Andre Callot (BEL)

Started racing Snipes competitively in 1970 and his first boat was named Sofa. The Snipe became a passion for Andre. In the early 1980’s Andre became the National Secretary for Belgium a position he held for 30 years.  

In the 80’s the Snipe Class in Belgium was declining as the sailors aged. The boat was viewed, by younger sailors, as an old man’s boat. Andre had a big challenge to overcome that perception. He dug in and started the rebuilding process. He went to most of the youth regattas and invited the youth to experience the Snipe by persuading the old guard to lend their Snipes. He has a way that invites, persuades, and motivates people to experience his passion; Sailing – ‘The Snipe’  

Andre helped one young sailor buy a new Persson Snipe.  Suddenly the Snipe was not old fashioned anymore and one by one, the next generation followed and bought Snipes. Andre Callot invited his good friend Jan Persson for training and tuning sessions in Antwerp. Andre started to teach the youth to travel and to compete in other countries.  Andre Callot always says: We are in the middle of Europe and every Snipe country is around us and they are all easy to reach.  

Andre Callot always continued his mission to attract the best sailors into the Snipe Class.  The strength of SCIRA Belgium was and still is respect, friendship and motivation to improve. This is all due to Andre Callot. 

SnipeToday: 14 Questions to Andre Callot