Close competition at St Pete NOODs Linde/McGrath take Pinnochio to win it by a "Nose" The regatta began in moderately light air and chop, worked through no air and flat water, to moderate air and smooth water. The 2003 St. Pete NOODs were as the class states fast, friendly, fair and fun. It seemed that the competition was there at every level and no position was uncontested. It came down to the last race to see where the fleet would end up in the final standings. It was obvious there were leaders that would battle it out for the top positions but the competition went much deaper into the fleet. Positions in every race changed leg by leg to keep every race interesting. The weather was beautiful, sunny in the mid 70's, winds between 5 and 15 throughout the weekend. Each night the U20 group would gather back at St. Pete Yacht Club to enjoy the festivities and watch the America's Cup Racing on the Big Screen Plasma TV's brought in for additional excitement. The fleet gathered from North Carolina (3 boats), Florida (2 boats), Ohio, Texas, and Illinois. Crew came in from Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Illinois, Alabama, Ohio, and Massachusetts that we know of. There was certainly no shortage of U20 owners. In addition to skippers driving the boats, there were at least 3 others crewing, plus one new owner who came to pick up his newly purchased U20. We also entertained a couple from Ottowa, Canada who came to see what the boats and the Association are all about.
Photos courtesy
of Gregg Henning
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