USA Snipe Nationals� A Rocky Mountain High

Date: August 20, 2007
Author: Don Hackbarth

The USA Snipe Class decided to do something different this year for the National Championship. With the regional rotation calling for the event to be held in the western Midwest, rather than sweating it out in 100 degrees at the traditional locations in Texas or Oklahoma the event was held in the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 9,100 ft above sea level at Dillon Reservoir in Dillon, Colorado. Yes that�s nearly 2 miles high! This certainly is the highest elevation for any USA Nationals and may be for any nation in the Snipe Class. And it turned out to be exactly what we anticipated, a GREAT FAMILY EVENT, which was attended by a very broad spectrum of the USA Snipe Class. A total of 80 Snipe teams participated in the events; 17 Juniors in the Jr Nationals and 63 teams in the open National event.

Yes there were some frustrating moments with wind shifts and wind velocity changes but generally the wind was from the North northwest over the dam providing lake sailing conditions at their best. 2 races had to be abandoned, one due to the time limit (22 seconds over!) and one due to a major inversion of the course. The temps were in the low to mid 70�s, mostly sunny and winds were 5 to 15k. No racing until noon. Launching was easy and the course was only a few minutes away.

Many families came early or stayed afterward to enjoy the many recreational opportunities in the area. Most stayed in condos right above the Club and had the opportunity to experience some of the many enjoyable restaurants in the immediate area.

Doug and Karen Swenson, along with D-2 and the Dillon YC did an absolutely fabulous job planning, organizing and executing this event. We all owe them a great deal of gratitude.

Despite the conditions which provided great opportunities for recovery and or disaster the top finishers were largely the usual suspects. In the long run the cream does rise to the top!

The winners;

Special Junior National Champion Carolina Palacios/Rogelio Padron, Miami
Junior National Champion Tyler Synks/Nick Kaschak, San Diego
Crosby Doug Hart/Scott Hoffman
Wells Gene Soltero/Mallory McGrority, Dallas
Heinserling Ernesto Rodriguez/Megan Place, Miami

For detailed results please go to the event web site

Next year, the hot shots get their venue. In 2008 the Nationals will be held on San Francisco Bay at the Richmond YC. The dates are August 2-3 for Juniors and 4-8 for Seniors. In 2009 the nationals will be in D-4 and we are looking for possible venues at this time.

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