2009 NOOD Regattas
A weather outlook conjured by the imagination is definitely azure blue skies, placid waters, and a cool breeze. When Sperry Top-Sider Offshore One-Design (NOOD) Regattas take place this year, these are precisely the types of days which will be coveted. Almost all of these NOOD Regattas were plagued with some weather issues and delays last year. Hopefully this year’s prospects will improve and everyone will get to enjoy a remarkable weekend of sailing and racing.
The Sperry Top-Sider Chicago NOOD Regatta commenced on June 19th until June 21st in Chicago, IL. This NOOD Regatta, hosted by the Chicago Yacht Club, is known to place sailors in the turbulent Lake Michigan waters, and give them the opportunity to measure up their skills directly against fellow sailors without attention to the different designs between sailboats. Major entries in racing classes for this year’s fleet included Beneteau 40.7, Great Lakes, J/105, and Tartan Ten boats.
On July 23rd until July 26th the Sperry Top-Sider Marblehead NOOD Regatta was underway in Marblehead, MA. This Regatta is annually expected to draw the biggest crowds compared to other locations for NOOD Regattas. The Marblehead Racing Association expeted a turn out of over 1,00 sailors, as the even takes place in the Massachusetts Bay waters. A few of the fleet sailing in Marblehead will include boats from Sonar, Town Class, Viper 640, and J/105 classes.
Hosted by the Larchmont Yacht Club the Sperry Top-Spider Larchmont NOOD Regatta is taking place in September on the 12th and 13th in Larchmont, NY. The Larchmont Yacht Club, one of the most prestigious yacht clubs in the nation, and this NOOD Regatta attract many sailors to its unique waters. These are the same waters that last year caused quite a stir when winds directions shifted suddenly as much as 50 to 60 degrees prompting a few sailors to react fast or risk getting nudged off course. The fleet for this year includes boats from Farr 40, Express 37, Shields, Etchells, and many more classes.
Last year, damage from Hurricane Ike resulted in the cancelation of the 2008 Sperry Top-Sider Houston NOOD Regatta only a few days before it was scheduled to take place the weekend of the 19th. This year’s Regatta takes place from September 25th to September 27th in Seabrook, TX. Be on deck and at the ready to raise those boat anchors because it can be surmised that the Houston Yacht Club is itching for a wicked revival. Steady waters and pleasant skies will undoubtably be their first desire.
Whether it be a venue hosted by a local Yacht Club or sailing for pleasure, it will be foolish to miss out on the NOOD Championship which is taking place in Tortolla in the British Virgin Islands November 7th to November 12th. If last year’s NOOD Regattas were any indication, load up on boat supplies and start yearning for that perfect day, because this year’s Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regatta season will certainly be full of surprises.