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Annapolis, Md. (April 27, 2007) – On the opening day of the Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regatta in Annapolis, Md., sailors aboard the 270 competing boats experienced a no-wind plague that seemingly had spread from Valencia, Spain. Similar to their compatriots at the America’s Cup venue, the NOOD sailors suffered a long day of waiting for wind that did not materialize. Racing in all 19 one-design classes was called off by the host Annapolis Yacht Club’s race committee. “It was foggy, grey and the wind was all over the place,” said Sue Reilly, the event’s principal race officer. “At one point, it looked OK on Division 3’s race course. We got an anchor set on the committee boat, we set a leeward mark, then the wind dropped back down again to 3.1, then 2.6. You just can’t sail in that. By 3pm it was clear that it wasn’t going to happen so they postponed all racing for the day. Division 4 followed. Division 1 was able to get a start going for the Etchells, then halfway through the start for the next class, the J/22s, they cancelled it and abandoned for the day.” In Division 2, half of the S2s made it around the top mark, and then carried their chutes down to the leeward mark before the wind changed direction and all racing was abandoned. Although four races were planned today, the racing instructions provide for making up any missed races the following day. With wind speed of 10-15 knots expected for Saturday, moods will be much improved around the tent at this evening’s party. The Mumm 30 Whispers 5, owned by Geoff Stagg (Annapolis, Md.), was selected as the Sperry Top-Sider Boat of the Day for its fund-raising efforts on behalf of Sailing for Miracles and the Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital. All NOOD sailors who made a donation of $50 or more are flying an exclusively-designed Sailing for Miracles burgee donated by Sperry Top-Sider and Sailing World. Sperry Top-Sider is the national title sponsor of the St. Petersburg NOOD which is presented by Sailing World. Support sponsors include Gill, Sunsail, North Sails, Budweiser Select, Active Network and Mount Gay Rum. The overall winner in Annapolis will receive a Sunsail charter during the 2007 Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regatta Championship, in the British Virgin Islands, where they will compete against the overall winners from each stop on the nine-regatta Sperry Top-Sider NOOD circuit. For more information on the 2007 Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regatta in Annapolis, including daily reports, results and exclusive web reports by Sailing World Editor Dave Reed, go to www.sailingworld.com. Daily highlights videos will be available online at t2p.tv. About Sperry Top-Sider Since 1935, Sperry Top-Sider has been the leading brand of footwear for those who love the water. From its introduction of the world’s first siped rubber outsole for non-marking traction, to advanced technical fabrication to combat the elements, Sperry Top-Sider remains the vanguard of high-performance amphibious footwear and apparel. Available around the globe in fine independent, marine, outdoor and department stores, Sperry Top-Sider is the official footwear of US SAILING, and is also worn by members of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Navy SEALs. Based in historic Lexington, Massachusetts, Sperry Top-Sider supports a wide-range of water-related activities through its many sponsorships, including ACURA Key West 2007, the Adopt-A-Billfish Foundation, National Safe Boating Council, Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regattas and countless others. Sperry Top-Sider is a division of the Stride Rite Corporation (NYSE:SRR). For more information, please visit www.sperrytopsider.com.
