Written by Mark Whitehead, Tim Wright
Editing Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, Tim & B.B. Wright, Mark Whitehead
Layout Paul McBride
Lily Pond Sailing on Sunday August 22, 2020
Videos and Photos
- Back Bay Skippers Video (WMUR NH Chronicles)
- Back Bay Skippers YouTube Channel
- Latest Videos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
- Latest Photos: Solings, US12s, Lily Pond
- Photo Gallery
Previous Highlights
- Awards for 2019 Season
- In Memory of Tom Greig 1956-2020
- Tim Wright Wins CAN/AM Challenge 2019
- Lake Discovery Camp
- US12 AMYA Region 1 Championship, Nashua
- Sasquatch Footy Regatta (Nor’Easter Footy Series)
- Skippers Spring Party 2019
Score Sheets
The Gods Were Agin Us
Forecasts predicted thunderstorms for Tuesday afternoon, the regular Soling sailing day, so the regatta was called for the safety of our skippers. Mother Nature is famous for doing what she wants when she wants and decided not to hurl her fury at the Wolfeboro-Ossipee area until about 3:30. The commodore groaned when he realized that perhaps two hours of sailing could have been completed before quitting early. Oh, well! It was better to be safe than sorry, as the saying goes.
We tried for our Wednesday alternate day, but the winds were overpowering and only three skippers sailed. It was a great day, but when the wind is pushing twenty miles per hour it really takes a toll on the boats.
The bragging rights go to Denis Boisvert, Al Posnack, and Tim Wright for giving it the college try. They got in a few races before they hung it up for the day like the rest of us.
Certainly an honorable mention goes to Rick Lalley for making the three-hour drive from Thomaston, Maine! Now that’s dedication and love for the sport!
US12s August 27, 2020
Thursday, August 27, US12 sailing will be remembered for the persistence of Bob Pacini. He made his first appearance of the summer after what he described as a long and challenging spring. It was good to see him dust off his US12 and put it in the water. However, it didn’t start well for Bob, as his mast fell down just as he launched. A later dismasting and battery issues caused by rising interior water levels tried to slow him down. What the rest of us learned that day was how determined Bob is. There seemed to be little to stop him. In spite of all of his troubles, he managed to win a race! Kudos!
Bob’s misfortunes did allow many of the sailors to earn merit badges for boat rescue. We managed to get his boat back to shore three times by pushing and steering his boat with other US12s. The rescue boat never needed to leave the dock, and the combined seamanship displayed by our sailors was impressive to watch. The spectators could be heard talking about how well the sailors were working to get the boat ashore.
We had eight boats that day with Bob Brennan, Jim Opie, Paul Wallace, Paul McBride, John Simms, Don Cundy, Bob Pacini, and Tim Wright taking advantage of the fairly steady winds. It was cold at the start but the threatening rain held off. Eventually the sun came out and we spent a very enjoyable and action-packed afternoon sailing and enjoying each other’s company. Our racing was spirited as always, and many races came down to the wire. We’re looking forward to next Thursday and more sailing. Hopefully we’ll have even more boats and the same competitive racing.
Join Us if You Like
But please maintain at least that six-foot distance. Bring your camera for the show but also bring and wear a face mask. Sailing always begins at 1:00 p.m. on Back Bay at the Lehner Street/Glendon Street municipal parking area, weather permitting. Solings sail on Tuesday, the US12s compete on Thursday, and “what you brung” at 9 a.m. Sunday at Lily Pond in Gilford. Wednesdays are available should a Tuesday or Thursday regatta have to be canceled.
