Detroit (Mich.) June 2, 2002 – The Sailing World Detroit NOOD (National Offshore One-Design) Regatta–the season’s first major sailing regatta in the region, hosted May 31 to June 2 by Bayview Yacht Club–was all about perfect timing.

First, there was the weather: the pace of weather patterns moving over Lake St. Clair was right on target to deliver an opening day of racing with strong 15- to 20-knot winds, temperatures in the 70s, sun, and a near-cloudless sky.

Then there were the class winners: those who triumphed made quick decisions at the starts and crew moves at the right split-second to edge out the competition. For one, the crew on J/35 FALCON (Warren, Mich.) had their timing dialed in for a win.

Dale Marshall (Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich.) topped the 20-boat Cal 25 class. Although this sailor has competed in a Cal 25 for 23 years, this year’s NOOD represented a comeback.

Marshall lost his Cal 25 two years ago, in a fire. He found a new Cal
quickly and got right back on the racecourse. But it took time to master the feel of the new boat, which has a different balance with a slightly different interior layout. This is Marshall’s first win at the NOOD in his new CLYTIE.

“I think the Cal 25 is one of the toughest classes out there,” said Marshall. “We took second last year, and this year, a first. I am pleased about that.” Among Marshall’s crew were his wife Jenny and Fred Anderson, who has raced with Marshall for 16 years.

“This win is big,” said Anderson. “The last time we won the NOOD [in 1995] we also won the Nationals.” The Cal 25 class will compete for their Nationals in August