Mark Whitehead's New Soling
Tim Wright

Bigfoot Footy Hull Design

Steve Leker

Steve Leker is busy once again constructing boat stands for the 2025 building class. Ken Gerber and Mark Bodenstab are hard at work making sailboat kits distributed to youngsters during the sailing season, and the Sasquatch trophies for June’s competition have been completed by Mark Whitehead.

Ken Gerber
Mark Bodenstab
Sasquatch Perpetual Trophy
Sasquatch Individual Trophies
US12 Fleet
Soling Fleet
B.B. Wright and Mark Whitehead
Mark Whitehead and Karen Enos
Skippers and Scorekeepers
Solings at the Start of a Race

Model Yacht Building Class
All the bits and pieces for the 2025 building class are either in our inventory, already made, or on order.

The 2025 class is full, but keep us in mind for the 2026 Model Yacht Building Class. It could be a great gift for someone you love. The link for applications and more information is at:
https://www.nhbm.org/model-yachting/model-yacht-building/

Class of 2024 and Instructors
Young Skippers may get a sailboat kit.

Coming This Season

The NH Boat Museum Back Bay Skippers has something for everyone; come join the fun.

Fun for the Whole Family
Try your hand at remote-controlled sailing.

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

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2025 Schedule]

  • April 8, 2025 Zoom Session 7:00 PM
  • April 22, 2025 Dock In Weather Permitting
  • April 29 – October 28 , 2025 Regattas 1PM-3PM Tuesday Solings, Thursdays US12
  • May 20, 2025 Season Start,  First Scored Regatta
  • May 28, 2025 Model Yachting Fair and 2024 Awards Presentation
  • June 14, 2025 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
  • July 5, 2025 Model Yachting Day
  • July 7-11, 2025 Model Yacht Building
  • September 11, 2025 Scoring Season Ends
  • September 14, 2025 5th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
  • October 28, 2025 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • February 2025

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead
Editing and Proofreading Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B.B. Wright, Mark Whitehead, Steve Leker
Drawings by Denis Boisvert
Layout by Ken Gerber
Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

February Happenings

An Idea Springs to Life

In many cases, both in large and small sailboat racing, the normal starting procedure is to have the wind in your face. It gives the skippers more of a challenge getting to that first mark. Of course, particularly in sailing on the lake, the wind constantly changes direction. The solution: change the direction of the start line and other buoys.

To do that you can row out and change the buoys or use what was recently invented – motorized radio-controlled buoys. They now are available at a mere $350 each. Ouch!! Instead, we have some really talented skippers led by Steve Leker and Denis Boisvert developing a winch buoy, the boat to deliver the buoy built by Mark Whitehead. It will cut the cost, we hope, by two thirds, separating drive mechanism and the buoy winch.

$350 Remote-Controlled Buoys
Steve Leker
Denis Boisvert
Commodore Mark Whitehead
Marker Bouy Concept
Winch Components
Winch for Buoy
Side View
Rear View
Buoy Deployment Boat - Under Construction
Buoy Deployment Boat - Front
Buoy Deployment Boat - Side
Buoy Deployment Boat - Top
Buoy Deployment Boat - Front
Three US12s approach the mark.

Tim Wright Presents

During the winter months we provide classes on different aspects of sailing — starts, strategies, rules, etc. Of course we are led by the most knowledgeable skipper in our group, Tim Wright. Tim generously reviews all his photos for the season and develops monthly programs on Zoom. Appreciation also goes to Steve Leker, who puts the whole program together on the computer and his Zoom account.

This month’s class was held on February 18 and was attended by twenty-nine skippers, including the AMYA District 1 director, Glenn Chalder. The program focused on rounding the mark. It sounds easy, but you have to play by the rules, maintain your speed, and line up for the next mark. Around each mark is an unseen circle of four boat lengths that changes the rules when crossed. Once inside the circle’s circumference, boats on the outer edge of the circle must give room to those closest to the buoy. The rules can change depending on the direction of the wind. Tim does a masterful job of explaining all the nuances so that everyone understands.

Vice Commodore Tim Wright
Rick Parent's Fleet

Model Yacht Building Class

All the bits and pieces for the 2025 building class are either in our inventory, already made, or on order.

Sign-up for the 2025 Model Yacht Building Class is now available and could be a great gift for someone you love. As far as we know at this point there are five vacancies. The link for application and more information is: https://www.nhbm.org/model-yachting/model-yacht-building/

Class of 2024 and Instructors
Join the fun!

Coming This Season

The NH Boat Museum Back Bay Skippers has something for everyone; come join the fun.

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

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events: [2025 Schedule]

  • March 11, 2025 Zoom Session at 7:00 PM
  • April 8, 2025 Zoom Session 7:00 PM
  • April 22, 2025 Dock In Weather Permitting
  • April 29 – October 28 , 2025 Regattas 1PM-3PM Tuesday Solings, Thursdays US12
  • May 20, 2025 Season Start,  First Scored Regatta
  • May 28, 2025 Model Yachting Fair and 2024 Awards Presentation
  • June 14, 2025 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
  • July 5, 2025 Model Yachting Day
  • July 7-11, 2025 Model Yacht Building
  • September 11, 2025 Scoring Season Ends
  • September 14, 2025 5th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH
  • October 28, 2025 Dock Out

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • January 2025

Posted on by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

NHBM Back Bay Skippers Soling Fleet on Back Bay

Another Year
January 2025 launches a new season for the New Hampshire Boat Museum Back Bay Skippers. If you’re keeping track, this is year seventeen. Starting with one skipper, we have grown to sixty-two currently on our active list.

Our Model Yacht Building Classes have produced more than a hundred boats over the years. Young and old have enjoyed this weeklong program and proudly take home a lifetime of fun with their new yacht.

Out on the water the Back Bay Skippers have hosted national, regional, and two-state events along with our weekly Soling regattas on Tuesdays and US12 regattas on Thursdays.

Best of all, wonderful lifelong friendships have developed while sailing together. Rule #1 is “Have Fun” and we certainly do!

Join the fun!
US12 Fleet on the Second Leg

Skippers Meeting
January began the season with its Zoom gathering of twenty-five to approve the officers, committees, calendar, sailing rules, and other items that needed attention.

                     2025  Officers
Commodore                Mark Whitehead
Vice-Commodore       Tim Wright
Treasurer                      Paul McBride
Soling Race Director   Al Posnack
US12 Race Director     Tim Wright

  2025 Competition Committee

Chairman                    Tim Wright
Member                       Denis Boisvert
Member                       Wes Matchett
Member                       Al Posnack
Member                       Ted Monetta
Member                       Linwood Davis
Member                       Mark Whitehead

      2025 Awards Committee

Chairman         Mark Whitehead
Member            Anthony Quinn
Member            Paul McBride
Member            B. B. Wright
Member            Steve Leker
Member            Ted Monetta

Other Topics

Special events listed on the 2025 Calendar were:

Zoom Training Classes:
February 18 at 7:00 PM
March 11 at 7:00 PM
April 8 at 7:00 PM

Dock In April 22 Weather Permitting

Model Yachting Fair and Awards – May 28

Sasquatch Footy Regatta – June 14

Model Yachting Day – July 5

Model Yacht Building – July 7 to 11

Tim Wright led the group with a discussion of the current sailing rules and changes for the 2025 season. Among the topics were fleet count management and balancing the ever-changing number of skippers in each fleet.

To align with national start rules it has been proposed that boats on the wrong side of the start line at the gun should be able to return to the correct side of the line to restart rather than go around the end buoys. It was cautioned that the returning boat has no rights and must not interfere with the other starting boats. There were those who objected to this maneuver because of so many yachts, preferring that those needing to restart should go around the buoy.

Model Yachting Fair 2024

Bruce Wilhelm and Bill Malay
John Simms and Joel Nelson
Jeff Witzel
Joel Nelson, Bruce Wilhelm, Mark Whitehead, Mark Bodenstab
Dick Currier

Sasquatch Footy Regatta 2024

Herb Dreher Winner of the Sasquatch Footy Regatta
Footy

Model Yachting Day 2024

Rick Parent with His Fleet Ready to Sail on Model Yachting Day

There was discussion regarding Model Yachting Fair to be held at Camp Brookwoods. It was hoped that the later date of May 28 would be more convenient for those who go away for the winter. It was agreed that awards for the 2024 season will be presented at that time; however, no discussion followed regarding desired information tables.

We were pleased to introduce new Skipper Doug Griggs, who also has volunteered his assistance at this year’s model yacht building class.

New Skipper: Doug Griggs
Steve Towne with Refurbished Marblehead, Part of the San Antonio Collection

Model Yacht Building Class
All the bits and pieces for the 2025 building class are either in our inventory, already made, or on order.

Sign-up for the 2025 Model Yacht Building Class is now available and could be a great gift for someone you love. As far as we know at this point there are eight vacancies. The link for application and more information is:
https://www.nhbm.org/model-yachting/model-yacht-building/

Model Yacht Building Workshop

 
NH Boat Museum
Model Yacht Building Class of 2024, Builders and Instructors

New Skippers 2024

Kevin Bennett
David Keto
Kyle Blaisdell
Dan Stirk
Kristina Dollarhide (right)
Henry Clare
Dick Currier
Jeanne Butler

Parts for Model Yacht Building Workshop

Took Kits Donated by Al Stevens
Tool Kit Contents
Parts
Steve Leker makes the boat stands.

Other Winter Activities

Commodore Mark Whitehead and Race Director Al Posnack had serious sailing discussions while they sailed down the slopes this winter.

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

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events:

  • February 18, 2025 Zoom Session 7:00 PM
  • March 11, 2025 Zoom Session at 7:00 PM
  • April 8, 2025 Zoom Session 7:00 PM
  • April 22, 2025 Dock In Weather Permitting
  • May 18, 2025 Model Yachting Fair and 2024 Awards Presentation
  • June 14, 2025 Sasquatch Footy Regatta
  • July 5, 2025 Model Yachting Day
  • July 7-11, 2025 Model Yacht Building
  • September 14, 2025 5th Annual RC Laser Regatta – Region 1 Championship, Bow Lake, Strafford NH

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • December 2024

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead
Editing and Proofreading 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

INTRODUCING THE CHAMPIONS OF 2O24

Soling Master Class – Tim Wright

Soling Sailor Class – Linwood Davis

US12 Class – Tim Wright

Tim Wright
Linwood Davis

2nd Place

Soling Master Class – Jeff Witzel

Soling Sailor Class – Genie Ware

US12 Class – John Simms

Jeff Witzel
Genie Ware
John Simms

3rd Place

Soling Master Class – Don Cundy

Soling Sailor Class – Bruce Wilhelm

US12 Class – Rick Laird

Don Cundy
Bruce Wilhelm
Rick Laird

Seasons Greetings From The Back Bay Skippers

Sign-up for the 2025 Model Yacht Building Class is now available, a great Christmas gift.

Model Yacht Building Workshop

Model Yacht Building Class of 2024, Builders and Instructors

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

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events:

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending November 02, 2024

Posted on by Paul McBride

Written by Mark Whitehead
Editing and Proofreading 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 Fall Reminder

Having been spoiled by recent fantastic weather, it certainly was a wake-up call at the season’s final Soling regatta this week. An overcast day and temperatures in the low forties brought a definite nip to the air. The wind also came from the north, but it was reasonably steady, allowing the thirteen-skipper fleet to complete ten races. There were five from the Master Class and eight from the Sailor Class, so I guess we now know who the tough skippers are.

Steve Leker brought his R/C rescue boat and went right to work rescuing one of our buoys. Area fishermen seem to think that there are huge schools of fish around the buoys, so they often snag them and haul them to shore. No worry. Steve relaunched the buoy, masterfully controlling the rescue boat. Thanks, Steve!

Steve Leker
Rescue Device on Buoy Duty
Steve Leker's rescue device is on the prowl.
Vice Commodore Tim Wright

Out on the Course

Tim Wright stopped fooling around this week and sailed #58 to eight wins to take the regatta with a score of 1.0. Can’t get better than that! With Tim back to normal, Commodore Mark Whitehead dropped to second place with a couple of wins and a score of 2.4. Ted Monetta’s four second-place finishes earned him a score of 3.0 for third, and Anthony Quinn had a couple of seconds to take the fourth spot with a score of 3.5. Nipping at Anthony’s stern with a score of 3.8, Linwood Davis rounded out the top five, grabbing three second-place finishes of his own.

Commodore Mark Whitehead
Ted Monetta
Solings on the Third Leg
Solings round the second mark.
The Soling Fleet
Solings at the Third Mark

The 2024 Season Comes to a Close

Under a bright sun with unusually warm temperatures, Thursday, October 31, closed the season. The fleet of twelve had a mixture of boats with US12s, Solings, a US 1M, and Lasers accepting the challenge of Back Bay’s light winds for seven races. The day started flat calm, but as the morning progressed, a light breeze developed.

Joining us from the Bow Lake Model Yacht Club was Bob Shapiro with his Laser named No Bean Salad. Bob also stayed to assist with dock-out. Thanks a lot, Bob!

Another boat from the SanAntonio collection was launched by Mark Bodenstab, who refurbished a US 1M. It looked like he was having a great time sailing the go-fast boat.

A Beautiful Day for Sailing
Mark Bodenstab, US 1M 359
Mark Bodenstab
No Wind, Beautiful Reflections
The mixed fleet rounds the first mark.
Bob Shapiro from Bow Lake Sailing MYC gets his RC Laser ready to launch.
The mixed fleet rounds the second mark.

At noon, fifteen skippers started the annual task of putting the dock away for the winter. In about forty-five minutes it was disassembled and loaded onto trailers owned by Bruce Wilhelm and John Simms as well as a truck owned by Tim Wright. A parade transported the sections to the barn at the New Hampshire Boat Museum’s facility on Route 28. In another half hour the task had been completed.

A big thank-you to Tom Barstow, Kevin Bennett, Mark Bodenstab, Bruce Brown, Jeanne Butler, Linwood Davis, Bill Malay, Paul McBride, Ted Monetta, Bob Shapiro, John Simms, Mark Whitehead, Bruce Wilhelm, B. B. Wright, andTim Wright for their help. Without all these willing hands, the job wouldn’t have been so light. We sure have a super group!

Moving a Section to Where Legs Can Be Removed
Jeanne Butler, Chief Buoy Cleaner, and a Couple of Her Helpers: Tom Barstow and Kevin Bennett
Carrying the Rescue Dinghy to the Truck
Removing a Section
Removing Another Section
Disassembling the Sections of the Dock
Tim Wright takes in a buoy.
Beaching the Dinghy
When conditions are right, the dock will be back in the Spring.
Piling up the Dock for Winter Storage
Unloading the Trailers
Sailing season is all wrapped up.
Dock-Out Crew: B.B. Wright, Tim Wright, Mark Whitehead, Paul McBride, Jeanne Butler, Bruce Brown, Ted Monetta, Bruce Wilhelm, Kevin Bennett, John Simms, Lin Davis, Bob Shapiro, Mark Bodenstab, Tom Barstow, Bill Malay

Soling Scores

Tim Wright                 1.0
Mark Whitehead        2.4
Ted Monetta              3.0
Anthony Quinn          3.5
Linwood Davis          3.8
Bruce Wilhelm          5.7
Steve Leker               6.0
Curran                       7.4
Bob Strodel              7.6
Mark Bodenstab      9.0
Dick Currier              9.2
Kevin Bennett          9.5

Sailing on Back Bay

The 2024 sailing season is now over, our last day being October 31 when the dock was hauled to storage. Come join us in 2025 and perhaps try the controls — we love to share. You might want to join our building class in July and sail your very own world-class yacht. Just contact the New Hampshire Boat Museum for details: nhbm.org.

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

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events:

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting News • Week Ending October 26, 2024

Posted on by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Oh, What a Day!

Weather for the Soling session Tuesday, October 22, was absolutely spectacular! Yes, the winds were a little shifty but that’s normal. Everything else was just about perfect with temperatures in the low seventies, plenty of sunshine, and lingering foliage for color. Seven Sailors and six Masters launched for the nine-race regatta, and 67 percent of the fleet completed all races compared to the previous week’s 33 percent. To the forty skippers who missed the day, eat your heart out; you missed something special.

Fall Sailing at Its Best
Mark Whitehead 12

Soling Bragging Rights

For the second regatta in a row Commodore Mark Whitehead took top place. It’s hard to believe, but that’s what happened. Honest! Mark’s three wins and four second-place finishes reeled in a final score of 1.9. Only one tenth behind, Anthony Quinn’s two wins and two seconds qualified him for the second spot at 2.0. Ted Monetta could brag about his one win, his score of 3.8 landing him in third place. Tim Wright brought the first Soling he ever made, scoring one win and one second for a score of 4.0 and fourth place. Also with a win was Linwood Davis in fifth place with a final tally of 4.4.

Anthony Quinn 111
Ted Monetta 237
You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.
A Good Start
A Beautiful Fall Day for Sailing
A Slow Second Leg
A Time for Reflection at the Second Mark
Synchronicity at the Final Mark
Mark Whitehead 12, Steve Leker 41, and Ted Monetta 237 get chummy.
Tim Wright's First Soling 5099
The scorekeepers carefully watch the start.
Solings head for the first mark.
Solings on the Third Leg
A Close Finish
A Little Congestion at the Second Mark

It Doesn’t Get Much Better

Racing radio-controlled sailboats on Thursday, October 24, had another spectacular day. The wind was strong and steady for the most part, with fewer variations than we’re accustomed to on Back Bay. The temperature was a little cooler than it has been but certainly okay for the sailors walking back and forth. We thank B. B. and Diane for sitting in the cold wind and enabling us to have scored races.

 

The Fleet at the Second Mark
Diane Guerriere helps rescue John Simms' US12.

Due to the strength of the wind, we were able to complete twelve races on the score sheet, filling it up before 2:35 PM. With time to spare, we managed to get in four more totally nonscored races before 3:00 PM. Even our newer sailors braved the wind – Bravo! Not only that, the rescue boat was never needed. While some boats found the rocks, everyone managed to sail all the races they desired. Problems were fixable and everything moved along well.

Out on the course, there was a smorgasbord of boats. We had four US12s, seven Solings, and two RC Lasers. They all played well together. It’s always interesting to see different boats race together. It’s fascinating to see how they compare on different points of sail. At least one boat from each class won races, which showed how competitive they all were together. The last regularly scheduled Thursday of sailing was certainly one to remember. The only downside was the fact that with lower water levels in the lake, the rocks were more aggressive, reaching out to snag boats, some more than others (#54!). By all measures, it was a great day for sailing.

Anthony Quinn's Soling 111, Jim Opie's US12 130, and Tim Wright's RC Laser 94 (Bermuda Registry)
The mixed fleet of Solings, US12s, and an RC Laser are off to a good start.

Next Thursday, the sailing will be earlier at 10:00 AM, with the dock coming out starting at noon. Come for the last sail of the season on October 31.

It has been such a nice time sharing our hobby with each other and with our spectators. We’ll treasure the last week of sailing this season while looking forward to seeing each other during our Zoom sessions or at the start of the next season, May 2025.

Thanks to everyone who helps to keep us on track in so many different ways. We do have a good time together. Thank you!

Tim Wright instructs a spectator in RC sailing.

Sailing on Back Bay

The 2024 season is almost over, coming to an end next week. Any radio-controlled model yacht is urged to join us on Back Bay in Wolfeboro from 1 PM to 3 PM Tuesday, October 29, or from 10 AM to 12 PM Thursday, October 31. The dock is scheduled to be hauled to storage after Thursday’s regatta.

Come join the fun these final two days! We love to share, so let us know if you’d like to give it a try.

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

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events:

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

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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