I’ve sailed hundreds of regattas, and I’ve enjoyed most of them. Looking back, it’s easy to see that the more effort I put into a specific event, the more fun it is. The 2016 World Masters Championship was one example, but the poster child is now the 2026 Snipe North American Championship.
Narragansett Bay’s own Fleet 17 hosted the championship, so I started thinking about the regatta almost a year before it actually started—as soon as our self-described fleet burger-flipper Bob Adam called to say, “We should host the NAs.” Until then, I had successfully defrayed the many requests to host a stand-alone Snipe event with a steady refrain of “our fleet is too small” and “Newport is too expensive.” Bob wore me down by focusing on the positives: the excellent sailing, and the surprising quiet that now marks the final weekend before Labor Day. Maybe, just maybe, our little fleet could handle such a big responsibility—especially if we brought in Sail Newport as official organizer.
Two months before the regatta, all the usual suspects had signed up—and met our absolute minimum fleet numbers (25 boats). We would lose money, but with Sail Newport staff handling most of the pesky details (like finding the more than 30 volunteers needed to run a weekend regatta), I began to relax. Our fleet was excited, and even names I didn’t recognize were registering.
By one month out, the entry list had grown to 42 boats—which meant we would cover our costs. Our several leaps of financial faith (hiring a photographer, planning socials for each night) were going to be rewarded.
Even after the late fee kicked in, we kept gaining numbers. The final tally was 55 boats, almost twice what we’d originally expected. The reason? In addition to the veterans, we’d attracted a critical mass of new Snipe sailors, and their friends didn’t want to miss out.
Although such numerical success created its own challenges (more help with measurement, moving the race course, extra support boats), the fleet stepped up—while Sail Newport’s pros stayed on top of the details. And it wasn’t just quantity; by the time sailors began to arrive and the grassy triangle filled up with Snipes, I knew the championship would be worthy of its silver trophy. Best of all, I couldn’t predict who would win—or even which generation they would represent.
Even as we pushed to get everyone measured in and groaned at several “I’ll be late” messages, it felt like a celebration. And thanks to all the volunteers who helped with measurement—including Bob and Paul Adam, who personally installed all 220 bow numbers—I was able to wander the boat park, greeting old friends and enjoying the moment.
I always say The Sailing is the Easy Part, and shoving off the dock that first race morning was indeed a huge relief: all non-racing responsibilities were now on other shoulders. Kim and I had a strong first day with a fourth in the second race, though a windy/shifty Sunday (and a drop race) eventually moved us from sixth overall back to fifteenth. Still not a bad result, considering that one sailor said it was the most competitive Snipe regatta he’d ever sailed. You can judge for yourself by viewing the full results, or just enjoy the story told by Ted Morgan’s photo gallery.
Looking back, I’m still surprised by how much fun it all was: like hosting a great party for friends from around the world. Locally, it’s strengthened our fleet—and apparently increased the demand for Snipes around New England. One younger sailor even claims that Snipe sailing is cool again!
Thanks to the 55 teams who made the trek to Newport—especially to Team Japan. I’m so glad Bob talked me into saying yes, and I can’t wait to see what happens next for Fleet 17.
Interested in joining the fun in 2027? Drop me an email—or, if you prefer a phone call, reach out to Bob Adam. Meanwhile thanks for reading, and see you next Thursday.