ICOYC News

50 Teams Compete in Snipe US National Championship at San Diego Yacht Club

The week of July 12, the San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC) hosted the Snipe US National Championship. This regatta is one of the oldest one-design class championships in the United States. The event was won by Ernesto Rodriguez and Kathleen Tocke of the Miami Snipe Fleet.

50 skippers and their crews made their way to SDYC to kick-off a week of epic Snipe sailing in the Pacific Ocean. After prepping for day one of the Snipe US National Championship with a cocktail (or two), hors d’oeuvres on the Sail Wash Lawn, and live music by the Snipe Fleet Band, the fleet was ready for action out on the water.

There was no shortage of talented sailors on the water this week. Juniors and seniors alike came to SDYC ready to compete in four days of intense sailing among the best. But, this week of sailing was more than that. It was an opportunity for juniors to race against their mentors, for newbies to get experience in the fleet, and for families to experience racing together. In the fleet of 50, you could find several boats of couples, even more of parent-and-child duos, and even a sibling team. These teams are proof of the Snipes fleet greatest qualities: competitive, inclusive, and fun.

The junior sailors on the course did especially well competing against long-time fleet members. The final overall Junior scores placed Justin Callahan and Aiden Hoogland in first place. Trevor Davis and Ale Torres had a great regatta with three bullets to come in second. Peter Busch and Cam Spriggs also placed consistently over the four days to finish in third. Five of the eight junior teams competing finished in the top half of the fleet.

“I don’t think the Juniors here are the future, I think they’re the present. They were giving us a hard time at every rounding mark. I’ve heard comments from a few juniors telling me how they didn’t realize how good the Snipe is and how tough the fleet is. I think they’re going to be here for a while!” stated Ernesto Rodriguez.

After racing, competitors and their families were invited to the Awards Ceremony to relish in their accomplishments. Winners received an array of awards, some provided by Sailing Supply. All enjoyed snacks provided by Geaux Fast Sailing, cocktails by Old Harbor Distilling, and cold beer from Bay City Brewing.