Welcome to the Annapolis Snipe Fleet 532! An International Class since the 1930’s, the Snipe is a 15’6″ racing dinghy and one of the most consistently active sanctioned fleets at Severn Sailing Association (SSA) in Annapolis, MD. For more information about the Snipe class and the Snipe dinghy, visit The US Snipe class website or The International Snipe class website.
The Annapolis Snipe fleet is committed to supporting Snipe sailing in Annapolis, MD and the Chesapeake Bay area. The fleet is based out of Severn Sailing Association and consists of ~25 boats and several active members. While other classes have come and gone, the Snipe Class has been active at SSA since November 1961. The Annapolis Snipe fleet is one of the largest in the country and hosts several events annually and supports its members racing locally, nationally, & internationally.
Are you a new Snipe Sailor? Check out our New Snipe Sailor Guide.
Racing
The primary purpose of the Annapolis Snipe fleet is to support Snipe racing. Snipe racing in Annapolis takes several forms. Between May to September, Severn Sailing hosts the Tuesday Evening Summer One Design series, or TESOD. These are casual “beer can” races held every Tuesday evening and open to anyone; newcomers, seasoned veterans, parent/child, juniors, etc. Racing is short (15 minute races), no scores are kept, and the atmosphere is relaxed and laid back. Racing with multiple classes is followed up by dinner or drinks back at the club.
Next up are the seasonal club races hosted by SSA. Two weekend race days are held for each of the Spring, Summer, & Fall Series. Entry is free to SSA members and non-members must pay a nominal fee. Scores are kept, the RC usually gets two to four 45-minute races in a day, and while racing is a little more competitive than the Tuesday evenings, the class still sticks to its “Serious Sailing, Serious Fun” motto. This a good opportunity to practice Snipe racing against some of Annapolis’ local talent.
On the more “Serious Sailing” side, SSA and Fleet 532 host two major invitationals each year; the Colonial Cup in early June & the Frigid Digit in late September/early October. These events attract some of the best Snipe sailors in the country and the world with boats travelling from as far as Miami, Boston, and the Midwest as well as Annapolis’ own talent. We also host many national events such as the North Americans, US Nationals, Junior Nationals, and US Masters Championships.
Finally, much of the Annapolis Snipe fleet is active in travelling to regattas regionally, around the country & around the world. Regular summer road trips include regattas in Surf City (NJ), Lake Quassipaug (CT), Oxford (MD) and Boston. In the winter, we head south to the Mid-Winter circuit in Miami and the Halloween regatta in Atlanta. We also have many strong sailors in our fleet who have traveled to and placed in the Nationals, North Americans, Women’s Nationals, as well as Worlds, Junior Worlds, Women’s Worlds, and Western Hemisphere Championships.
Next Gen Snipe Sailing
The Annapolis Fleet has been a leader in creating a bridge from Junior, High School, and College Sailing to a lifetime of competitive one-design dinghy sailing. Host to the Annapolis Snipe Invite U30 Championship since 2014, the fleet has succeeded in bringing the next generation of Snipe sailors into the “flock”. The fleet also supports younger sailors with a fleet loaner boat and a new “Lease to Own” program.
Social
The Snipe class motto is, “Serious Sailing, Serious Fun”. The Annapolis Snipe fleet lives up to the serious fun portion with fleet parties, post-race dinners, and other social gatherings. Much of the knowledge that is transferred between members about the boat is discussed over a drink and burger after a day on the water.
Fleet Development
The membership of Annapolis Snipe Fleet 532 is made up of sailors ranging in ability from just learning to sail, to sailors that compete at the World Championships & Olympics, and all levels in between. This leads to some very competitive racing, but also a very skilled knowledge base for the developing sailor. The fleet holds periodic clinics, practice sessions, and post race “chalk talks”.
The Annapolis Snipe Fleet also maintains a fleet loaner boat program as well as our new “Lease to Own” program.
For information about joining the fun, see the contact page.
Annapolis Snipe Fleet 532 