(Annapolis, MD)- With 211 boats participating in this year's Sperry
Topsider Annapolis NOOD Regatta, it promises to be quite the "class
reunion" for many J sailors across eastern America. Why? For the simple
fact that 156 boats are J/Teams (74% of the whole fleet) competing in
eight J one-design classes (J/22, J/24, J/70, J/80, J/30, J/105, J/35,
J/109)! In other words, for the few boats that comprise the six other
classes (average of less than 10 boats per fleet) it may be a tad
overwhelming to have nearly a thousand J Sailors criss-crossing the
northern Chesapeake Bay and flooding the evening tent parties sponsored
by Mt Gay Rum and other enthusiastic sponsors!With the third largest J fleet, the J/80's sailing with 23 boats are fielding a very competitive fleet. Like their J/22 sisters, for some American teams, the event provides great practice for J/80 Worlds in Marseilles, France. Amongst those teams, look for Brian Keane's SAVASANA and the Danish family team- Thomas Klok and the Crumps (Will and Marie) on their boat R80 to be amongst the top teams. Some other notable veterans in the mix will be Kristen Robinson's ANGRY CHAMELEON, Chris & Liz Chadwick's CHURCH KEY, Ken Mangano's MANGO and Ramzi Bannura's STACKED DECK.
Sailing photo credits- Onne Vanderwal, Tim Wilkes and Meredith Block/ Charleston Race Week. For more Sperry Topsider Annapolis NOOD Sailing Regatta sailing information
