COAST TO COAST REGATTA REPORT: SNIPES
Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Mission Bay, CA- Snipe sailors are making waves all over North America!
Last weekend, Snipe sailors gathered on both coasts to take part in the competitive racing and friendly sailing the class is known for. On the west coast, Mission Bay YC hosted the Herb Shear Invitational and meanwhile on the east coast, Lauderdale Yacht Club put on the 2017 North Americans. Both events were a success for the Snipe fleet, with new friendships made and old friendships rekindled.
In Ft. Lauderdale, blustery conditions welcomed the fleet with sunshine and 18-23 knots of fresh sea breeze. Twenty-six boats from five different countries were rewarded with great conditions; 4-6 foot waves to ride all weekend, and technique-oriented upwind and downwind legs for a challenge. Slightly lighter pressure on Sunday gave the sailors somewhat of a break, gradually building to a nice 8-12 knots. The race committee scored eight total races, granting the fleet one one discard. The racing was close all weekend, especially within the top positions in the fleet. No room for errors with this group!
Big thanks to Peter and Connie Commette for running a great event at LYC. With the added help of Tom Lihan, the Race Committee never ceased to disappoint. A special congratulations goes to North-powered 3rd place finishers, Jensen McTighe and Andre Guarangna, the youngest crew at the event who sailed very well against the World Champion and Olympic-level competition.
In California, Mission Bay Yacht Club and Fleet 495 hosted the Herb Shear Invitational. The West coast competition was prominent in beautiful 18-20 knot winds and flat water inside Mission Bay. The scoreboard did a bit of a shuffle when the breeze lightened up on Sunday, before the regatta wrapped up with nine total races including one throwout.
The family-friendly scene of the Snipe class can be felt worldwide, with widespread support and strong traditions that have been maintained throughout the class’ history. Friends sail with friends, family with family, and couples can be found all over the fleet. The highlight of the Herb Shear this year was a visiting couple from Norway cruising around the world on a 44-footer. They hadn’t sailed a Snipe in years but wanted to participate if they were able to get the equipment to do so. Members of Fleet 495 got them a boat and all the parts needed to sail the regatta, proving again that making new friends and sharing great memories is what this class is all about.
For more information on how to get the fastest sails for Snipe, visit North Sails One Design: Snipe or contact your North Sails Local Expert today!
