2024 Snipe World Championship at Yacht Club Argentino Day 2
by Snipe Class International Racing Association 31 Oct 03:29 UTC
26 October - 2 November 2024
Day 2 of the 2024 Snipe World Championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina © Matias Capizzano /
www.capizzano.com
Patience was the keyword for competitors on Wednesday at the 2024 Snipe Worlds in Buenos Aires, which was rewarded with great racing.
After being skunked with no wind on the first day, a hopeful Race Committee released the sailors an hour earlier than originally scheduled today with hopes to get some races off; but once on the race course it began as a repeat of the day prior. After waiting for 3 hours, the wind clocked and filled slowly to 8 knots, increasing to 12 over the course of the afternoon.
Race 1 had several attempts to start with several general recalls and 2 black flags to try to keep the anxious sailors back. Once racing, eight teams were caught with a penalty for starting early, while the remainder of the fleet raced toward the first mark. Rounding first was 2x (2009 & 2013) Snipe World Champions Bruno Bethlem/Dante Bianchi (BRA), who extended their lead to win the first race of the Championship by over a minute. Enrique Quintero/Trevor Davis (USA) passed Rafael Gagliotti/Juan Cruz Quiroga (BRA) who had rounded 2nd at the top mark only to be caught up in group, to finish second with Bernardo Peixoto/Gustavo Baiano (BRA) in third.
With no time wasted, Race 2 was under way to catch the freshening breeze that increased to 12 knots. Again after 2 General Recalls, and a black flag, the fleet was off, again, catching several under BFD including many from the first race. Bruno Bethlem/Dante Bianchi (BRA) again rounded first showing they are here to win. Eight other Brazilian teams rounded out the top 12 with Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Japan fighting to gain a top 15 finish. Juliana Duque/Rafael Martins (BRA), one of 2 female skippers and 2x Snipe Women's World Champion, crossed second with Mario Sergio de Jesus Junior/Bruna Patricio (BRA) in third.
With 2 bullets in the opening day, Bethlem/Bianchi are in fine form. Catching up with the champions after racing, Bruno Bethlem commented that they "had 2 very good starts and a free lane to the left (favored side)." He added, "The boat is very fast - it's a Lemao 2016". Dante added, "and we know how to sail together—after 24 years!" Dante further commented, "it's the small things that make a big difference in the end." With Bruno adding, "we have the right RPM."
Sitting second overall is a junior team of Pedro Madureira/Enzo Ricardi (BRA) with 4-6 for 10 pts; Mateus Tavares/Flavio Castro (BRA) 9-5 with 14 pts.; Enrique Quintero/Trevor Davis (USA) 2-13 with 15 pts and Matias/Constanza Seguel (CHI) 18-4 with 22 pts.
Racing will continue again on Thursday, October 31, with the current schedule for 2 races per day with 1 race on the final day, Saturday, November 2. The Race Committee has the option to add an additional race if behind in the schedule.
Follow the racing at www.snipeworlds.org