As the Snipe sailing season gets going I have had a great deal of correspondence from many sailors and fleets. Here in San Diego (USA) we are lucky enough to sail all year long and we have been very active in rejuvenating our fleet.

As I spoke of last time, I feel the fleet is the heart of Snipe sailing. It is where people interact with each other. While SCIRA and each National Secretary can help with commonalities like rules, major regattas and membership, it is the fleets that have a real effect at keeping small boat racing alive and encouraging new people to join in our races. Yes, I feel the fleet captain and those who organize the fleets have the biggest impact on if Snipes are a success or not.

A happy new year for all Snipe sailors around the world. As I mentioned in my Snipe Bulletin article and blog post, we all owe Luis Pessanha a big thanks for his leadership the last two years and look forward to seeing him on the water this year.

I'd like to mention that as commodore, I'll continue to blog with updates on the class as well as my views on items that may be of interest to many fellow sailors. Of current interest in the new rule the Rules Committee is working on to lengthen the battens in the main. This was done in the Star class a few years ago and we plan to not change the shape of the main but rather give it more longevity.

Entrega de premios campeonato Mundial da classe Snipe 2011 - Rungsted - Dinamarca