Snipe Pan American Game Trials 2011 day 2 - Another beautiful day

by John Payne on 3 Apr 2011 The 2011 Snipe Pan American Game Trials continued today on the waters off Dania Beach, Florida. Put on by Lauderdale Yacht Club, the day featured three more exciting races with a different winner in each. Clear skies and a warm, sea breeze were dialed up for the competitors on day two. Another beautiful day of sailing.

Though lighter than on day one, the winds proved to be less shifty, with velocities ranging between 6 and 12 knots. The first race went off with a bearing of 95 degrees, and a length of one mile. From there on for the rest of the day, the race committee hoisted the 'Charlie' flag at almost every leeward mark rounding, as the wind continued to clock to the right. Playing an important supporting role were the numerous steep boat wakes laid down by all of the watercraft out enjoying the nice day.

In the first race Peter Commette (Fort Lauderdale, FL) with crew Niki Medley (Fort Lauderdale, FL) favored right side of the race course to round the top mark in first. They were unable to hold that lead on the shifty downwind, and finished fifth. Breaking through to win the race were Ernesto Rodriguez (Miami, FL) with crew Mary Hall (Seminole, FL). They were closely pursued by Brian Kamilar and Enrique Quintero (both of Miami, FL), Arthur Blodgett (St. Petersburg, FL) with Julia Melton, and Augie Diaz (Miami, FL) with crew, Kathleen Tocke (Miami, FL) who finished second through fourth.

The second race saw Brian Kamilar lead the race wire to wire. On the last downwind, Augie Diaz managed to pass Nick Voss (Miami, FL), and crew Jason Hill, to take second. Peter Commette finished fourth, and Hall Gilreath (Jacksonville, FL) with crew Amy Benner finally cracked the top five, finishing fifth. Ernesto Rodriguez (Miami, FL) went left at the top of the course, and missed a shift, finishing eighth.

The all-important third race of the day was the sixth race of the regatta, bringing the drop into play. Rodriquez played the right middle to take a narrow lead at the top mark. He was followed closely by Brian Kamilar, Austin Kaner, Raul Rios and Augie Diaz. The fleet split to both sides of the downwind and Kana, working left, emerged as the leader at the leeward mark followed by Rios and Gilreath. Several of the earlier race leaders dropped back a few positions on the downwind. Augie made a slick move to round the leeward mark inside and in front of Commette to turn an seventh into a fourth. Ernesto was farther back in seventh with Kamilar in eighth. Things stayed pretty much the same until the last upwind. Augie grabbed the lead at the last leeward mark rounding, and held it to take the gun. He was followed by Gilreath, Rodriguez, Rios, and Commette. Brian Kamilar, who had a chance to take the lead approaching the second weather mark rounding, had that chance wiped out by a huge boat wake rolling down the race course. He finished sixth.

Still standing in first place are Augie Diaz and Kathleen Tocke. Just two points back are Brian Kamilar and Enrique Quintero. Three points behind them are Ernesto Rodriguez and Mary Hall. Nine points separate the next six competitors. Raul Rios and Peter Commette are tied for fourth with Rios winning the tie-breaker. Tomorrow’s last race will decide who gets to represent the United States in Puerto Vallarta at the Pan American Games. It all comes down to Diaz vs. Kamilar for the crown.

Back on shore, the competitors were treated to another ice cold beverage in the boat park, that was followed next to the pool by the commodore’s picnic dinner. After dinner the daily awards for firsts were awarded followed by a slide show of the day’s action. In typical Snipe class fashion, the running commentary about the photos took on the quality of a good natured roast. Snipes; 'Serious Sailing, Serious Fun!'

Full results: http://www.lyc.org/files/snipe11.html
Photos: http://www.johnpaynephoto.printroom.com/snipepanamtrials