Now that the 2026 Snipe North American Championship is less than a week away, it is definitely on the mental radar of all 47 teams who’ve registered. But, just as an author starts thinking about a book long before its readers do, the regatta organizers—Narragansett Bay’s Fleet 17, with much help from Sail Newport—have been working toward this event for more than a year.
I often compare the knowledge that goes into each book I write to the visible tip of a large, mostly underwater, iceberg. You could say the same thing about a well-run regatta: most of the attendees won’t see all the time that went into meetings and emails long before they even added it to their sailing calendars. As the event approaches, I can only hope that all of our choices add up to a great regatta—especially now that the fleet has grown to almost twice the size we initially predicted.
Compared to my very first Snipe North Americans thirty-plus years ago, there are several constants. The event will bring together a wide range of generations and skill sets: from juniors to grand masters and pro sailors to weekend warriors. Each team’s definition of success will vary, depending on several factors: time invested, accrued boat wisdom, strength/stamina. And whoever wins will likely need just a little bit of luck—another aspect that could be compared to writing books.
We’re in the home stretch now, and I can’t wait to welcome friends old and new to such a great sailing venue. Meanwhile, I’m renewing an ancient sailing vow: to thank all the mostly invisible volunteers who make it possible for the rest of us to go sailboat racing. Like a well-edited story, the best regattas make running them look easy—because of all the work that happened long ago, beneath the surface.
Got an iceberg analogy about writing or sailing (or something else entirely)? Share it in the comments below; I read every single one, with gratitude. Thanks for being here, and see you next Thursday.
And now there are 51 registered. Hoping all of you have a great regatta.