Snipe USA

Ernesto Rodriguez continued to shut out the rest of the international fleet of 27 teams with three more bullets to take a commanding lead in the 2017 Snipe North Americans. Conditions remained challenging with plenty of steep waves but “only” 12-15 knots of in-shore breeze in the Atlantic Ocean outside Fort Lauderdale.

The scores will show an unusual number of “retired” finishes due to many competitors (including me – the US National Secretary ~~~) not heeding the SI’s requirement to pass through the leeward gate on the way to the finish.

Today’s races highlighted the wide range in age and experience which has been a hallmark of the Snipe: 87-ish year old Gonzalo “Old Man” Diaz proved that age is relative by besting the grueling course today; and I had fun battling back and forth with 13 year-old Michael Morley all 6-races as well as the youthful crews Steve Stewart’s crew Marcus Hall and Diego Escobar (San Diego high schooler) who had energy and smiles that could power southern Florida.

Incoming USF frosh Jenson McTigue remains in second. Jenson, a regular front runner in Snipes, confided that he sensed the “calling” to competitive sailing way back when he was 11 when racing Optis. It is cool to see the new generation that he represents stepping up to this high level of sailing that makes this a draw for so many from all corners of the earth.

Tomorrow’s forecast is for lessening breezes for Sunday’s finale with 2 scheduled races.

Results