Yet another beautiful day for model boat racing. 14 members made their way down to the cove this morning and at the start of racing there were 14 boats in the water including Kim’s new red hull. and including two guests, Henry DiPietro and Nick Bailey, both of the Newport DF95 group.  The two members not racing were Manny who had the very difficult task of scoring so many boats and Shelley who assisted Manny.  Thank you both very much.There was a very light wind vaguely from the northwest so DF95 Fleet Captain, Jim Pascalides set the course with the start/finish line running north-south, parallel with the beach.  From the line, the short course was north to the black and white mark taken to starboard and back to the line.The first four races were on this course and they were slow, so much so that the wind died completely at one point and it looked like we would have to abandon racing, but then the wind shifted and was now a good breeze coming vaguely from the south, so the line was changed to the more usual east-west line and the boats headed south to take the windward mark to starboard then sail north to take the blue and white mark to starboard and back to the line.  Three races were run on this course making seven races in all.  Jim Pascalides won four of them to become today clear winner. The only other race winners today were Bill David with two and relatively new member, Rich Field. .Rob Hill was second in one race and third in four and such consistency was enough to secure second place overall. In addition to his win, Rich was second once and third twice to establish himself in third place today.  Congratulations, RichOther second place finishers today included Kim who sailed his new red boat to second in the first race, but later had some sail control problems and had to retire eventually; Paul, whose two second place finishes propelled him into fourth place overall; Henry with one second place and a third led to a fifth place overall; and Pat who was later out for two races (cause unknown).Retirees today were Will, Dick, Kim, and me.  It was a most unusual race day, but still very enjoyable.
As usual Paul Mercer has put the full results on our website mhbmyc.org

The next Race Day will be for Solings on Tuesday, August 25th at 11.00when the tide will be coming in from a low at 06.30.  High tide will be at 2.12 pm.
The next time for the DF95s to go racing will be Thursday, August 27that 11.00 when the tide will be coming in from a low at 08.55.Lots of fun as usual today.Please stay safe and well,Derek

A damp and rainy early start to the day soon gave way to sunshine and an adequate breeze.  There were seven boats in the water at the start of racing today and quite a few members who came down to the cove without boats: Manny, who did a fine job keeping score, Bill Raposa who was the race director, Rob who was technical guru, Sue, Will and myself.  It was the usual course with the wind from the south.  Starboard around the windward mark, then head north to the black and white mark, take it to starboard then head towards shore take the blue and white mark to starboard, and back to the line.  The first two races were once around and the final four races were twice around with the line open.Bill David won the first race and three more to finish first overall today.  Paul won the second race and one more and, with three second places, that was enough to finish in second place just one point behind Bill. In third place with two second places and three third places was Dick Mahoney. Jim Kelly was fourth closely followed by Kim and Pat.  Steve didn’t finish the first two races and didn’t start the final four.  We hope the problem gets resolved soon.Albert Meyer again brought his (new to him) Soling to the cove for try-out.  He discovered a leak from the bow, but knows how to fix it.Paul has loaded the full results to our website mhbmyc.org We next race DF95s on Thursday this week at 11.00 as usual, when the tide will be going out from a high at 09.43.
Then, next Tuesday we’ll be racing Solings at 11.00 when the tide will be coming in from a low at 06.30 (high at 2.12 pm)
See you at either or both,Take care, stay safe and well,Derek

The morning started hot and muggy as we’ve come to expect these days. There was quite a heavy local shower and it was still raining very lightly as the members started to assemble at around 10.30.  We had two guests today from the Newport group: Henry DiPietro who was here last week and Nick Bailey.  Both were welcomed, but only Nick raced as Henry had burned out a sail servo, unfortunately.

Nine boats raced today.  We used our usual course but started out by heading north and running the course clockwise with all marks taken to starboard, once around with the line closed.  After the first two races, the wind died.  We took a 10-minute break and a very light wind from the south reluctantly arrived so we had two short races: South to the southerly mark taken to starboard and back to the line. Painful!.  There was now no wind and we quit for the day.  Those present decided to count today as a race day as we had already abandoned racing for one day earlier in the year.

Kim had had our first DF95 cracked hull so, as I haven’t been racing and he has, he borrowed my boat.  I kept score assisted by Jim Kelly’s son, Chris, who had brought along a pair of binoculars.

Thanks, Chris. Soling Fleet Captain, Bill Raposa, also came down to the cove to see how exciting DF95 racing is.  Marginally better than watching paint dry today.

The slow-motion winners today were Paul twice and Bill David and Nick once each.  Bill D, Jim K, Wilkie, and Rob each had one second place and Nick, Paul, Rob, and Bill D..had one third place each.

So Paul was the overall winner today with Bill David second just one point behind.  Nick was third with Wilkie fourth and Kim fifth.

Paul has posted the full results to our website mhbmyc.org  

Paul’s wife, Laura also joined us today and brought her camera so we can expect some new DF95 pictures on our website. Thank you, Laura.

The next race day for DF95s will be Thursday, August 20th at 11.00 when the high tide will be at 09.43

But two days earlier on Tuesday, August 18th we’ll have Soling Race Day 6 at 11.00 when the tide will be going out from a high at 08,07

We still had some fun today, but of a slower, more relaxed kind.

Stay safe and well

Derek

The exceedingly high temperature coupled with high humidity must have contributed to the sparse number of participants this morning, but as things turned out it was not too bad given the cooling breeze that enabled us to hold seven races in good time.  The wind was from our south and we followed, what is now our usual course.  The southern mark was taken to port and the two northern marks to starboard.  Once around for the first two races and twice around for the last five.Only five boats competed.  In fact, there were as many members without boats. Bill Raposa had a problem with his boat today, but he was still a major participant as he laid out the course and acted as our starter.  Wilkie kept score and I helped.  Will and Jim Kelly cheered everyone on and Rob gave technical advice and much help….including sailing for a bit.  There were only two race winners today.  Bill David won four and Paul won three. They both finished on 9 points but Bill wins the day on more first places.  Kim took the lead for the final two races but finally got beaten by Paul.  Kim got two seconds and four thirds to finish in third place overall.  The other sailors were Pat and new member, Albert Meyer who sailed his new (to him) Soling.  Rob gave him a tutorial before racing commenced and help and advice during the competition. Welcome as a racer, Albert.Despite the conditions, everyone had an enjoyable time.  Paul has put the full results on our website mhbmyc.org Soling fun continues next Tuesday, August 18th at 11.00 when the tide will be going out from a high at 08.07
And, before that, next Thursday, August 13th at 11.00 we have DF95 Race Day 4 when the tide will be coming in from a low at 08.45
Our starter is missing.  Whoever has it, could you please bring it to our next race day on Thursday.  Thank you.Stay well and safe and have fun,Derek

Race day 3 seems to have been a big success.  I couldn’t be there, but Paul has posted the results on our web site mhbmyc.org and he sent them to me.  You will notice a new name in the list of eleven who competed yesterday.  This is Henry DiPietro who was here as Fleet Captain of the Newport DF95 group. Welcome, Henry.  I hope you had fun yesterday.There were seven races of which Rob won 3 and finished first overall, Paul won 2 and had two seconds to finish in second place.  In third place was Jim Pascalides with 1 win and 2 second places.  Although the only other race winner was Jim Kelly, he finished in fifth place behind Bill David.  New member Rich Field finished in sixth place, just one point ahead of Will. 
The next Race Day for the DF95 Fleet will be next Thursday, August 13th when the tide will be coming in from a low at 08.45.  As usual start time is 11.00. But before that, we have Soling Race Day 5 on Tuesday, August 11th.at11.00. The tide will be coming in with a high at 2.18 pm
Stay safe and well Derek

Storm Isaias threatened, but this morning was rain-free so 13 members went down to the cove to race, score, help, or support. There were 8 boats in the water at the start time of 11 am.with the tide going out from a high around 09.30.  We ran what has become our “normal” course, south from the start and finish line. around the white and black mark taken to starboard, then to the northern mark also taken to starboard and finally starboard around the white and blue marker closest to shore and back to the line.  The final two races were twice around. A simple course made fiendish by the unpredictable wind which was constantly changing strength and direction.Wilkie kept score assisted by Manny, Will, and me.  Rob provided technical help and advice as needed.  Thanks to all.  As I wasn’t racing I took my camera and got the three shots attached.Bruce started off strong winning the first race, then second in the second race and third. in the third race. Bill David won the second race and was second in another three races  Paul, who had been third in the first two races, won the next four and earned first place overall. Bill David was second and Bruce third.The only other members to finish a race in the top three today were Jim Kelly who had one second and two thirds and Bill Raposa who had one second.  Jim was fourth and Bill was fifth. Sue got a cheer as she finished her first race ever.  Many more in the future, Sue..The two other participants, Steve and Pat both had boat problems unfortunately and only managed to finish one race each.  Prospective new members, Rich Field and Albert Meyer were also present today.  Rich has a DF95 and Albert is about to acquire a Soling so we look forward to them both racing with us.  Rich already raced last Thursday with us.  As is usual these days we had the day’s results before we left the cove thanks to Paul and his tablet with AFleet software.  Paul has posted the results to our website mhbmyc.orgA reminder:  If you haven’t yet joined or rejoined the club, the joining fee is $25 and the annual membership fee is also $25.  Checks payable to MHBMYC should be given or sent to our treasurer, Kim Hanna at 33 Watermark Drive, Tiverton, RI 02878.

The next Soling race day will be Tuesday, August 11th at 11 am when the tide will be coming in with a high just after 2 pm

But before that, we have DF95 race day 3 on Thursday, August 6th at 11 am which is just about high tide. Volunteers to keep score etc are appreciated.Lots of fun again today with some good races.Stay safe and well,Derek

The steamy hot overcast start to the day gave way to sun and clouds with a pleasant breeze.  Thirteen members with 10 boats came down to the cove for some racing fun. Among them was new member, Rich Field who had a new boat. Welcome, Rich!  We welcomed back DF95 Fleet Captain, Jim Pascalides for his first time with us this season.  Bill David brought his new boat and discovered it was quite different from a Soling.Attending as a guest was Albert Meyer from East Greenwich who wanted to see what DF95 racing was all about.  By now you will have received some pictures that Albert took this morning. Thanks, Albert.  Manny, recovering from his cataract operation kept score and I decided not to race. Pat Donovan, whose new DF95 wasn’t quite ready kept us company.  The course headed south from the start line to take the black/white mark to starboard then north to the other black/white mark again taken to starboard and then east to the mark nearest to shore taken to starboard then back to the line. After the first couple of races like this, the remainder were run twice around.  As I said, Jim Pascalides is back and he won the first two races of the six run today and then the fourth race.  Rob Hill won races 3, 5, and 6 and, in any race he didn’t win, he came second. So they each had won three races, but Rob got the overall win as he had 3 second places to Jim P’s 2.  Jim Kelly was third today withPaul 4th and Dick M 5th. We had some close racing today and a thoroughly enjoyable timePaul Mercer has put the full results on our website, mhbmyc.org
The next race day for DF95s is next Thursday, August 6th at 11.00 amwhen we will be starting at close to high tide (10.52)
But, before that, we have Soling Race Day 4 next Tuesday, August 4th at 11.00 am when the tide will be going out from a high at 09.26.
Stay safe and well,Derek

The only apt description of the weather this morning is, “brutally hot”.  Nevertheless, 12  members made their hot and sticky way down to the cove and racing started with 7 boats in the water.  The 5 without Solings were Wilkie who no longer has a Soling but offered to keep score, Manny, Will, Jim Kelly, and Rob who had brought a fantastic looking boat to try out.  All joined in by yelling encouragement and advice and starting the races.  Wilkie did a great job keeping score.  Thanks to all. Bill Raposa had set the course with the brisk breeze blowing from a southerly direction. South from the start line to take the southern black and white mark to port, head north to the northern black and white mark, taken to starboard and then towards shore to take a white mark to starboard and then back to the finish line. The last two or three races were the same course but twice around.There were seven races in all with Bill David winning the first and then winning four moreThe two races Bill D didn’t win were won by Bill Raposa so Bill D won overall with Bill R second. In third place came Paul followed by Dick M, Kim. Pat and then me.  The only rescue was by Rob on my boat when my receiver escaped its Velcro restraint and dived into the water sloshing about in the bottom of my boat.  Thanks, Rob.Paul Mercer worked his magic with the AFleet software and produced the results within minutes after the end of racing.  The full results can be found on our website mhbmyc.org

The next race day for Solings will be Tuesday, August 4th at 11.00 amwhen the tide will be going out from a high at 09.26

The next race day for DF95s is nextThursday, July 30th at 11.00 amwhen the tide will be coming in with a low at 10.14
See you at one or both of these,Stay safe and stay well,Derek

This coming week Solings will race on Tuesday at 11.00 am and DF95s will race on Thursday at 11.00 am.  This will be the pattern for the remainder of the season.Thursday racing will have a low tide at 10.14 am. Good luck to all the racers.
I’ll have a revised schedule out tomorrow,Derek

It was hot, very hot at the cove yesterday and this might have deterred some members from making the trip, but there were only five of us racing in the morning and six in the afternoon.There was only a light breeze for the morning, Soling session, but we did manage six races at a gentle drift pace.  Bill Raposa set the starting line prompted by Bill David and the course was ultra-simple: South from the East-West starting line around the white mark to port and back to the line.A slow process, but Bill David won 4 races to finish first overall, I won two races for second place and Bill Raposa was third.  Pat and Steve made up the field, and Sue and Bruce didn’t race but did a fine job keeping score.  Many thanks. Paul Mercer had arrived while we were racing and, by the time I got back to the shore with my boat, he had the results for the morning’s racing on his tablet equipped with the AFleet software.  You can find the full results on our website mhbmyc.orgWhat you won’t find are the results for the DF95 races because after an encouraging first race with quite a brisk breeze the wind died in the second race not to return so DF95 racing was canceled for the day.  Paul and Rob appeared to be in fine form winning one race each with Jim Kelly ready to pounce. Dick Mahoney, Ned, and Pat were also raring to go. ‘Twas not to be.We had a discussion on whether we should return to two days of racing instead of trying to hold races for both classes in one day.  If you have an opinion please let your respective (or both) Fleet Captain know.  Bill Raposa for Solings and Rob Hill (acting) for DF95s.
At present, our next race day is next Tuesday, July 28th at 11.00 am for Solings and 1.00 pm for DF95s.when the tide will be coming in with a low at 08.00 am and a high at 3.30 pmStay safe and well,Derek