Commodore’s Log Book

By Don Bedford, SCIRA Commodore

Yet, another year of Snipe sailing winds down and I do hope you had lots of time on the water and met some new sailors. As the Board positions are now two years in length, I am beginning year two as Commodore and I am looking forward to continuing our good work from 2012. I would say in most cases we have improved the conversation between sailors, National Secretaries and the SCIRA Board. We do need to continue to improve in this area and we’re all looking for ideas and efforts to continue.

We are now preparing for a new rule book in 2013. We wait until ISAF publishes the new rule book every four years before we prepare ours. This activity will primarily result in a rules more in line with other ISAF class rules and hope to standardize not only what we measure but how we measure as well as the rule for heavier cloth for the jib shouldhelp our sails last longer.

I ask that you read the article on Snipetoday or in the Bulletin on the Board’s standard process for voting on rules or other changes. Again, we’re looking to make the process transparent and be sure the National Secretaries from all countries are engaged in communicating their country’s opinions and concerns. This will certainly help to ensure we’re improving the class for the majority of the sailors. In addition, I wanted to be sure all knew that each voting position on the board is voluntary and no compensation exists for the time and effort each board member spends on our class. Each major international regatta that requires a SCIRA Representative has a $300 US budget to help with travel expenses and, obviously, that does not go far when it comes to international travel. The next time you get a chance to speak to a “SCIRA Rep” at a regatta please thank them for not just volunteering their time but also their own money as well.

So, you may ask why would someone commit to (at least) two years of service to our class and sometimes six or eight years? Well, I can only answer for myself saying that it is a small payment for everything the Snipe Class has given me over the last 40+ years. I can also say that I’m continuing to reap the benefits of our class with all the new friends I’ve met all over the world. Please, consider giving back via your volunteer time to your fleet, country or to SCIRA – it will be well worth your time!

See you on the water, Don