July, 18 2024 • US12 Regatta

NAME
CLASS
SCORE
SEASON
Wright, Tim
Sailor
1
1.00
Davis, Linwood
Sailor
2
2.00
Gates, Rick
Sailor
3
4.43
Simms, John
Sailor
4
2.86
Laird, Rick
Sailor
5
3.80
Brennan, Bob
Sailor
6
5.00
Cundy, Don
Sailor
7
3.33
Quinn, Anthony
Sailor
8
3.20

Model Yachting News • Week Ending July 20, 2024

Posted on by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Dedicated Skipper

For the past few weeks, Bob Brennan, keeper of the memorial plaque, has been taking his duties to a whole new level. He has designed, built, and donated a duplicate presentation memorial for the relatives of Skippers we have lost. His selfless act has touched the hearts of many, and we applaud Bob’s wonderful gesture. This is something that Bob plans to continue, a way to carry the memory of comrades into the future.

We are missing a name and address for family members of Henning Scherdin and Allen Randlov, so if anyone has information that might be helpful, it would be greatly appreciated.

Bob Brennan
Skippers Memorial
Memorials for Relatives of Skippers We Have Lost.

New Skippers Day

The July 16 Soling regatta was dedicated to the Model Yacht Building Class of 2024 – a learning day with no official scoring. In attendance were seven Skippers from the Master Class, six from the Sailor Class, and four participants from the Building Class of 2024.

The more experienced Skippers guided those who were new and/or struggling a bit, helping them to meet any challenges and become more proficient sailors.

Tim Wright led the group through several sailing sessions on the water that included starts, buoy roundings, half-course trials, and, finally, full-course races. It was a great experience for everyone involved, but best of all were the smiles from new skippers.

Dick Currier 80
Dave Keto 19
Tim Wright (R) helps Kevin Bennett (L) adjust his sails.
Eric Leitner (R) gave some sailing tips to Dave Keto (L).
Mark Whitehead gives Jeanne Butler some sailing instructions.
Mark Whitehead helps Jeanne Butler adjust her boat.
View From the Water of a Soling Start

Solings Out on the Water

Leading the way for the Master Class was Tim Wright. In second place was Ted Monetta, and Don Cundy captured third.

At the top of the podium for the Sailor Class was Clint Wolcott, followed by Lin Davis in second, and Bruce Brown in third.

It should be mentioned that several Skippers were advising and assisting the newbies so didn’t participate in all races.

Dave Keto certainly was getting the hang of things, leading the Building Class of 2024. Behind him was Dick Currier in the second spot and Kevin Bennett third. Jeanne Butler stayed out of the fray to practice buoy-roundings plus up-wind and down-wind sailing with the commodore.

Solings are off to a good start.
Solings at the First Mark
From the water, Tim Wright photographed a Soling start.
Jeanne Butler 825
US12s

US12 Sailing a Refreshing Change

On July 18, the air wasn’t humid, the temperature wasn’t too high, and the breeze was relatively steady and quite strong. Of the eight boats that started, only five were able to sail enough races to qualify for the regatta. The wind was gusty, which required the skippers and their boats to perform at a high level. There was a dismasting, some full bilges, and one hole in the bow. Needless to say, anyone who sailed the majority of races should be commended. It was a war of attrition.

Bob Brennan, Anthony Quinn, and Don Cundy all started the day, but due to the extreme conditions, were unable to finish enough races to earn a place. Despite all the water pumped and poured out of bilges, sails ripped and repaired, boat riggings tested to the limits, and challenges due to conditions, we enjoyed the change in weather that ushered in those strong winds.

US12s Out on the Water

Tim Wright returned after a week away and didn’t miss a beat. After a third in the first race, he went on to win the remaining races. His average was 1.00. Sailing a borrowed US12 Lin Davis had a strong day, finishing in second with a 2.50 average. He sailed to six second-place finishes and three thirds. In third place, Rick Gates had three seconds, three thirds, and an average of 3.30. Right behind was John Simms in fourth. John’s boat was dismasted, missing four races during repairs. Overall, John had two seconds, two thirds, and an average of 3.43. In fifth, Rick Laird had a second and two thirds that helped him reach an average of 3.80.

US12s pass by the dock after a good start.
US12s are hit by a gust.
Solings on the Second Leg of the Course
US12s on the Second Leg
Rick Gates 35 is first to round the second mark.
US12s Around the First and Second Marks
US12s head for the fourth mark.
Fun for All Ages

Sailing on Back Bay

The 2024 season is in full swing, 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.

Come join the fun! We love to share so 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

2024 • US12 Spring Series

NAME
CLASS
%REGATTAS
SCORE
Wright, Tim
Sailor
71
1.00
McBride, Donald
Sailor
29
2.50
Simms, John
Sailor
86
2.67
Quinn, Anthony
Sailor
71
3.20
Cundy, Don
Sailor
43
3.33
Laird, Rick
Sailor
57
3.50
Gates, Rick
Sailor
86
4.67
Brennan, Bob
Sailor
29
5.00
Wilhelm, Bruce
Sailor
43
5.00
Opie, Jim
Sailor
57
6.00
Parent, Rick
Sailor
14
8.00

2024 • Soling 1M Master Class Spring Series

NAME
CLASS
%REGATTAS
SCORE
Wright, Tim
Master
100
1.14
Witzel, Jeff
Master
71
2.40
Cundy, Don
Master
57
2.75
Towne, Steve
Master
29
5.00
Barstow, Tom
Master
86
5.33
Posnack, Al
Master
86
5.50
Boisvert, Denis
Master
71
5.80
Monetta, Ted
Master
100
6.29
Whitehead, Mark
Master
96
6.50
Leker, Steve
Master
57
6.75
Gerber, Ken
Master
71
7.80
Gates, Rick
Master
29
8.50
Pacini, Bob
Master
57
8.75
Quinn, Anthony
Master
57
8.75
Minahan, Jack
Master
57
10.25
Malay, Bill
Master
57
10.50
Nelson, Joel
Master
57
10.50
Brennan, Bob
Master
29
12.50

2024 • Soling 1M Sailor Class Spring Series

NAME
CLASS
%REGATTAS
SCORE
Opie, Jim
Sailor
14
1.00
Genie, Ware
Sailor
29
1.50
Davis, Linwood
Sailor
57
2.00
Wilhelm, Bruce
Sailor
86
2.00
Barstow, John
Sailor
29
2.50
Hogenson, Dave
Sailor
43
2.67
Strodel, Bob
Sailor
29
4.00
Wolcott, Cliff
Sailor
29
4.00
Bodenstab, Mark
Sailor
57
4.50
Corbett, Dave
Sailor
29
4.50
Cavanagh, John
Sailor
14
5.00

July, 11 2024 • US12 Regatta

NAME
CLASS
SCORE
SEASON
Simms, John
Sailor
1
2.67
Laird, Rick
Sailor
1
3.50
Gates, Rick
Sailor
3
4.67
Cundy, Don
Sailor
4
3.33
Quinn, Anthony
Sailor
5
3.20
Brennan, Bob
Sailor
6
5.00

July 09, 2024 • Soling 1M Master Class Regatta

NAME
CLASS
SCORE
SEASON
Wright, Tim
Master
1
1.14
Witzel, Jeff
Master
2
2.40
Posnack, Al
Master
3
5.50
Barstow, Tom
Master
4
5.33
Cundy, Don
Master
5
2.75
Boisvert, Denis
Master
6
5.80
Monetta, Ted
Master
7
6.29
Pacini, Bob
Master
8
8.75
Minahan, Jack
Master
9
10.25

Model Yachting News • Week Ending July 13, 2024

Posted on by Paul McBride

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

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

Model Yachting Day

On Saturday, July 6, the NH Boat Museum and the Back Bay Skippers presented the annual Model Yachting Day. Rick Parent, our “ambassador,” began setup at 7:00 AM during a rain storm, hopeful for better weather ahead. At approximately 10:30, the sky started to clear, the sun broke through the clouds, and a slight breeze presented itself.

The Back Bay Skippers in attendance were Tim Wright, Paul McBride, Bob Pacini, Jeff Witzel, and John Simms. Anne and Katrina Lennon as well as Kyle Blaisdell helped at the table. Kyle’s dad, Bob, helped with the heavy lifting plus delivery for setup and return of the boats. Joules Parent distributed various support items.

Guests were able to test their skills on a variety of boats that included a Santa Barbara, a Soling 50, two US12s, a Canadian 12, and seven Solings. Stickers and medals were provided by the team to all novice sailors who plied the waters, ranging from 4 years old to the oldest — who withheld his age. Heckling was provided by all skippers and patrons alike. Anne Lennan gave out boat kits, and there seemed to be interest in next year’s boatbuilding class.

The event was well received and we look forward to next year’s endeavor.

Rick Parent with Some of His Sailboat Fleet
Rick Parent, Host for Model Yachting Day
Another View of Rick Parent's Fleet
First Time in the Water for This Canadian Mini 12
Some of Rick Parent's Fleet
A young skipper is introduced to his sailboat.
Would you like to sail a Santa Barbara?
Young Skippers with Their Instructors
Knight Soling
Skippers and Sailboats
Everyone on Bridge Falls Path was invited to sail.
Wind Clock
Skippers on the Dock
Soling and US12s

Hot and Humid

On the Soling sailing day of Tuesday, July 9, twelve sailors dealt with the heat, but that wasn’t the biggest weather issue. At a venue where wind shifts are expected, that day’s velocity was incredibly variable. One minute there was no wind, then a strong gust from pick-a-direction, then there were wind shifts that seemed to go on and on. It made finding the best course to sail extremely difficult. Despite wind issues, while sailing as one fleet, twelve races were completed. People enjoyed the conditions as much as possible, and the camaraderie made the day worthwhile.

 

Soling Start
Soling Skippers and Scorekeeper

We missed the many volunteers who were helping in the boatbuilding class, and we hope to see many of them next week as well as the new boats and their skippers. The scoring will be suspended for the day so newcomers can get their bearings. The more experienced sailors will give tips and suggestions for our newest members, most of whom are new to the radio-controlled sailing world.

We had a group from a local camp stop by, and some of the campers were given the opportunity to try out the boats. In all, it was a great day of sailing, but can someone please turn down the heat and humidity? We look forward to a week without sailing scores next week when we can help the new sailors get their boats moving and around the racecourse.

Solings head to the first mark.
Solings at the Second Mark

Solings Out on the Water

The Sailor Class had only three boats so everyone got a medal. The gold medalist, with an average of 1.30, was Dave Hogenson, who managed seven first-place finishes. The silver went to Lin Davis with an average of 1.60, crossing the finish line first in four races. Bruce Wilhelm captured the bronze with a score of 2.60. He got one win despite spending that morning with the boatbuilding class.

The Master Class had nine boats, and the racing was fierce. Tim Wright managed to come out on top with four wins and an average of 1.70. After Tim, there were three boats with an average score between three and four. In second place, Jeff Witzel (3.30) had two firsts back-to-back. This is where the scoring got very close. In third place with a score of 3.70, Al Posnack had a better day, including his first, second and third wins of the season. In fourth was Tom Barstow with three second-place finishes and an average score of 3.90. In fifth was Don Cundy, who had one win, two second-place finishes, and an overall score of 4.10. He lost a small rudder-covering hatch cover, and returned to the racing with a new taped hatch. Denis Boisvert had a score of 4.50 and three top-three finishes to land in sixth place. Ted Monetta had a first in one race, and ended the afternoon with an average of 5.10 for seventh place. Bob Pacini is starting to get his sea legs back (so to speak) and also had a first-place finish. His average was 5.60 for eighth place. Jack Minahan came in ninth, but left a little early, perhaps due to the heat. It really was muggy and very humid..

Solings approach the third mark.
US12s

US12 Sailing

The weather was typical of Back Bay but worse, much worse — one moment becalmed, the next flat over, then flat over the other way. Pity the poor crew members onboard — if any were left. The sun was relentless. After completing twelve races, everyone had had enough. Karen did a magnificent job, race director as well as scorekeeper. Thank you, Karen, for braving the heat and keeping us all in order. We had some photo finishes so Karen’s judgment was critical. We were too hot to argue anyway.

US12s Out on the Water

At the top of the fleet this week it was a tie between Rick Laird and John Simms, both scoring 2.00. Six tenths behind, Rick Gates took third with 2.60. Don Cundy was fourth at 3.40, Anthony Quinn at 4.30 was fifth, and Bob Brennan was sixth at 4.60.

US12 Skippers (Front to Back): Rick Gates, John Simms, Rick Laird, Bob Brennan
US12s at the Fourth Mark

New Skippers

This has been the week for Model Yacht Building and the addition of eight new Solings to the fleet. This year’s class was a joy to work with, to which I’m sure all the instructors will attest.

A record number of volunteer instructors and great leadership from Al Stevens gave us a building program that the New Hampshire Boat Museum and the Back Bay Skippers can be proud of. We were very close to one-on-one instruction, which kept the program on schedule with everyone working on the same step at the same time.

 

Attending this year’s class were Daniel Stirk, Richard Currier, David Keto, Henry Clare (with grandfather Warren Muir), Jeanne Butler, Kyle Blaisdell (with father, Bob Blaisdell), Kristina Dollarhide, and Kevin Bennett.

Instructors were Al Stevens, Tim Wright, Mark Bodenstab, Bruce Wilhelm, Steve Leker, Don McBride, Linwood Davis, Dave Corbett, and Mark Whitehead. All sails needed were made by Anthony Quinn.

Front Row: Henry Clare, Don McBride, Dan Stirk, Rich Currier, and Jeanne Butler. Back Row: Warren Muir, Dave Keto, Mark Bodenstab, Tim Wright, Al Stevens, Bruce Wilhelm, Linwood Davis, Kevin Bennett, Kristina Dollarhide, Bob Blaisdell, Kyle Blaisdell, and Mark Whitehead
Kristina Dollarhide
Bob and Kyle Blasdell
Henry Clare and Warren Muir
Kevin Butler
Dave Keto
Dave Corbett and Dave Keto
Kevin Butler
Dave Keto
Kyle Blaisdell
Dan Stirk
Carrie Oltsch and Kristina Dollarhide
Henry Clare
Richard Currier and His Soling
Richard Currier's Soling in the Water - It Floats!
Fun for All Ages

Sailing on Back Bay

The 2024 season is in full swing, 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.

Come join the fun! We love to share so give it a try

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

Trophy Room

Skippers Memorial

Soling 1M Building Manual

Boat Dock - RC Model Yachts for Sale

Videos and Photos

Previous Highlights

Score Sheets

US12, Soling Masters, Soling Sailors

Upcoming Events:

Past Events:

e-mail: backbayskippers@gmail.com

July, 03 2024 • US12 Regatta

NAME
CLASS
SCORE
SEASON
Wright, Tim
Sailor
1
1.00
Laird, Rick
Sailor
2
Quinn, Anthony
Sailor
3
2.75
Simms, John
Sailor
4
3.00
Wilhelm, Bruce
Sailor
5
5.00
Opie, Jim
Sailor
6
6.00
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