Snipe U.S. Nationals – Day 2

Ridgeway, ONT (July 23, 2013) – For the second day of the Snipe U.S. National Championship, the fleet left the beach in a building southwester that promised very nice sailing… and delivered, even though it built a bit more than we expected.

The third race of the qualifying series started in 10-12 and built to 12-15 knots by the finish. The waves also built quickly, with large rollers coming down to the left of the breeze capped by a tough off-center chop from the right. Jim Bowers/Julia Marsh rounded the top mark in first, but later capsized, giving Raul Rios/Mac Agnese their third win of three races.

Race 4 started in 14-16 and built to 16-18, with perhaps a few higher gusts with the approaching front. Upwind was a battle to get up and over the waves, while the reaches and final downwind were a planing whoop and holler. Raul/Mac posted another bullet for a clean sweep of the Crosby. (I guess nobody warned them about the Crosby curse.)

The Heinzerling Championship begins on Wednesday, carrying forward our qualifying scores as one droppable race.The forecast calls for breeze from the north.

Results after four races: http://www.buffalocanoeclub.com/LiteratureRetrieve.aspx?ID=123726

Report by Carol Newman Cronin