J/70s Challenge Shifty Winds(San Diego, CA)- The second stop for the eight event Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regatta circuit was in San Diego, CA on March 15th to 17th weekend. The feast or famine tradition for this event prevailed, where strong conditions in past events were set aside this year for light and spotty winds. Three race courses hosted 101 boats competing in 12 one design classes. A total of 38 J/Teams participated, accounting for over one-third (37%) of the fleet!
According
to Benjamin Miller, SailFlow.com Meteorologist, spring in San Diego can
be quite dynamic. The passage of winter storm systems continues but
these winter storms become less frequent and less potent as the month of
March progresses. Meanwhile, the North Pacific High begins to rebuild,
resulting in some modest WNW breezes, too. However, despite all great
and wonderful prognostications, such was not the case!On the opening day, the fog lifted to deliver great conditions for racing for the J/Teams for the duration of the afternoon. But, the light winds and significant shifts tested the patience of sailors in all fleets. By the end of the regatta, it was self-evident the weather was putting a premium on good starts and conservative strategies.
Emerging from the heat of battle amongst the rock-star laden J/70 fleet was Bennet Greenwald, sailing a consistent series on PERSEVERANCE to win the emerging 10-boat J/70 class, scoring a 2-3-1-4-2-4 for 16 pts. On-board with Bennet was fellow San Diegan and Star/ Etchells 22 World Champion Vince Brun. Next in line grabbing an early lead on the first day but succumbing to a deep finish on the second day was champion sailor David Ullman sailing USA 32 to a 1-1-4-7-4-3 tally to snag second by one point! Recent St Petersburg NOOD winner, Joel Ronning, sailed his brand new midnight blue/black CATAPULT to a great series, improving just about every race to collect a 3-5-5-2-5-1 for 21 points to grab the third spot on the podium. Aside from the usual sailing rock stars, the NOOD Regatta also attracted a couple other notable celebrities in the field, including national talk radio host and author Dr Laura Schlessinger. She sailed her new J/70 called VENGEANCE to a credible fourth place for her first outing! Like Joel, she too improved virtually every race to win the top J/70 scoreline on the last day, counting an 8-4-3-5-3-2 for 25 pts! You go girl!! Rounding out the top five was Karl Pomeroy sailing with Scuttlebutt Newsletter editor Craig Leweck on their boat- ZERO TO 60. Sailing photo credits- Tim Wilkes.com For more Sperry Top-Sider San Diego NOOD Regatta sailing information
