Written by Tim & BB Wright
Mark Whitehead
Editing Kathleen Whitehead
Layout Paul McBride
Sunday Sailing on Lily Pond
A blustery day on the little pond. It kept everyone on their toes, including Bill Hagerup when he dropped his rudder.
Rick Parent Outreach
Well over a year ago, Rick Parent initiated a program that honored first responders as its main objective. Secondly, it was created to reach out to the community with the New Hampshire Boat Museum: Back Bay Skippers Model Yachting group.
In last year’s model yacht building class, Chris Proctor and Cameron Roderick each built a Soling for Rick’s endeavor. Over the last few months, Bob West added a professional touch with a paint job, Jerome Holden and Jeannette D’Onofrio from JC Signs produced the hull and sail graphics, and Windjammin from Ohio made the sails.
Saturday, July 11, in between downpours, the presentation-christening of the two Solings was held at the Municipal Building in Wolfeboro with Police Chief Dean Rondeau and his staff and Fire Chief Norman Skantze and his staff in attendance. Those who took part in the project also were in attendance.
Police and Fire in the Water
Solings Out on the Water
The July 15 rain date brought out a little lighter fleet than usual with nine skippers sailing, so it was no problem with social distancing. The fleet managed nine hard-fought races with some of the old guard coming out to play. It was pleasing to see Ed Johnson at the startline again, even if it was only for a couple of races.
Because Skip Koehler had destroyed his deck last week he took over the 2300 loaner boat for the day.
It was Dan Masessa that came to the regatta loaded for bear, taking five of the nine first places and bragging rights for the day. Diane LaBella followed with a strong second place, and Don McBride just two tenths behind in third. Jay Burns showed some prowess taking fourth, and there was a tie for fifth between Paul McBride and Jack Minahan. In actuality, all the skippers, including Paul Wallace, Ed Johnson, and Skip Koehler sailed well. Longtime skipper Tim Brand stopped by, but I think he forgot to bring his boat.
US12s on July 9
Thursday US12 Sailing
The US12 sailing on July 16 will be remembered for its cool temperature (compared to previous days), good wind, close sailing, and twelve races. There were nine sailors in all, with six US12s and two Solings.
Hunter and Evan Reyes brought Solings that they used to continue improvement of their sailing abilities, and many of the same cast of characters sailed their US12s.
Don McBride continued his strong sailing and had a first and a second place. Paul McBride’s boat had intermittent steering issues. Before his boat’s issues, Paul finished second in the first race, portending a good day. However, he sat out a number of races trying to figure out what was going on with the reluctant servo while getting input from other sailors.
Paul Wallace was there sailing his boat, having some success in a few races. Kurt Clason continued his learning process with some very good finishes. He came in second in three races and third in three more.
Diane LaBella sailed Tim Wright’s green US12 then shared it with Don Cundy. They both did well, raising the level of competition. Diane had a number of second-place finishes, and Don also was right at the top of the fleet.
When he wasn’t racing, Don Cundy ran the crash boat, retrieving wayward boats from the bay and taking pictures from the water. He was helpful, as always. Tim, sailing his tan boat, finished first in many races.
In all, it was a very nice day sailing on Back Bay, with everyone enjoying the moderate temperature, the good winds, and friendly sailors coming together once again.
Building Class of 2020
Working their fingers to the bone all week under Commodore Whitehead’s cracking whip and outstanding assistance from Al Stevens and Bob Brennan, the 2020 building class of Andres Jay, Genie Ware, John and Tom Barstow, Bruce Wilhelm, and Al Stevens produced handsome additions to our fleets — five Solings and one US12.
A special thank-you to Al Stevens for giving up much of his building time and parts from his boat to help Andres during this workshop.
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.
