Rachel Ellis, Jimbo Sears and Sarah Hester (l to r)
Congratulations are in order to Team F.N.G., USA 148, for schooling the 14-boat Viper fleet at the 2013 Sperry Top-Sider San Diego NOOD this past weekend—racking up a mere 14 points over nine races. With a picket fence scoreline only interrupted by one score of “two,” and two scores of “three,” they dominated the fleet. Team F.N.G. was made up of owner and skipper Dr. Jim Sears and long-time Viper rock star crew Rachel Ellis and Sarah Hester. A name change is in order, and the F’in New Guy will now be known as the “Fantastic NOOD Girls.”
Not only did F.N.G. dominate the Viper Class, but the Viper Class dominated the regatta! Vipers tied with the J/105s as the largest Class in the event.
With the Js getting in only four races, team F.N.G.’s impressive win scored them the overall San Diego NOOD victory; and a trip to the NOOD regattas championship in the Sperry Top-Sider NOOD in the BVI next winter. Congratulations Jimbo, Rachel and Sarah!
Taking home second place was Mark Folkman and his crew on Fang, USA 130, with 28 points in the no-throwout event. This was Mark’s first significant Viper regatta. Definitely a team to watch out for in the future.Third was captured by B.E. Milligan and crew on Sinnerman, USA 143, with 29 points.
In San Diego, Julie Coll helmed Rokit, USA 151, with Nancy Roe, Barbara Bernad, Patricia Lapadula and Jennifer Chylander. The ladies are a freshly-formed team from the new Viper fleet at King Harbor YC, and the first day of the San Diego NOOD was only their third day on a Viper! They led at one weather mark—a very impressive team effort from these sailors, and we have a feeling that we will be seeing much more from these talented women.
This is an exciting trend growing in the Viper Class— the all-women’s teams and resurgence of the kick-ass female Viper crew. We also have Michelle Lee awaiting delivery of USA 202 in Sarasota, who plans on sailing with an all (or almost all), women’s team. These ladies are joining Viper Class stalwarts Dawn Kozak, Joan Hall, Sarah Fox and Deb Wilusz. Viperettes are rockin’ it again!
