2015 Helly Hansen NOOD Regatta in Marblehead: Saturday

For more photos from this weekend’s racing, visit Outside Images

“Today was a challenging day,” says Rhodes 19 skipper Jeff Shoreman. “Wind was about 10-15 knots, more on the upper end of that starting out, and it was challenging to get out and keep the boat moving due to the waves that were building up. The breeze went left early in the day, and shifted to the right later on. Our goal on the course was to get to the next shift.”

Noting the amazing fleet with many local sailors, Shoreman added that the class is not an easy one. “Marblehead has great sailors, and tomorrow we need to go out and sail well and fast – they’re not going to give us anything. Sailing consistently is what got us into this position and consistency is key for a four-day event like this.”

“I’ve sailed here for eight years, and we have one-design sailing every weekend, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and this weekend so far has summed it up – we had really light conditions yesterday, and today we had big waves and bigger wind. No doubt, tomorrow will be challenging so we need to be consistent again.”

The J/105 class, with 18 boats in the fleet, is led by Fred deNapoli’s Allegro Semplicita with 12 points, followed in second place for a tie by Mark Masur’s Two Feathers, and Mark Lindquist’s Sterling with 20 points.

“Today’s racing conditions were a lot like last year’s in the New England regatta, so the team knew which side of the course to go on,” says deNapoli. “We have a new tactician, Hugh Greville, better known as “Cookie,” and it was his first race with the boat, crew, and overall class. He had never been on a J/105 before. The entire crew is awesome – we have the best boat handling out there and it makes my job very easy.”

“In 2003, I borrowed a J/105 and came in second by a point or two. Last year I again came in second by a point or so. We’ve always been the bridesmaid, and never the bride. It would be nice to win, but anything could happen with a seven point lead.”

He finished saying, “It isn’t over until it’s over. We need to keep our head in the game and do well tomorrow.”

In addition to leading the J/105 class, deNapoli’s boat wins a black Wilmington Trust Spinnaker, signifying the winning boat in each day’s heat. The “leader spinnaker” will be given away one last time tomorrow, and will go home with the overall winner as a keepsake.

For full results, visit Yacht Scoring