Letter to Members – Past Commodore Rakocy

by SCIRA Office 12/19/2024

Dear Sailors of the Snipe Class,

Today marks the conclusion of my term as SCIRA Commodore. Serving in this role has been both a significant challenge and an enriching experience in my life.

My journey and commitment to the Snipe class began almost 25 years ago, in 2000, when we revitalized the Snipe class in Poland after the difficult years of communism, essentially rebuilding structures and assembling fleets from the ground up. Since then, I have been honoed to serve as the President of the Snipe Class in Poland.

Reflecting on my tenure, I realize that I have held various roles on the SCIRA Board for a total of 13 years. Throughout this time, I have had the privilege of working alongside many exceptional predecessors. I deeply thank Past Commodores: Luis Pessanha, Don Bedford, Ricardo Labato, Gweneth Crook, Pietro Fantoni, and Luis Soubie. Their leadership, dedication, and examples have inspired and motivated me to work diligently. I inherited the class in a stable and prosperous condition, and I am confident I am passing it on in an equally strong state.

I would also like to sincerely thank the Board Members who have supported and collaborated with me over the past two years. Your dedication and cooperation have been invaluable— special thanks to Martin Bermudez and the excellent team he has gained. You will lead the Snipe Class in a good and appropriate direction, which I deeply believe in.

Above all, I thank the 3,750 sailors and SCIRA members worldwide (based on 2023 figures). I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you at various regattas, and I hope our interactions and conversations have been as meaningful for you as they have been for me.

I would like to highlight several key achievements and events during my term:

2024 World Junior Championships in Miami: This event was a resounding success, thanks to the outstanding efforts of the Coconut Grove Yacht Club, Augie Diaz’s involvement, and the prudent decisions of the SCIRA Board of Directors. Juniors from 19 countries participated, including a crew from Australia for the first time. I encourage the new Board to continue engaging Australia within SCIRA and to ensure that the 2026 Junior World Championships are equally well-attended and organized.
Launch of the New Database: This user-friendly system benefits sailors, National Secretaries, and regatta organizers alike. Although its implementation took time, the resulting tool is one that we have long awaited and significantly enhances our operational efficiency.
World Championships: During my tenure, the Women’s (Valencia Mar), Masters (Yacht Club Puerto Sherry), Juniors (Coconut Grove Yacht Club), and Open World (Yacht Club Argentino) Championships were all executed to a high standard, both organizationally and competitively. I thank the host yacht clubs and their members for their exceptional efforts.
Regulatory Improvements: The changes to the rules and regulations are positive steps that promote growth in membership and simplify the technical aspects of sailing.
Enhanced Communication: SCIRA members, National Secretaries, and the Board have significantly improved communication. Through SnipeToday and our official website, sailors have greater access to timely information. I appreciate all your comments and feedback, whether through article discussions or direct correspondence with the Board. Your input was always considered, even if direct responses were not always possible.

As I step down, I wish the new Board great success in their leadership and in making the sometimes challenging but necessary decisions for the advancement of our class.

I’ll always be here for you as Past Commodore—feel free to reach out anytime!

Wishing you all a joyful Christmas season and a prosperous start to the new year!

Cheers,