That’s the theme for this year’s 2009 Snipe Nationals to be held at the Pensacola Yacht Club on June 20 to 26, 2009. Here is a prospect that will keep you warm as you begin your spring sailing season. Get out your calendar and start planning a family vacation that has it all – A trip to the beach, Serious Family Fun for everyone and Serious Sailing just moments from the dock on Pensacola Bay. It’s a vacation value that is impossible to ignore!

Pensacola Bay is a great venue. It is protected from the Gulf of Mexico by Santa Rosa Island, home of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and Pensacola Beach and by Santa Rosa Sound. June is a great month to be in Pensacola with average highs in the mid 80’s and lows in the low 70’s, an afternoon sea breeze fills in from the South, Southwest around mid-day at 8 to 15 mph. Its perfect for camping… the Mayor of Tent City is all charged up – and a whole host of family focused activities like the Blue Angles, the IMAX Theatre at the National Air Museum and free live music in the evenings on the Plaza in historic Downtown Pensacola and the sizzling Pensacola Beach summer concert series "Bands on the Beach". Sounds like Serious Fun – Right!

And that’s not all we have on the program. We’re making it easier for everyone to participate in this wonderful event! In support of the Growth Strategy for the Nationals we are promoting grass roots participation in the Wells Series by making this an open 3 day event. Come sail the Crosby or jump in the car, arrive Tuesday and sail in the Wells, enjoy the awards banquet, and spend Saturday at the beach…. back home on Sunday. We plan to add a collegiate series to the Youth Championship on the 20 and 21^st that we trust will draw college teams from all over the country to compete in Snipes. There is no doubt this year’s Nationals has something for everyone. So grab your Sharpie and circle the week of June 20-26^th and start making plans to be in Pensacola for some Serious Sailing, Serious Fun and Serious Family!

Housing: We have reserved a block of motel rooms at affordable prices at the Suburban Hotel just minutes from the Club  ($70/night).  Camping is permitted on the Club grounds north of the tennis courts.  Beach condos are available just 20 minutes away from the Club.  We suggest that sailors consider housing as a group at condos on the west end of the island.  A great public beach is right across the street from the condos.  For more housing information go to the Pensacola Beach Web Site or http://pensacola.hotelguide.net/ for the event.

Social: Activities are planned at the Club and at other venues. PYC has a great clubhouse with full bar and dining, a huge pool and lots of lawn for soccer, volley ball, etc. In addition, they have a modern One Design Center. Nights on the town are planned, one downtown at the old, restored Seville Quarter with a buffet and music. The other off site event is beach night/pub crawl on the barrier island with all kinds of dining, music and other forms of beach entertainment. See the week’s schedule at the PYC web site, click here!
 

Registration: You should not miss this event. It is a very affordable location, with a sailing venue which is very comfortable for the average sailor. The area offers lots of things to do for the family, including some of the best beaches in the USA. Register now on line or by mail by going to the event registration site, PYC web site!

See you all at Pensacola this June.