Serious Sailing, Friends, and Fun

When you race Snipes in Miami, you witness the immense value that fleet organizations contribute to the strength of national classes. This is where senior guidance cultivates and maintains an enduring culture of sportsmanship over self, ensuring the enjoyment of the group is not impacted by the recklessness of any one individual.

Here are excerpts from a report on the 2018 Comodoro Rasco that was held February 3-4 in Miami, FL:

Serious Sailing: The regatta is an “Old Man” regatta, initiated by Snipe legend Gonzalo “Old Man” Diaz Sr to honor Commodore Manuel Rasco of the Havana Yacht Club. Old Man doesn’t believe in throwouts, so it’s a 5 race series over two days. That means no pushing the line or taking chances on the water, and it leaves plenty of time for socializing after sailing.

Serious Friends: After a breezy day one, Peter and Connie Commette were in second ahead of Carol Cronin and Kim Couranz in third, who survived the day despite their light weight and blown outhaul block. Even knowing Carol and Kim were in a position to challenge for second overall (especially with a forecast for lighter winds on day two), Peter spent an hour right after sailing devising a solution, and then implementing it, to remedy the busted outhaul block.

Serious Fun: The Rasco is a must-do Snipe regatta in part due to the Saturday night party, hosted by Carmen and Old Man Diaz at their home. Lasagna, salad, Cuban desserts, and sailing stories (current and otherwise) dominate the first half of the evening. Later, Peter then goads the Old Man into showing home videos from Cuba along with footage that chronicles decades in the Snipe class. The next day, trophy winners received a rousing chorus of La Bomba Va, another Rasco tradition.

“The Comodoro Rasco just has its own special vibe,” describes Peter Commette, and Hurricane Irma is no match for the power of Old Man. Sail on!