US12s
Tim Wright reports that this week, our US12 fleet wasn’t wondering whether rain would stop in time for the regatta as we did last week. Rather, we were hoping it would hold off long enough for a full afternoon of racing. Under dramatic skies and with ridiculously fickle winds, we managed to complete ten races. B.B Wright scored for us and kept the pace moving along. She would see wind and say, “Let’s get going.”
At 2:30, Don Cundy showed us the weather radar, which indicated a serious line of rain ever so close to Wolfeboro. We decided enough was enough and started packing up quickly. While leaving the parking lot, the rain started to fall. Thanks, Don, for your timely attention to the weather!
On the course, due to the winds and the holes into which we all sailed, the racing was spirited and lively. People changed positions right up to the finish line.
Photo Albums
- 2019-10-01 Soling Regatta
- 2019-09-26 US12 Regatta
- Photo Gallery
Previous Highlights
- Back Bay Skippers Video (WMUR NH Chronicles)
- Tim Wright Wins CAN/AM Challenge
- Lake Discovery Camp
- US12 AMYA Region 1 Championship, Nashua
- Sasquatch Footy Regatta (Nor’Easter Footy Series)
- Skippers Spring Party
Score Sheets
There was some borrowing of boats. Don Cundy sailed to second place with Tim Wright’s spare boat, winning a race for the second week in a row. Paul McBride sailed to fourth with Paul Wallace’s boat. Paul W.’s boat won a race for the second week in a row.
Don McBride didn’t catch any weeds this week, and sailed to a solid third-place finish. He also displayed uncommon courtesy by lagging behind in one race to keep Diane LaBella’s Soling1M company at the back of the fleet. However, he stayed back only once.
Jerry Leach was having some issues with his boat at times, finishing fifth. At one point, it seemed he was trying to match Don McBride’s miracle of catching weeds with his keel. He didn’t come away with anything, but his boat stayed very still on multiple points of sail.
Tim won the day with good boat speed and lucky phantom winds and shifts. In the first race his luck hadn’t kicked in and he tacked into a 90° header on the last leg, barely avoiding a last-place finish. After that, he started to pay better attention.
We all were glad to complete ten races in ninety minutes, and just as glad to get out before the heavens opened up. Since we need the rain, we were willing to sacrifice the last few races. Hopefully, we’ll have some more good racing next week.
Bruce Brown Receives Award
Last week, Bruce Brown took his first win, and this week, he received the totally desirable Back Bay Skippers water bottle for his accomplishment — no easy task. Congratulations, Bruce!
Late-Season Sailing
Last week was the end of season scoring, but we’re still sailing, and the Solings gathered on October 1 for a non-scored regatta. There’s a lot less pressure and certainly a more relaxed atmosphere. It was a gray day with the typical Back Bay wind that you never know when, where, or if it’s going to blow. It certainly tests your skills at reading the wind, however, and we managed six races for our sixteen skippers.
Rick Gates Challenges for Award
One of the awards given each year is the screw up award. Sailing his Dragon Flite 95, Rick Gates looked just a little foolish hooking the start buoy line. Freeing himself from that, he sailed off and proceeded to entangle the first and final mark. Could Rick be this year’s winner?
Breaking News
Paul Wallace, a Sailor Class skipper, jumped into the lead in race three and never looked back. Sailing one hundred feet ahead of the rest of the fleet, he certainly demonstrated his sailing prowess. It was an all-in — both Master and Sailor class — regatta, so the win was all that much sweeter.
Out on the Water
Looking at overall scores, Rick Gates had an impressive record of one first, two seconds, and a third. Since he was sailing his #170 Dragon Flite 95, a different class, he couldn’t be compared to Soling finishers.
Don Cundy pulled off a win in race one to start things off. Paul McBride had a strong showing taking two wins, although one was when he was sailing Rick’s DF95.
Tim Wright had an unusual day with only one win, but in his defense, he took rescue duty and served as boat analyzer for the rest of the skippers. After his tragic mast disaster last week, Rick Lalley was back in action with three seconds and a third. Commodore Mark Whitehead was shooting for a straight with a fourth in race one, a third in race two, and a second in race three. After that it was a fizzle with two sixths and no fifth or first. Mac MacDonald, after missing a few weeks of sailing, waited until the last race to pull off a good strong second-place finish.
Almost Your Last Chance
We never know how many regattas are left. When the dock is gone, so are we. It all depends on the weather — when it gets cold, we tend to lose enthusiasm, so come on down and watch the fun while it lasts at 1 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. It will end soon.
