Model Yachting

On the Course

Tim Wright led the fleet, winning eleven of twelve races while finishing with a 1.00 average. Rick Gates is obviously getting used to his new US12 and had eight top-three finishes, his average of 2.70 good for second place. Rick also won the last race of the day. In third, having an up-and-down day, was John Simms. His average was 3.30 after having six top-three finishes. In fourth was Don McBride with five top-three finishes and a 3.70 average. Rick Laird, the winner two weeks ago, had a 4.50 average and three top-three finishes. In sixth, Don Cundy had a 4.67 average, missing two races due to a battery issue and giving him only one throw-out score. His boat came to rest on the near shore but way down towards town. In seventh, Bob Brennan had a 5.10 average. He was a self-appointed “sweep” to make sure no one was lost or left behind on the course. We appreciate his devotion to duty. In eighth, and having numerous boat issues was Bruce Wilhelm. It seemed the boat gremlin took hold, giving Bruce issues that popped up at unexpected times. Yet, his racing abilities have definitely increased, something we see when all is going well with Bruce’s boat.

US12 Sailing Canceled This Week

Despite meteorologists predicting the arrival of thunderstorms late in the afternoon of August 15, Mother Nature showed who was boss and started pelting the area with downpours and lightning just before 1:00. Tim announced that sailing was canceled and John Simms provided a tour of progress on the new railroad museum instead.

US12s on August 8

Sailors were greeted by good winds, cooler temperatures, and low humidity, providing a great day of sailing. Spectators came by and asked questions, our group always welcoming and willing to share knowledge and controls for a try at radio-control sailing. Only five skippers came to enjoy the very pleasant conditions, and all did well. In fact, each of the skippers had at least one win. The best part, however, was being with friends who enjoy this challenging sport.

Out on the Course

Tim Wright won the day, but not without some solid competition from John Simms. Tim had five first-place finishes and an average of 1.80. John was right behind with a 2.30 average and four firsts. In third place, Rick Gates finished with a 3.10 average and one win. In fourth, Rick Laird had a win and an average of 3.80, and in fifth was Don Cundy (4.10) with four top-three finishes. Lin Davis just bought a US12 and did well in the three races he entered, finishing third in all three. After he had power issues, he dropped out for the rest of the day and tallied a 4.33 average. In seventh, Bruce Wilhelm sailed a borrowed boat after discovering that his boat had some serious issues that needed to be dealt with. His average of 5.00 didn’t tell the whole story as he won a race and was leading another at the second mark when the boat developed steering issues, destroying his chance for a second possible win. Don McBride came in eighth with 5.33. He had a hard time cracking the top three, but did have two fourths and four fifths. In ninth place, Anthony Quinn was dealing with radio and rigging issues. We hope he has better luck next week.

Thanks to all who showed up and shared in the sailing. Between spectators and sailors, we watched some great sailing by the entire fleet. We hope to see everyone again next week.