Wildfires in Europe Impact Snipe Fleets in Spain and France

Severe wildfires across Southern Europe have directly affected the Snipe Class in recent days, causing destruction in Spain and event cancellations in France.

Fleet Loss in Pantano de San Juan, Spain

In Spain, a major wildfire swept through the surroundings of Pantano de San Juan, home to the Real Club Náutico de Madrid and one of the nation’s premier Snipe fleets. The blaze prompted the evacuation of 18,000 residents and damaged 105 homes. Tragically, the flames reached the club’s grounds, damaging infrastructure and destroying part of the local Snipe fleet (as well as nearly the entire Soling fleet) before firefighters brought the situation under control.

French Nationals Cancelled in Biscarrosse, France

In France, the Snipe French National Championship in Biscarrosse was cancelled due to a massive wildfire that burned over 2,600 hectares of forest and damaged more than 100 structures. Over 23,000 people were evacuated, but fortunately, no casualties were reported. While the facilities and boats of the Cercle Nautique de Biscarrosse remained unharmed, local authorities shut down all lake access to allow emergency crews and water-bomber aircraft to operate safely.

The Snipe Class expresses its heartfelt support and solidarity with the affected sailors, clubs, and communities in both Spain and France.