Written by Tim Wright, Mark Whitehead
Editing Kathleen Whitehead
Photos by Paul McBride, B.B. Wright, Mark Whitehead, Dianne Quayle
Layout & Photo Captions by Paul McBride
Games by Dave Perry
The New England Footy Series Continues
The Minuteman MYC hosted the Scott Spacey Footy Memorial Regatta on Rosemary Lake in Needham, Massachusetts on July 10. Leading the fleet was Cliff Martin with Herb Dreher second and Jim Linville third. Back Bay Skippers catching the wind were Bill Hagerup, Rick Gates, and Paul McBride.
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
- Sasquatch Regatta (Nor’easter Footy Series) 2021, 2019
- Sheila Ryan Memorial Footy Regatta
- Awards for 2019 Season
- Tim Wright Wins CAN/AM Challenge 2019
- Lake Discovery Camp 2019
- US12 AMYA Region 1 Championship, Nashua
- Spring Skippers Party 2019
Score Sheets
Lily Pond Back in Action
On July 11, Commodore Bill Hagerup fired up the action on Lily Pond in Gilford. Attendance was light, but hopefully the fleet numbers will pick up as the season progresses. Remember it’s “SAIL WHAT YOU BRUNG” — any boat class is welcome Sunday mornings at 9:00.
A Little Learnin’ in This Year’s Workshop
Yup, the thirteenth class was in session this week, bringing the total of model yachts produced by the NH Boat Museum program to well over one hundred and fifty. The six in attendance for our 2021 Soling building school included John Barstow, Genie Ware, Eric Leitner, Jim Opie, Don McBride, and Steve Leker. The dedicated onsite instructors were Al Stevens, Anthony Quinn, and Mark Whitehead, with backup by Bill Quayle, who made all the masts, and Anthony Quinn, who cut and sewed all the sails and constructed the building stands. A huge thank-you to all who helped!
Tim Wright Reports on Both Fleets
Tuesday, July 13, was a good day for the Soling racers. The rain let up just in time to get our races started, but the wind never picked up. We sailed in the softest wind of the season and completed only seven races. Due to the building class, many sailors were missing, resulting in not enough participants for an official day of racing. With gray skies and mild temperatures, we sailed, and although challenged by the conditions, everyone had at least a fourth-place finish.
In the end, it was Tim Wright at the head of the fleet with Don Cundy in second place. Don helped rescue a wayward Soling, and also helped out by covering the crash boat at the end of the day. He seldom leaves without making sure everything is in its place – thank you, Don!
Tom Barstow had a very good day, taking first in two races and showing good boat speed. Al Posnack was in fourth and Anthony Quinn in fifth. Anthony had no issues with his boat today, and it was good to have him back, sailing and enjoying himself. Jack Minahan, Clint Wolcott, Rick Laird, and Bruce Brown finished in that order.
Paul McBride’s boat had steering issues and he dropped out after two races. In a fun race with four boats at the end of the day, he sailed Tim’s boat to a first place, getting a chance to sail and making it count.
Although the weather wasn’t as cooperative as it could have been, we all had a good time. Thanks to the volunteers who score us and keep us playing by the rules – Karen Enos and B. B. Wright. Their help is appreciated by all of the sailors, and we couldn’t do what we do without them. See you next week.
On July 15, the US12 fleet had the least wind of the season. Five sailors showed up and, due to quick turnarounds, were able to complete ten races. With temperature approaching 90 and the humidity in full force, it was a challenge to keep one’s focus for the two hours of racing.
The wind came primarily off the land but displayed its usual randomness for the entire time. Tim Wright was challenged in some races, particularly in the last race, but managed to lead the fleet all day. John Simms and Don Cundy had their usual close sailing, with Don coming in second by one point over John. Paul McBride had two seconds to start the day and finished a close fourth. Rick Parent finally got to spend some time away from his job and enjoyed every minute of the camaraderie and friendship among his fellow sailors. B. B. Wright was the fleet’s scorekeeper. Bill Hagerup almost sailed with us today, but his motorcycle was more appealing after the recent bad weather had limited his riding. He came to watch and helped with some of the scoring. In all, it was a great day on the water.
Skippers under the Weather Helm
Paul Wallace and Bill Quayle have not been up to snuff as of late, and we all hope they can gather with the skippers soon.
Join the Fun
The season is underway so folks are encouraged to stop by on Tuesday and Thursday at 1 PM to watch the action (weather permitting, of course), or Wednesday if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate on Tuesday or Thursday. Make sure you have your camera at the ready. And don’t forget Lily Pond Sunday mornings at 9:00, weather permitting!
Upcoming events:
- August 14, 2021 Sheila Ryan Memorial Footy Regatta, Nor’easter Series Race 4, 10AM Lily Pond, Gilford NH
- September 4, 2021 Schooner, Sloop and Electric Boat Day, Nashua Model Yacht Club, Sandy Pond, Nashua NH
Links: American Model Yachting Association, MinuteMan Model Yacht Club, Nashua Model Yacht Club, Marblehead Model Yacht Club, Greater Worcester Model Yacht Club, Sarasota Model Yacht Club, Space Coast Model Sailing Club, Sun Coast Model Sailing Club, Stowe Yacht Club, USS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild, Vac-U-Soling, 3D Printed Radio Yachts, US Vintage Model Yacht Group