Thanks, Augie and Old Man

You got to love stories like this one from Connie Bischoff:

Augie Diaz and his dad, Gonzalo Diaz, Sr. (affectionately known as “Old Man Diaz”) came to the rescue at the U.S. Snipe Junior Nationals hosted by Severn Sailing Association in Annapolis, MD. This regatta preceded the 2010 U.S. National Championships which are taking place this week in Annapolis. All year long, Coral Reef Yacht Club’s (Miami, FL) 420 youth teams has had the benefit of also sailing in Snipes. This opportunity came through two-time World Champion and CRYC member Augie Diaz and his dad, “Old Man” Diaz of Coconut Grove Sailing Club.

With the Junior Nationals coming up in Annapolis, they wanted to make sure that the young (ages 14-18) South Florida sailors could show off their sailing skills. In order to do that, they supplied and transported seven boats, paid the entry fees for six teams, and bought three sets of new sails for the teams to share. Prior to the regatta, Augie arranged for Kathleen Tocke to run a clinic for all of the junior Snipe sailors.

The Diaz team’s efforts paid off. Not only did all of the sailors have a great time and gain valuable experience in the 18 boat regatta, but one of the South Florida junior teams, Taylor Scheuermann and her crew Jackson Fadley, took second and qualified for the Snipe Junior Worlds next year in Denmark.

Augie showed again why he was named Rolex Yachtsman of the Year in 2003. They simply love Snipe sailing and want to share that passion with young sailors. Thanks, Augie and Old Man…. the Snipe class is stronger because of you.

* Winning the Junior Nationals was Nick Voss and Nicole Popp of Miami, FL. The U.S. National Championships are being held August 16-20. Event website: http://www.snipenationals.com