A flock of 28 teams from 7 countries attended the third annual Miami Snipe Invitational on January 2-5 in Miami, FL. The event for those under 30 years – which includes two days of clinic, housing, and a charter boat – is hosted by the Miami Snipe fleet to showcase the Snipe and attract new sailors to the Class. This event is where Millennial sailors, having grown up in the “youth and collegiate” boats, get introduced to more advanced class and tuning needs.

This year’s conditions did not disappoint with winds ranging from the perfect 8-10 on Saturday to a brief 20+ on Sunday. Raul Rios and Stephanie Hudson of Boston College narrowly beat University of Miami Alums Nick Voss and Nicole Popp, followed by Canadian Evert McLaughlin and crew Nikki Brunno. Sara Morgan Watters (Annapolis) and Kim Calnan (St. Pete) were the top women’s team and Nicolas Grael and Joao Pedro Moriera (Rio de Janiero) were the top junior team. Jensen McTighe & Paul Streater’s (Fort Lauderdale) finish qualified them for a spot on the US Team at 2015 Snipe Jr. World Championships in Talamone, Italy. Results.

The next on the east coast under 30 invitational in 2014 will be held in June in Annapolis. Additional information will be posted at Snipetoday.org and SnipeUSA.com.

Report by Kay Kilpatrick. Photos by John Payne.