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, Elizabeth S. Marenakos, Steven D. Shapiro, Robert E. Turner IV, Miles H. Martschink, Kenneth T. King

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 grew to a dozen sailors from 12 to 15, the “founding fathers” wondered what was in store for their sons who would soon outgrow the team. With no programs in place, they formulated a plan to fill the void. They drew up a Charter, filed with the IRS for 501 C3 status and began acquiring assets for their venture; six 420’s donated by the Carolina 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 team, formed at Pinewood Prep in Summerville, was quickly followed by seven others. Today schools include Academic Magnet, Ashley Hall School, Bishop England, First Baptist Church School, James Island High, Porter Gaud School, School of the Arts and Wando High School. 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”. This program pairs a child from the Club with a volunteer for an afternoon on the water while furthering the Boys and Girls Club’s mission; to instill young people with a sense of accomplishment, usefulness, and belonging. The partnership was perfect!

In 2005, CCSI became involved with Special Olympics, as James Island Yacht Club and CCSI launched the first South Carolina Special Olympics sailing team. Athletes were to be partnered for competition in regional events throughout the Southeast. 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 “Team Charleston”, was named Special Olympic spokesperson by the Metro Sports Council. Charleston County Parks also partnered with CCSI to include sailing in the parks’ summer day camps, providing many low country youths and now adults, with their first exposure to the sport of sailing. Due to continued interest and high demand, the programs will continue through 2009.

CCSI’s growing role as host to other organizations and competitions is a great source of pride. In collaboration with the College of Charleston Sailing Foundation and US Sailing, CCSI has hosted numerous events and classes at the local, district, and national levels. When it comes to sailing instruction, CCSI knows the ropes. CCSI sailors have advanced to sail on top-ranked college teams including College of Charleston, St. Mary’s, Tufts University and UNC/Chapel Hill. Some have returned to CCSI as coaches. Alana O’Reilly graduated CCSI 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 College as a team member for the US Sailing 2005 World University Games in Turkey.

With an impressive history and growing support, CCSI is prepared to face new opportunities, establish initiatives and expand services and outreach efforts into the low country.

Get google maps directions to Charleston Community Sailing at 17 Lockwood Drive: