Interview with the Commodore, Martín Bermudez de la Puente

Can you tell us about your previous experience in the Board?

I don’t recall precisely, I think I was elected as European Secretary for 2017/2018, reelected for 2019, then promoted to Class Secretary for 2020/2021/2022 and lastly Vicecommodore in 2023/2024. 

As Snipe Class National Secretary and as European General Secretary, you organized or were you involved in the organization of many regattas. Is there anything you remember with great pleasure and why?

I was National Secretary from 2015 to 2018 and had previously been National Vice secretary. I am lucky to have had fantastic teams whose aim, despite having surely made some mistakes, was always the growth and promotion of the Class. 

I have taken part in the organization of several international regattas, all of which have been great opportunities to get to know the Class from different perspectives and to meet wonderful people along the way – boat, sails or equipment builders and, above all, sailors from all around the world. I have forged amazing friendships with lots of them and hope, especially during these two years, to meet many more. 

You are also a very active (and excellent) Snipe sailor, who sail a lot in Spain and abroad. How important is it for a Commodore and Board member to be present at Snipe regattas?

I think it is undoubtedly essential that both as Commodore and Board Member, I remain present in regattas, not only to take part in them but to listen to all fleets – juniors, women, seniors and masters. It is very important to keep in mind the needs and opinions both of world-class sailors and of those driven to participate by their passion for the sport, for they all make up the Class. 

From a political post, it is not always straightforward to understand what sailors want from the SCIRA. To be able to listen to their opinions and update the Class accordingly, I find it necessary to spend time with whom have been and continue to be my colleagues and rivals within it. I think it is the best way to keep in touch with them and being active in the Snipe Class has always been a priority for me. 

What are your ideas for promoting the Class? In which areas could the Class be improved?

I believe we have a great team. The European and hemisphere Secretaries have already been ratified so we must get to work. We must analyze in detail where it is we are and where we want to get to. 

With regard to the promotion of the Class, it is important we put our trust in the fleet Captains and National and Regional Secretaries – I ask of them to give it their all. It is not a simple task, since every country has its own policies, conditions, clubs and federations. This makes global promotion quite tough, but I fully trust their efforts on universitary and club levels. 

Another main objective is focusing on junior sailors – aiding them in the logistics for their participation in regattas and ensuring they feel welcome in the Class. 

As well as this, we will prioritize widening our presence on social media to continue to give visibility to the Snipe Class and encourage its growth. 

Finally, do you want to leave a message to the class members and your friends in the Board?

To the Board Members – let’s go!!

To Class Members – I think we have all got to know each other by now, the Board is accessible and open to communication; we welcome all constructive suggestions, always bearing in mind the fact that we aim to work for all fleets, big and small, all levels and all ages. 

Thank you for your trust, see you on the water!