Snipe Fleet 444 News                   October 2007

 

Introduction

 

For years a small, dedicated band of hardy sailors has keep Snipe Fleet 444 alive and kicking.  Some years there have been more of us than others, but the group, regardless of size, has always kept the Snipe spirit alive.  I hope to keep that energy going and, with a little help from all of you, to make sure the fleet continues to thrive throughout 2008. 

 

Communication among us will play a large part in whatever success we enjoy this next year and, so I plan to send out a monthly newsletter to all interested local Snipers.  I ask for your help in expanding its reach, as well as making it relevant to all involved. 

 

Please get back to me with any suggestions or ideas you have.

I will need your help. 

 

Annual Awards Diner

 

          The Annual Snipe Fleet 444 Awards Dinner is scheduled for 6:30 on Saturday         November 10th at the Fry’s.  All are invited to attend and it should be a fun    evening of food, fellowship, a bit of drink and many, many awards.  Based             on pervious years events, and this years many successes, there should be awards           for everyone. 

 

            Skippers – this is a chance to formally thank all of the crews who made sailing possible this year. 

                        and:

            Crews – this is chance to “roast” your skippers and give away all of their secrets. 

 

            This will also be our last gathering of the year and a chance to begin       discussing how we will make next year a success.  Your presence is needed!

           

            Please join us and let’s make this the biggest party of the year.  Don’t forget     the Snipe motto:

 

                                    “Serious Sailing, Serious Fun”

 

            The Fry’s are located at 8648 SE 76th Place, Mercer Island.

            Our phone number is 206-275-1275.  Call if you need directions.

 

            Bring a friend or someone who may like to crew or try sailing a Snipe

 

 

Winter Preparations

 

          There are several things that we can focus on over the winter that will help us all be successful this next year.

 

            One area of improvement that can help many of us is our equipment.  I have notice that many in the fleet are using old and somewhat worn sails.  By working together we can all upgrade our sail inventory and thereby improve boat speed for everyone in the fleet.

 

          Fleet Sail Purchase- by putting an order of several (at least 3) suits of sails together we can get a nice discount from the sail maker.  I am personally interested in a new suit, and both Martha and Cliff have expressed interest to me in new sails. I will be reaching out to all of you to put this order together so that we cam make this happen over the next few months.

 

            Used Sail Program – One of the benefits of getting new sails is that you can offer your used sails to someone who might like to upgrade.  A number of fleet members desperately need to upgrade even if you do not want to step up and by a new set of sails.

 

 I will have a least one used set of sails, which can be purchased at a “substantial discount”, and there may be others in the fleet willing to sell some of their used sails.

 

IF YOU ARE USING SAILS THAT ARE MORE THAN TWO YEARS OLD, PLEASE CONSIDER PARICIPATING IN ONE OF THESE TWO OPPORTUNITIES.

 

            Planning for the 2008 Sailing Season – we need to begin planning for next year.  The major areas of focus are:

                                                2008 Schedule

                                                Organizing Fleet Information

                                                Fleet Development

                                                Communication

                                                Supporting the Woman’s Nationals

                                                Fleet Member Responsibilities

 

It will be important for the entire fleet to contribute their ideas and energy to making the 2008 season a success.  Please begin to think about what we need to do next year, what has worked for you and what has not in terms of your experience sailing Snipes and being a member of the local Snipe family.

 

I look forward to the opportunity to speak with all of you about these areas at the upcoming Annual Awards Dinner and over the nest few months as we plan for next year.

 

 

2008 Woman’s Nationals

 

Fleet 444 has been awarded the 2008 Woman’s Nationals, which will be held May 9-11 at CYC -Shilshole.  Kirk Smith is chairing this event (Thanks Kirk for stepping up!).  To pull off a successful regatta, we will all need to contribute and there will be many “needs”, known and unknown associated with this regatta. 

 

Kirk can update us at the Annual Awards Dinner.

 

Stay tuned.  This should be a great event