Snipe dinghy: still going strong after 80 years
More than 80 years since it was designed, the Snipe class family is still racing as hard as ever, says Carol Cronin.
Even in sailing, a sport known for indulging those who appreciate the designs of days gone by, an 80-year-old racing class would normally fall under the umbrella of 'classic classes'.
Tight racing at the 2011 Snipe Pan Am Trials in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photo: John Payne Photography
So why are so many Snipe class sailors devoted to maintaining and developing this pre-war dinghy class? The answer is a combination of history, boat, and sailors, who are more like a family than anything else.
I’ve written a lot about my Snipe family, a devoted group that, like me, travels the country and the world to race this 15-foot boat. I’ve also written about Why I Sail a Snipe, and even about my trailer (nicknamed the Frankentrailer). But what about the boat itself? After all, that’s what brought us all together in the first place.
The Snipe was originally designed in 1931 for a contest in Rudder Magazine. More than 80 years later the class is still going strong, with active fleets around the U.S. In South America, it’s the default doublehanded racing dinghy. In Europe, Spain and Italy are the powerhouses, though Scandinavia also boasts several active fleets. And recently fleets in the UK and Menorca have been reestablished, proof that this classic hard-chined sailboat still provides a challenge for sailors of all ages.
The San Francisco Snipe fleet takes a lunch break on a light air day in the 1960s at Crissy Field, just west of St. Francis Yacht Club. Photo courtesy SCIRA.
Bill Crosby designed the boat to be built of plywood by the owner. Though many classic wooden Snipes are still sailing, the boats racing today are professionally built in glass-fibre out of certified moulds. The tolerances are tight, which minimises boat speed advantage and makes for great tactical racing. Of course GRP also raised the price above what Crosby probably intended, but compared to more recent designs the Snipe is very affordable to own, maintain, and race. The boat must weigh at least 381 pounds (172.8kg) rigged and ready to go sailing, and there is a moment-of-inertia measurement to keep builders from lowering the centre of gravity too much. So with no incentive to build light, a boat will remain competitive for many years.
Each boat can be carried on a small trailer, and many teams choose to double up which saves on expenses and travel time. Most regattas offer camping or home stays, which also saves on expenses. And sails (the biggest expense for most racing sailors) are carefully controlled in an effort to extend their competitive life span.
The boat demands physical and mental ability to compete, and with a range of controls it can be sailed by different weights and combinations. Regular teams include couples, parents and children, friends, and experienced sailors teaching newbies how to crew. The class has even spawned a few romances over the years, including several marriages that are still going strong.
Here’s a great video about the class.
Want to learn more? I’ve included a few links to make it easy. And if you have a favourite Snipe memory (or even a romance that started with this iconic boat), let us know in the comments below.
Why Sail A Snipe
SnipeToday (A Site for All Snipe Sailors)
Snipe International site
Snipe UK site
Pan Am Trials photo courtesy John Payne Photography
