Helly Hansen, a global leader in technical sailing apparel with more than 135 years of experience in the industry, has signed on as title sponsor for Cruising World‘s sister sailing series, the NOOD Regattas. The national regatta series kicks off with its first event in February, at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club in Florida. In its 27th consecutive year after beginning in 1988, the National Offshore One Design Regattas, also known as the “NOODs,” are the longest-running and most popular sailboat racing series in North America.
“As one of the global leaders in technical sailing apparel who has a distinct history in the sport and beyond, we are proud to have Helly Hansen at the helm of the NOOD Regattas,” said Sally Helme, group publisher of Cruising World, Sailing World and the NOOD Regattas. “This opens up fresh possibilities for the sailing series and supports our commitment to providing outstanding competition and a quality experience on the water and on shore.”
North Rally Race
After a few tests last year, each regatta in the 2015 series will now include distance fun races intended to attract the cruisers out there with a little spunk under their keels. The NORTH Rally Race is a one day, random leg, PHRF-scored race. It’s perfect for new-to-racing sailors, families, custom boats that don’t fit within the One Design concept of the NOODs as well as the avid racer that only has one free day. After the racing on Saturday the Rally Class can swap stories and raise a glass with their fellow NOOD sailors at the yacht club. The more the merrier! We are thrilled to be working in partnership with NORTH Sails to improve the NOOD regattas and offer an alternative race model in an effort to diversify the participation at the NOODs and open the event up to include a wider range of sailors.
The 2015 Helly Hansen NOOD Regattas will sail into five cities including:
- St. Petersburg, FL: February 13-15 at St Petersburg Yacht Club
- San Diego, CA: March 13-15 at San Diego Yacht Club and Coronado Yacht Club
- Annapolis, MD: May 1-3 at Annapolis Yacht Club
- Chicago, IL: June 12-14 at Chicago Yacht Club
- Marblehead, MA: July 23-26 at Eastern Yacht Club
Click here to read more about the NOOD Regattas. Click here to read more about the NORTH Rally Races.
