The 2001 Chicago NOOD Regatta , presented by Farmers Insurance, began today with a frontal system poised just to the west of Chicago. 280 boats on three racing circles got in one race before light, then heavy, then more light breezes forced the race committees to take a short break between races as the frontal system blew through. All circles were able to complete two races.
This year’s Chicago NOOD boasts a huge fleet of Tartan Tens: fifty boats. Sailing in that class, are Christy Parsons-Koeth and her husband, Gene. T-10 racers and others may remember Gene and Christy from Key West 1999, when they were married in a now famous ceremony on the T-10 Liquor Box at the Galleon Marina during the regatta. Now, their fortunes divide as they both do the bow on different boats in the same class, Christy on Nuts, and Gene on Liquor Box.
“The first offset mark of the first race was placed a little late by the race committee,” said Christy, “Liquor Box was two boat lengths ahead and didn’t see it. I’m amazed that Gene didn’t hear me yelling at my guys about it.” That maneuver allowed Nuts to get ahead and win the first race. Liquor Box took a third, and a second in the next race, leaving them one point ahead of Nuts, who finished fifth in the second race. “We had stellar crew work,” said Christy,” and Heidi (Backus-Riddle) did a great job steering.”
Stay tuned for more from this NOOD Family Feud.
In PHRF 39-54, Bill Craig, self-proclaimed Cruise Director on the Kaufman 44 Gauntlet gave credit for their two bullets. “Were an old, heavy, aluminum boat,” he said. “But weve all been sailing together for a long time and are very experienced. We dont need any coaching.”
The 2001 Chicago NOOD is also serving as a venue for the S2 9.1 North Americans, the S2 7.9 Mid-West Regionals, the Sydney 38 Nationals, and the Beneteau 40.7 North Americans.
Racing will resume tomorrow with forecasted 10 to 15 knot breezes.
