The Helly Hansen Chicago NOOD wrapped up Sunday, June 9 in a shroud of fog, again. Morning rain and fog saw the remaining scheduled races cancelled on the third day of the regatta. Spirits were high, however, as competitors gathered at Chicago Yacht Club for the evening’s awards party. For Buddy Cribb in the J/70 fleet, the race cancellation was more relief than frustration. “We were halfway through the first downwind when they blew it off,” says Cribb. “We weren’t in a good position in the race when it was cancelled so luck went our way this time.” Cribb’s primary goal at the Chicago NOOD was to qualify for the 2020 J/70 World Championship in California, and with a first-place finish at the NOOD, he earns an entry to the Class’ biggest stage. “Qualifying for Worlds was one of the reasons I came up here,” says Cribb, “so I’ll be driving 20 hours back to Florida with a smile on my face.”
Victory, Buddy Cribb , USA – 3 -2 -3 -2 ; 10
Surge, Ryan McKillen , USA – 7 -3 -1 -1 ; 12
USA 167, James Prenergast , USA – 2 -1 -6 -4 ; 13
For complete results, visit https://yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative.cfm?eID=6037.