14 Questions to … Don Bedford

Don Bedford, SCIRA Commodore and Snipe Sailor - 1) Your first time on a sailing boat? I really don't remember my first time on a boat but i di have a family photo of a wood Eichenlab Snipe in our driveay with my head poking out - I was maybe two years old. - 2) Your first time on a Snipe? See above! - 3) The most bizarre thing that happened in a regatta? Sailing in Clearwater Florida when I picked up my new Persson in '95 we were blown out for two days. The last day we sailed out to the course and got one good race in. Then the next racers started as saw some locals sailing in. I turned out that a front was moving in. By the time we got to the reach mark it was blowing 25 and about 30 at the leeward mark. We finished 3rd but blew our jib window out before we could drop the sail. about 3 boats went up on the rocks or the beach that day and we spent the afternoon out rescuing boats and people, bringing them back to the yacht club before night fall.

14 Questions to … Don Bedford Image

Don Bedford, SCIRA Commodore and Snipe Sailor

– 1) Your first time on a sailing boat?

I really don’t remember my first time on a boat but i di have a family photo of a wood Eichenlab Snipe in our driveay with my head poking out – I was maybe two years old.

– 2) Your first time on a Snipe?

See above!

– 3) The most bizarre thing that happened in a regatta?

Sailing in Clearwater Florida when I picked up my new Persson in ’95 we were blown out for two days. The last day we sailed out to the course and got one good race in. Then the next racers started as saw some locals sailing in. I turned out that a front was moving in. By the time we got to the reach mark it was blowing 25 and about 30 at the leeward mark. We finished 3rd but blew our jib window out before we could drop the sail. about 3 boats went up on the rocks or the beach that day and we spent the afternoon out rescuing boats and people, bringing them back to the yacht club before night fall.

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– 4) What is the thing that most angers you in a race/regatta?

Poor sportsmanship. Snipe sailors need to respect the rules and take the penalty it they need to.

– 5) Which is the race/regatta that you remember with the most pleasure?

Wow, there are so many! I would have to say Bumuda Race week. It was my 2nd time there and we were treated so well by the locals. The sailing was perfect and then we rode around on scooters after the races. We ended up winning and partying all night until the sun came up.

– 6) And the race/regatta you would like to forget?

Actually none of them but a painful regatta for me was the US Junior Nationals in ’78. I practiced all summer and sailed in Long Beach, CA and it blew pretty hard. I was 3rd party protested for my boom hitting a shroud at a jybe mark by one of my best friends. I would have won except for that and then sailed the Jr Worlds at my home yacht club. Oh well…

– 7) Your “dream in the peak”? (Your sailing dream?)

I had it. Sailing (skipping) in the Snipe worlds.

– 8) Sailing goals for 2013, and beyond?

Just to get out and sail more. Also I am sailing in Nassau in March so winning that would be wonderful.

– 9) The most important people for you in sailing and in the Snipe?

My Dad. He was a great natual sailor. I crewed for him as a kid and he always encouraged me to stretch myself and learn from the best.

– 10) Why the Snipe?

Well it is the people. I’ve met, and raced against some wonderful people from all over the world as well as in my home town. They keep me coming back.

– 11) Your perfect sailing venue and your perfect sailing conditions?

I’d say a light day in Mission Bay or blowing 20 in Nassau.

– 12) Besides sailing which other sport do you practice?

Cycling and running (to keep my weight down)

– 13) Are you superstitious?

None.

– 14) Your perfect holiday?

A Snipe sailing vacation with my family.

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1 comment

ken heidman
07/13/2013 -

Hello Mr. Bedford. Our family grew up with yours. Helen and my my Mom were good friends at MBYC. I just bought an old Snipe that is ready to race. See you on the water. The Heidman Family.

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