Marblehead NOOD returns in 2021

After a year hiatus due to the pandemic, the 2021 Helly Hansen National Offshore One Design (NOOD) Regatta at Marblehead Race Week returns on July 22 to 25 to Marblehead, MA. Eastern Yacht Club will host more than 100 teams across 12 fleets.

Marblehead is one of the top ocean venues in the country and it is the fifth and final stop to determine the challenger for the NOOD Championship in the British Virgin Islands in October where one team from St. Petersburg, FL, San Diego, Chicago, and Annapolis faceoff head-to-head in an island battle for the national championship.

Kim Pandapas (Marblehead, MA) is a favorite among a number of top teams in the Rhodes 19 Class, which is a largest fleet and long-standing fixture of the Marblehead NOOD.

“We have a whole bunch of combinations of family members sailing together,” said Pandapas. “Most boats sail with just two people, so the barrier for entry is much lower than the bigger boats.

“Most of the Rhodes 19s in the fleet were built before 1965, but the fleet remains relevant today. They’re relatively slow compared to some of the newer fleets, but there’s a lot of nuance to sailing them. The Rhodes 19 fleet has always emphasized community, social activities, and good old-fashioned fun. They are just as competitive as any boat in town. The longevity of class is proof of that.”

The Marblehead Racing Association (MRA) and Sailing World Magazine work across all three area Yacht Clubs – Eastern Yacht Club, Boston Yacht Club, and Corinthian Yacht Club, to set up numerous race courses across four days of racing.

Racing begins July 22 for some classes and runs through July 25 with double handed teams competing only on July 24.

Series information – Marblehead details – Entries – Facebook

Considered North America’s largest sailing regatta series, the 2021 National Offshore One Design (NOOD) schedule will host five national events and one international championship in the Caribbean.

2021 Schedule
February 12-14 – St. Petersburg, FL (Revised: April 2-4)
March 19-21 – San Diego, CA
April 30-May 2 – Annapolis, MD
June 11-13 – Chicago, IL
July 22-25 – Marblehead, MA
TBD – Caribbean

Source: NOOD