2009 Snipe World Championships: Welcome Messages

Dear Snipe Sailors,
On behalf of my fellow Flag Officers, Board of Directors, members and the entire staff of the San Diego Yacht Club it is my distinct pleasure to welcome the 2009 Snipe World Championship Regatta to San Diego, California and to our Club.

In 1886 a group of local boating enthusiasts joined together to found what has become a cornerstone yacht club in the annals of American yachting. Members of our Club have a long history of not only participating in and winning international regattas but also hosting first class events, as well.

Our members are an extremely dedicated group of volunteers. They have been working extremely hard to make this regatta a success. Thank you all for your efforts.

I encourage all regatta participants, their families and visiting guests to not only enjoy the wonderful hospitality of our Club, but also the first class amenities offered by our great City.

I look forward to watching the event with a keen desire for steady breezes, intense competition, fair sailing and to experience the strong international Corinthian spirit that makes our sport so unique.

Welcome Aboard,

R. Andrew La Dow
SDYC Commodore

Dear Snipe Competitors and Friends,

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the 2009 Junior World Championship and the 44th World Championship of the Snipe Class International Racing Association. The Snipe World Championship ("SWC09") organizers and the San Diego Area Snipe Fleet 495 are proud to be hosting these two prestigious championships.

The San Diego Area Snipe Fleet 495 is one of the largest, most active and competitive fleets in the world. A few of our distinguished international Snipe Champions are: Earl Elms, Mark & Deanne Reynolds, Jeff Lenhart, Eric Krebs, Doug Hart, Jon Rodgers, Mikee Anderson, Graham Biehl, Craig & Lisa Leweck, George Szabo, and Tom Nute. Next year our fleet will be celebrating its 50th year. Over our history the class motto "serious sailing - serious fun" is truly alive in our fleet. We have hosted seven international championships and we are the home of the infamous GFU 24 hour regatta and many epic events that are as well known for the after race parties as they are for the racing.

Our team is eagerly awaiting the start of these championships. We hope you enjoy the efforts of our talented team in trying to create a most memorable championship for you. We also look forward to the selection of our next champions who will join the ladies and gentleman who have shaped SCIRA on and off the water over the past 77 years. As the world class field of Snipe sailors descends upon San Diego to compete for the Vieri Lasinio di Castelvero and Hub Isaacks Trophies, we are here to make your championship the best ever.

This is the first time that a host fleet and Yacht club has hosted both the Junior World Championship and the Open Championship back to back. This mammoth undertaking has been made possible by a small group of dedicated volunteers who have spent thousands of hours preparing for these championships. We would also like to recognize our sponsors whose financial assistance and in kind support have made hosting these championships a possibility. Special recognition goes to the San Diego Yacht Club, her officers, members and staff whose commitment to these championships is equaled only by their passion for Sailing.

We wish you fair winds, plenty of sunshine and great success.

Steve Stewart
SWC09 Co-Chairman

Karen Butler
SWC09 Co-Chairman

Dear Snipe Sailors,

Welcome to San Diego, one of the best sailing places on earth, to sail through the most enjoyable and competitive atmosphere.

San Diego has always been a landmark of the Snipe Class. It is home of one of word’s biggest Snipe fleets. It is also where one of our greatest Champions, Earl Elms, started sailing Snipes. No coincidence that it is home of SCIRA International headquarters.

Only 12 years passed since the last World Championship was sailed here. We are enthusiastic to try a new format this time, where Junior and Senior World Championhips will be sailed one after the other, promoting not only the scaled up organization of the events, but also a family-like approach to high level competition.

The SDYC has been doing a great job in organizing the event. I am sure that they will make these events something to remember. Hope the weather collaborates too this time…

The competition will be tough. At least three past World Champions will be on the race course, as well as many other Continental Champions and upcoming candidates to our most venered trophy. Nevertheless, our “serious sailing, serious fun” motto will be honoured one more time and we will enjoy meeting again with old friends, making new ones, learning about other cultures , ways of sailing…and hanging out!

See you around!

Pedro Garra
SCIRA Commodore

Welcome letter from the President of the United States (coming soon)