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November 26, 2011

Re: Snipe US’s Travelling Snipe Fleet

Dear Snipe sailor,

Over the years SCIRA USA has utilized a number of different methods for the marketing of the Snipe Class in the USA. Last year we introduced a new and decidedly more aggressive marketing campaign that we call the Traveling Snipe Fleet (“TSF”) Program which is intended to introduce the boat directly to sailors not previously exposed to the Class and letting them ‘test drive’ and race our product. One past Commodore has referred to this new initiative as “the best thing that we have ever done for the marketing and promotion of the Class, EVER.”

The TSF consists of 3 Snipes, a trailer, a van and a coach/driver that travels around the USA introducing young adults and parents with children not previously exposed to the Snipe. This past summer’s inaugural Program began in May and visited 10 separate locations and exposed over 100 prospects to the Snipe at clinics, team racing and regattas. The Program enhanced the awareness of the Snipe in the marketplace, energized the recruiting efforts at the Fleet level, has now brought in numerous new Members and also initiated several efforts by participants to acquire a Snipe. The Fall issue of the US Snipe Sailor has a great article in it regarding the first year of the TSF Program.

The USA Board has approved the continuation of the Program for 2012 contingent on our raising adequate funds to operate the Program. The plan is to operate with a paid coach/driver from May thru September and on a volunteer basis during the remainder of the year. To jump start this year’s fund raising, a past SCIRA Commodore and US National Secretary has committed to match dollar for dollar the first $5,000 in donations. We have, as of this date, raised funds to match this grant, so we have raised about 33% of our $30,000 objective. The USA Board has recently approved another $5,000 matching grant from the Soltero Class Development Fund. Every future dollar raised from the Membership will now be matched with an additional $1 from this matching program!

Donations of any size and from as many class members as possible are deeply appreciated. Please consider making such a donation.

Donations should be made payable to “SCIRA-USA” and mailed to Don Hackbarth (see below for address).

We thank you in advance for the support you offer for this important effort.

If you have any questions or comments please contact me.

Download job description for Traveling Snipe Coach here.

Don Hackbarth
TSF Program Administrator
2350 Willeo Rill Road
Marietta, GA 30062
dhackbar@bellsouth.net
770-587-3653