2012 Id Crook Memorial Snipe World Master

By Gweneth Crook

The Snipe class motto could be changed to Serious Fun, Serious Sailing for the World Masters. The philosophy behind this regatta is that the social aspect is just as important, if not more, than the sailing. It gives old friends a chance to catch up with each other and new friendships to be formed. The hosts of this year’s championships Real Club De Regatas Santiago De La Ribera know how to blend and mix the Serious Fun and Serious Sailing so that you have the perfect cocktail.

The opening ceremonies were held with each of the 14 countries raising their flags, along with the Spanish and SCIRA flags. The President of the club welcomed all the participants and assured them they would experience great Spanish hospitality and sailing.

The first day of racing dawned with sunny skies and high winds, 20 knots on the deck at the club. Under postponement we took the opportunity to get the sailors together for a discussion about the class. The biggest concern was the sailors felt there is a lack of communication between the Board of SCIRA and themselves. One of the changes that has been made, that the sailors did not agree with, is the raising of the Masters age to 50. With the Belgians leading the charge, through t-shirts, bumper stickers and an inflatable doll the message was loud and clear that they felt if something is working then don’t change it. With 53 % of the sailors in the Apprentice Master category and 77 participants from 14 countries this regatta is working. To follow up with this concern, as a Board member, I have written to all Board members and expressed the sailors’ disagreement with this change and respectfully suggest they revisit the decision. Lots of other items and ideas were discussed, a summary has been forwarded to the Board, it was very productive.

Later in the day the winds subsided and the racing started. Spain’s Damian Borras Camps and Alejandro led the way with Belgium’s’ Thierry Den Hartigh and Henrik Tytgat in 2nd and Augie Diaz and Justine O’Connor from the US in 3rd. Grand Master Bibi Juetz with her crew Dante Bianchi showed that they were there to compete finishing 4th. There were seven different countries in the top ten. With the sun going down they were only able to get one race in.

Friday two races were held with Spain’s Damian Borras Camps showing everyone how it is done with 2 firsts. Augie had a 4^th and 2^nd. Grand Master Bibi Juetz finished the day with a 3^rd and 4^th. Those were your top 3 at the end of the day.

Friday night was dinner and Flamenco night at the club. A troop of Flamenco dancers showed everyone how it was done and then it was time for the sailors to demonstrate what they had learned. Everyone was up dancing and having a great time.

Saturday the winds were stronger, the first race was held in 10 knots and in the second the wind continued to build. From where I was measuring the wind speed, the bow of the committee boat at the leeward mark, the wind was strong but did not reach the sustained maximum of 15 knots. The strongest gust I recorded was 16 knots. A new idea that came from this day was the suggestion that if the wind continued to build at a Masters, then the race committee should shorten the course. There were some tired people, at the end of the day, after 2 races. Augie Diaz won the first race of the day and Adrian Marcatelli from Argentina won the second. Overall, the first 2 boats remained the same but the point difference was less, only 4 points separating 1^st and 2^nd. In third place was Tiago Roquette and Jose Tavora from Portugal, Bibi from Brazil in 4^th and Francisco Javier Oses Romero and crew Jose Gonzalez from Spain rounding out the top 5.

That evening a folk group came to entertain, with beautiful songs and dancing. As with every other evening the dinner was excellent.

The final day of sailing started with light winds. Past World Masters Champion, Grand Master Paulo Da Silva Santos and his crew Thiago Sangineto won the first race of the day and the last race of the event was won by Enrico Michel and Stefano Longhi from Italy.

In the end 1 point separated first and second. Master Augie Diaz and Justine O’Connor won the regatta with 16 points, Apprentice Master Damian Borras Camps and Alejandro Fresneda were 2^nd and Apprentice Master Fransisco Javier Oses Romero and Jose Gonzalez were 3^rd.

Jorn Haga from Norway and crew Jord Triay Pons won the Grand Master division.

The trophies were awarded on the deck of the club after a wonderful lunch.

I know that my Father would have enjoyed this regatta. The Organizing Committee got the mix right, between the sailing and the social, and this was the vision my Father had for this regatta. There are many people to thank for such a wonderful week. The club and its President, D. Francisco Ginés Pérez López, the staff of the club who worked so hard, the organizing committee, SCIRA Spain, the Race Committee and the Jury, those who measured the boats and sails. To everyone who contributed to the success of this regatta, THANK YOU. To all the sailors who understand the Snipe motto of Serious Sailing, Serious Fun THANK YOU. We look forward to seeing you all in 2014