Back to Our Roots: 2025 U.S. Nationals at Atlanta Yacht Club

by Evan Hoffmann

This year’s U.S. Nationals was one to remember, not just for the sailing but for what it represented. Held at Atlanta Yacht Club on Lake Allatoona, this regatta reminded us that great racing, and even better camaraderie, doesn’t always require ocean swells or postcard breezes. Sometimes, it takes a small lake, a lot of shifts, and a community that knows how to host a really good time.

Let’s start with the sailing. Lake Allatoona is a relatively small body of water compared to our usual Snipe championship venues like Miami, San Diego, or Annapolis. Instead of steady sea breezes and predictable oscillations, we had land-driven chaos, with 30 to 40 degree shifts and plenty of moments where boats on opposite tacks looked like they were headed the same way. It made for head-spinning racing that demanded constant focus and real time decision making.

But if you were worried that “random” conditions would lead to random results, think again. The cream still rose to the top. Augie Diaz put on a masterclass to take the championship, reminding us why he’s one of the greats. Junior team Owen Fretwell and Colin Krebs sailed an incredibly sharp regatta to finish second, proving that the next generation is not just knocking on the door, they’re already inside. Rounding out the top five were Ernesto Rodriguez, Bradley Adam, and Enrique Quintero, all familiar faces with top tier resumes.

What made this regatta especially meaningful, though, was the venue itself. Every so often it’s important that we race in places like this, not just for variety but to honor the roots of the Snipe class. Snipes were born on a small lake in Dallas, and today, some of the most passionate Snipe sailors are racing on lakes in places like Nebraska, Colorado, and inland clubs all across the U.S. A venue like Lake Allatoona might feel “untraditional” to some, but it’s absolutely part of the class’s DNA.

Atlanta Yacht Club delivered in every way. The hospitality was world class. Most competitors stayed onsite in cabins, and nearly every meal was included—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—creating a true summer camp atmosphere. We rarely needed to leave the club grounds, and that closeness fostered the kind of community that defines the Snipe experience.

Off the water, the vibe was just as memorable. Between wakeboarding, foil boarding during wind delays, late-night beach DJ sets courtesy of Enrique, and plenty of laughs around the dinner table, this Nationals was as much about friendship as it was about racing. Planned entertainment blended seamlessly with spontaneous fun, and by the end of the week, we had not only results but real memories.

The Snipe class has always been about more than sailing. It’s about people, places, and a little bit of magic that happens when both come together in the right way. Atlanta delivered that magic. And as we look forward to our next championships, let’s continue to embrace a diversity of venues, not just because it’s fair or inclusive, but because it’s who we are.

A very special thank you to Alex Padgett, who served as Regatta Chair, and to Bryce Dryden, Commodore of Atlanta Yacht Club, as well as all of the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make sure that everyone who attended had a fantastic experience. Your warmth, generosity, and hard work made this event something truly special.