Harold L. Gilreath Sr. (USA)

Harold L Gilreath Sr started sailing with the Sea Scouts in the mid-1940s.  He quickly became an integral contributor to the Snipe class nationally and locally, a national and international class leader, and facilitated growth of the class by simplifying the construction of Snipes.  He was at the heart of the Snipe Class in the 1950s and rose to lead the class as SCIRA Commodore in 1956.  With these efforts, Harold contributed to the quality of the racing, the growth of the class and the availability of a growing one design boat.   

Under the tutelage of Owen Duffy, Harold learned to race in the Snipe with the Privateer Yacht Club fleet.  Harold quickly became a strong force in the fleet.  He moved to Wichita, KS in the early 50s where he battled Ted Wells, Tom Frost and others at the top of national competitions.   He mentored many upcoming sailors during this time period as well as through the 80s.  His efforts were integral to the growth and livelihood of fleets in Wichita, Chattanooga, Atlanta and other locales.  This nearly 30-year period saw extensive growth in the class, technical innovation in the construction of Snipes and refinement of the protocols of racing.  His contributions to technical innovation of the boat followed two paths.  He utilized his engineering background, while in Wichita, to lead the design and construction of the first registered fiberglass Snipe (#9753).  This innovation enabled larger scale Snipe manufacturing and more rapid production.  His passion for the Snipe class took another tack with the “Building a Plywood Snipe” project.  Through this book, many sailors across the globe built their own boats and this enhanced the growth of the class where fiberglass construction was difficult. This book is still available today through the SCIRA office.  His roles included fleet captain, district governor and ultimately 1956 SCIRA Class Commodore and International Board Member. Hal dedicated the Gilreath Trophy for the winning crew of the US Junior National Championship. He passed along his love of the class to sailors of all ages and skill, including his son, Hal, and granddaughter, Emily.