Clearwater Yacht Club Hosts Snipe International Racing Association 71st Midwinter ChampionshipClearwater Yacht Club hosted this event for the 71st time, the longest running Snipe Regatta in the US, on March 9, 10 and 11. The 25 teams from seven countries were based at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center on Sand Key and raced in the Gulf of Mexico north of Clearwater Pass. The CYC Race Management Team led by PRO John Ardolino was challenged on day one with light and shifty winds and only one race was scored. Day two was ideal after a short delay for the wind to fill-in from the Northwest and three races were scored. Day three was light but two races were completed for a total of six races completed which allowed one race to be discarded. Awards were then presented at CCSC. Ernesto Rodriquez and crew Megan Place from Miami were the winners with two first place finishes. Hernan Peralta and crew Enrique Quintero were second, also with two first place finishes and from Miami. The Major Phillip Blair Masters award went to Peter Commette and crew Connie Commette from Ft Lauderdale. The Frank Levinson Jr. Sportsmanship award went to Margie Kozich who had never sailed and filled in for an ill crew. The top female sailor, Megan Place, received a custom jewelry piece designed by local artist Kiaralinda Ramquist and presented by Naomi Seavy, wife and sometimes crew of Francis Seavy, local boat builder and the Snipe National & International Champion of the early 1950’s. For more information go to www.clwyc.org. For local sailing opportunities go to www.clearwatercommunitysailing.org.
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