Naked sailors
That is what I thought the first time someone told me that the NOOD regatta was coming to St. Petersburg.
Nude, as in naked, I asked? No, my friend replied, NOOD as in National Offshore One Design Regatta. Sailing might just become a spectator sport if all the competitors raced in the buff. But head downtown this weekend, and you will see a spectacle to remember.
More than 1,000 sailors from across the U.S. and abroad will be in town for this multi-class event. The sailboats, ranging in length from 20 to 70 feet, will all have identical measurements and specifications. Three or four fleets will be competing simultaneously on three different race courses right off The Pier.
The NOOD travels around to eight other U.S. cities, but the racers will tell you that when it comes to a spectator-friendly venue, St. Petersburg has them beat hands down.
So if you have nothing to do this weekend, head downtown and check out the action. Clothing is not optional.
Looking for a great day hike for your toddler? How about a romantic paddle to a barrier island with your sweetheart? Planning to buy a backpacking tent but don't know where to start? Find the answers to these and other questions when you take a walk on the "Wild Side" with St. Petersburg Times Outdoors Editor Terry Tomalin, who has traveled the globe for the past 20 years looking for adventure.
Sure St Pete is a spectator friendly venue now... unless the Rays screw us over and build the megaplex concrete monster with the 300 foot stick in the ground.
Posted by: Paul | February 14, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Did you get cut from your high school baseball team?
Posted by: rick | February 14, 2008 at 10:10 AM
What kind of headline is this for a story about a sailing regatta? I know the newspaper likes to tease readers to read the story--and I didn't expect the story to be about "nude" anything, but c'mon....
Posted by: Ray | February 14, 2008 at 01:19 PM