Snipe Fleetings – November 2019

Greetings, Friends!

Wanted to share some of the news happening the past month.  First, let me welcome Andrew Cole and his skipper/daughter Flora to Fleet 532!  They have purchased Bryan Fishback’s “Uncle Fester” (which Andy assures me that Flora will rename!).  They intend to be active members, so be sure to introduce yourselves when you see them!  Also, a big “welcome back” to Jill & Mark Bennett who we hope to get sailing more now that they’ve reinstated as SSA members.

SSA Snipe Fleet Champion:  Congrats to Henry Filter and Sandy Westphal for being our SSA Fleet Champions this year!  It was a great year for Henry who also won the J/70 SSA Fleet Championship.  

Highlights from SSA Annual Meeting:  The Annual Meeting was well attended and, despite a few contentious moments, started and ended with a positive vibe.  

• SSA’s new Parker was christened the “Hugh E” in honor of former Laser sailor and RC pro Hugh Elliott.  Our own Phil Richmond gave a moving and humorous dedication captured here for anyone interested.  
• Mike Beer was honored with the Laudeman Award for long-term service to SSA.  I think most of us have seen the tireless work he has put in as Facilities Chair!
• Call for Volunteers:  SSA is a member-run club, which means it only runs well if members step up to volunteer.  Volunteering is also a great way to connect to the club and the other interesting people who for some silly reason may belong to other fleets.  The Snipe Fleet has a great track record for contributing, but I encourage all of you to consider joining a committee (Jr Program, Facilities, IT, Finance, Membership, etc).  There are also ad hoc working groups (Snack Bar, Drone Team, Spring Fling, etc), so if you have a particular interest that you have skills/time to contribute, reach out to me or Chris Ryan know and we can help point you in the right direction.

We are hosting Nationals!  I will send out a separate email, but we will need help to make this as successful event as the Masters were!

2020 Planning:  For those of you who like to plan ahead, here are some early dates to put on the 2020 Calendar:

• Winter Circuit:  (email me if you plan to do any of these events)
  • Rasco @ Coconut Grove SC:  Feb 1-2, 2020
    
  • Don Q @ Coconut Grove SC:  Mar 20-22, 2020 
    
  • Boomerang @ Lauderdale YC:  Mar 28-29
    
  • World Masters @ St Pete YC:  May 2-9, 2020
    
• June Circuit:
  • June 6-7 Colonial Cup w/ASI trophy
    
  • June 12-14 Surf City / 3-day Worlds Qualifier
    
  • June 20-21 Quassy (this will conflict w/SSAs Demo Day)
    
  • June 25-28 US Nationals @ SSA
    
• Other Major Regattas
  • North Americans:  Sept 11-13 Jubilee YC, Beverly, MA
  • Western Hemispheres/Orient:  Sept 22-26 Cottage Park YC, Boston MA

Let me know if I can be of any assistance to you and/or if you can help us continue to keep our fleet vibrant!
Best,