Several one-design classes have been experimenting with event formats aimed at lowering barriers and building participation. The Snipe Class put that idea into practice by embedding an accessibility-focused event structure within the Women’s Western Hemisphere and U.S. Women’s National Championships, held November 14–16 on Biscayne Bay.
The regatta ran two scoring tracks: the Hemisphere Cup using all three days of racing, and the U.S. Women’s Nationals using only the Saturday–Sunday results.
To keep barriers low, organizers offered reduced entry fees ($160 for both events; $125 for Nationals only), $100 charters for qualified Snipe sailors, and affordable housing options including a shared Airbnb and free stays with Miami families. The format successfully attracted newer and younger competitors.
Competitor Min Min Kelley highlighted the impact, noting “one of the great things about this event was the approachable entry fee and the very affordable charter fee, something that would personally hold me back otherwise.” She added that the accessibility made it “a perfect opportunity to get into the class,” and said she looks forward to “future events to perhaps get back into skippering and hopefully continue sailing more Snipes.”
Hemisphere Cup (3 Days)
Argentina’s Mariela Salerno and Adriana Quiroga won the Hemisphere Cup with 29 points. Their scoreline rewarded consistency across the full three-day series and kept them just ahead of the American teams chasing from behind. Finishing one point back, Aine McLean Fretwell and Ximena Escobar (USA) were steady throughout the weekend and remained in striking distance until the final race, ultimately taking second overall with 30 points. In third place, Tracy Smith and Lorena Fundora (USA) rounded out the podium on points. The pair delivered a solid series and held their position among a competitive U.S. group in the top half of the fleet.
U.S. Women’s Nationals (2 Days; U.S. teams only)
Aine McLean Fretwell and Ximena Escobar claimed the U.S. Women’s National Championship with 13 net points over the two-day series. Their strong finishes on both days secured a comfortable lead. Just two points behind, Gracie Howie and Katja Setl finished second with 15 points. Their later performance tightened the gap and kept pressure on the leaders throughout the final races. In third, Tracy Smith and Lorena Fundora posted 21 points to complete the U.S. podium, adding another solid result to their weekend of racing.
Congratulations to all of the competitors! You can find all of the results HERE.
By pairing competitive racing with intentionally accessible event design, the 2025 Women’s Western Hemisphere and U.S. Nationals showed how the Snipe Class can lower barriers without sacrificing strong competition. The combination of reduced costs, affordable charters, and community-supported housing makes events like this especially valuable for recently graduated, post-college sailors who are “shopping” for a class before committing to buying a boat.
This demographic is looking for fleets that are competitive, engaging, and welcoming. If one-design classes want to attract the next generation of sailors, formats like this offer a clear blueprint for how to do it well.
Between January 3–5, the Snipe fleet will be back in action with the U31 Invite in Miami, another strong example of events designed to attract and retain younger sailors in the class.
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