Charleston Community Sailing Inc.
Charleston Community Sailing Inc.
P.O. Box 21811
Charleston, SC 29413
(843) 607-4890
info@charlestoncommunitysailing.org
Executive Director:
Jessica Koenig
Board Members:
John C. Skinner, George C. Scarborough, William H. Hanckel, Steven D. Shapiro, Robert E. Turner IV, Miles H. Martschink
CCSI Offers Life Lessons To Charleston Youth Via Fellowship In Sailing
Charleston Community Sailing, Inc. (CCSI) is a dream come to life for five fathers of children sailing in the Optimist class. When the Charleston Optimist Sailing Team (COST) grew to include nearly a dozen sailors from 12 to 15, the “founding fathers” wondered what was in store for their sons who would soon outgrow the Optimist team. With no programs in place, they formulated a plan to fill the void.
In short order, they drew up a Charter, filed with the IRS for 501 C3 not-for-profit status and began acquiring assets for their venture; six 420’s donated by the Carolina Yacht Club, another 420 from James Island Yacht Club, a floating dock from the College of Charleston Sailing Foundation, and dock space supplied by The City Marina. It was 1999. CCSI was up and running, focused on high school sailors 16 and up.
The first high school team, formed at Pinewood Prep in Summerville, was quickly followed by seven others. Encouraged by the enthusiasm, CCSI reached deeper into the community, bringing the joy of sailing to members of the Boys and Girls Club of the Trident area with “Buddy Sail” a program that paired a child from the Club with a high school volunteer for an afternoon on the water. The concept furthered the Boys and Girls Club’s mission; to instill young people with a sense of accomplishment, usefulness, and belonging – in this instance, through bonding with CCSI sailors. The partnership was perfect!
In late 2003, the badly worn CCSI fleet was replaced with a dozen new 420s and the group faced a bright future. Board members soon recognized that the organization’s activities warranted full-time guidance. In February 2004, Sarah Schaill became CCSI’s first Director of Operations. Under her leadership, existing programs would be enhanced and new programs initiated.
Chief among these, in 2005, was CCSI’s involvement with the Special Olympics of South Carolina as James Island Yacht Club launched the first South Carolina Special Olympics Sailing team. Athletes were to be partnered for competition in regional events throughout the southeastern United States and, hopefully, nationwide. The community responded to the program’s impressive growth with a grant from the Exchange Club of Charleston, donations from local businesses, and enthusiastic participation from volunteers. In 2006, Sam Hazeltine, sailing for Special Olympics Sailing “Team Charleston”, was named Special Olympic spokesperson by the Metro Sports Council.
Also in 2005, CCSI joined the County Parks and Recreation Department to include sailing in the parks’ summer day camps, providing many low country youths with their first exposure to the sport of sailing. Due to continued interest and demand, the program will continue through 2008.
CCSI’s growing role as host to other sailing organizations and competitions is a particular source of pride. In collaboration with the College of Charleston Sailing Foundation under the leadership of George Wood, CCSI has hosted numerous high school events at the local and district levels, including the High School National competitions. When US Sailing comes to town, CCSI lends willing hands to events such as the Bemis quarterfinals and the U.S. Sailing Level One Instructor Courses.
When it comes to sailing instruction, CCSI knows the ropes. In partnership with Carolina Yacht Club, CCSI prepares young sailors to compete in U.S. Sailing ladder events. CCSI sailors have advanced to sail on top-ranked college teams including College of Charleston, St. Mary’s, Tufts University, Davidson and UNC/Chapel Hill. Some have returned to CCSI as high school team coaches. Alana O’Reilly graduated CCSI instructional programs to become Collegiate Female Sailor of the Year and join the coaching staff at Georgetown University. CCSI’s Jenny Gervais represented St. Mary’s University as a team member for the US Sailing 2005 World University Games in Turkey.
Despite non-stop activity, CCSI keeps fleet maintenance costs in control with creative approaches to problem solving and shrewd business sense. Faced with refurbishing outboard motors at once, CCSI negotiated with the local Hanckel Marine dealership and Yamaha Motors to acquire new equipment at a special factory discount.
Jessica Koenig succeeded Sarah Schaill as CCSI Executive Director in 2007, bringing extensive racing experience, management skills and abiding affection for the sport of sailing to the position. With an impressive history and growing support, CCSI is prepared to face new opportunities, establish initiatives and expand services and outreach efforts in the low country community.
Get google maps directions to Charleston Community Sailing at 17 Lockwood Drive:
