Recurring conversational themes at the first nights tent party at the Sailing World Annapolis NOOD regatta were “interesting,” and “challenging.” Local knowledge helped to some degree, with five of 17 classes being won by boats from the Annapolis area, but a slow-moving cold front that was trying hard to pass through the area brought winds with degrees of velocity that varied between light and nonexistent. Out of the 17 classes, only six got the scheduled three races off, with race committees ending races early, or not even starting them due to dying breezes.The Annapolis NOOD is a homecoming for Susie Minton, helmsman of the Mumm 30 Blockade Runner. Minton, a four-time All-American who graduated from the Naval Academy in 1992, was back on the water with the Blockade Runner team after being away a year. “It was so good to be back on the water,” said Minton. “But tough. Velocity changes and current were big today. It was important to stay in the breeze, and changing gears was more important than being in phase with the shifts.” Blockade Runner scored an 8, 4 for the day and is in 6th place in the 9-boat class.In the Mumm 30 class, Dirty Dog Eyewear, helmed by Terry Glackin of Newport, R.I. racked up two bullets for the day, thanks to a crew thats sailed together for three straight events. “Weve had the same crew for a while now. We all know each other really well and have a good time sailing together,” said Glackin. “Setup was important today,” said crewmember Chris Sherin. “We spent time tuning the boat not only before we went out, but in between races, too.”In the Cal 25 fleet, the husband and wife team of Tom and Barbara Corboy, sailing their LOrange used prowess gained at North U and Colgate Offshore Sailing School to power their 30-year-old boat through the competition to a 2,1,3 scoreline today. “We learned how to really sail the boat and trim the sails thanks to Bill Gladstones Boot Camp at Captiva Island two years ago and one of his refresher courses two weeks ago,” said Tom. “I used to be a golfer,” said Barbara. “But then I went to one of the Colgate courses a couple of years ago and now I love racing.” The Corboys relinquished the helm of LOrange to crewmember Ed Lutz, who usually does the foredeck and had recently had back surgery. “Ed went with us to the refresher course,” said Tom. “It worked. The big difference today was our understanding of sail trim. Whoever trims the sails best wins.”The 35-boat strong Etchells 22 fleet is graced by the presence of Dennis Conner, who scored a 2,8 for the day and leads the 35-boat fleet. Conner and his crew are being chased by Betsy Altman sailing 979, who tied on points with Conner but lost the tiebreaker with a 3,7 for the day. “The rockstars really make the class more competitive,” said Jim Porter, sailing on Etchells USA-744 with brother William. “We tried to stay under the clouds where we were seeing more breeze. This regatta is a good tune-up for us, were headed to the Worlds this year.” The cold front is forecast to pass through the Annapolis area late tonight, bringing cooler temperatures and maybe, just maybe, steadier breezes. The classes that raced today will be joined by two of the more famous raceboats in existence, Courageous and Freedom, both successful defenders of the Americas Cup [Courageous in 1974 and 1977; Freedom in 1980]. Ted Turner, helmsman of Courageous in 1977 will be steering his old friend for the series.Results after 1 day: (low score wins) 1D35 Class Points State (locales: city/state) 1. Douglas DeVos 3 Michigan 2. John Fisher 7 Massachusetts 3. Robert Hesse 8 New York Beneteau 36.7 Class 1. Wes Siegner 5 Chevy Chase, MD 2. Garth Hichens 5 Annapolis, MD 3. Jim Keen 5 Solomons, MD Henderson 30 Class 1. Michael Carroll 3 Florida 2. David Irwin 4 Texas 3. Jeffrey Gale 5 Bahamas J/105 Class 1. Bill Sutton 4 Arlington, VA 2. Alec Cutler 8 Annapolis, MD 3. Steve Phillips 10 Arnold, MD J/35 Class 1. Peter Scheidt 4 Highland, MD 2. Ted Lepich 6 Annapolis, MD 3. Kevin McNeil 6 Annapolis, MD Mumm 30 Class 1. Chris Sherin 2 New York 2. Bodo & Nick von der Wense 4 Pennsylvania 3. David Pyles 8 Easton, MD J 22 Class 1. Greg Fisher 1 Arnold, MD 2. Will Crump 2 Richmond, VA 3. James Hayes 3 Annapolis, MD J/24 Class 1. Mark Swanson 8 New York 2. Paul Michalowski 10 Massachussetts 3. Will Welles 11 Etchells Class 1. Dennis Conner 10 California 2. Betsy Altman 10 Illinois 3. Gary Gilbert 11 Oakton, VA J/30 Class 1. David McConaughy 4 Newport News, VA 2. Bill Munz 6 Annapolis, MD 3. Larry Christy 8 Annapolis, MD Melges 24 1. Travis Weisleder 8 Newport, RI 2. Ron Weed 9 Arnold, MD 3. Chris Doubek 12 Illinois Alberg 30 1. Read Beigel 5 Severna Park, MD 2. Larry Morris 13 Severna Park, MD 3. Liddick Mattox 13 Annapolis, MD Cal 25 1. Geoffrey Swanhart 11 Sterling, VA 2. Timothy Bloomfield 12 Sherwood Forest, MD 3. Bremer/Seay 12 Severna Park, MD Catalina 27 Class 1. Tom Walsh 5 Pasadena, MD 2. Francis Wright 8 Annapolis, MD 3. Julian Richard 10 Annapolis, MD Pearson 30 1. John Blais III 6 Hampton, VA 2. Roy Lappalainen 7 Baltimore, MD 3. Henry Starr 7 Silver Springs, MD S2 7.9 Class 1. Brad Boston 3 Ontario, Canada 2. Bob Fleck 8 Alexandria, VA 3. Paul Fruehauf 11 Wilmington, DE J/80 1. Matt Baker 3 New Jersey 2. John Storck 3 New York 2.Ann Farmelo 6 New York
