This was an exciting and productive year for Charleston Community Sailing as we continue to expand our services and outreach efforts into the Lowcountry and beyond. Through our programs, Charleston Community Sailing has helped shape the lives of children; ages 10 -18 years old, through unique learning experiences which build character, promote a healthy mind, body, and spirit.

Charleston Community Sailing ended the year on two high notes, the first of which was a private screening of Roy Disney’s film Morning Light which documents the youngest crew to sail the Transpac Race. Following the film I spoke with several of the kids from Buddy Sail who were excited to see what is possible through sailing. The last event was our 2nd Annual Oyster Roast, which brought together the Charleston Community Sailing family to enjoy food, drink and reflect upon the years accomplishments. It was well attended by over 150 people. We thank our sponsors and look forward to seeing you at next years event. At times like that, I know my work with Charleston Community Sailing is making a difference in our community.

It is only through the financial support of our community that we are able to continue to make a difference. Thanks to your donation, we have made these significant accomplishments in 2008:

• James Island Charter High School Sailing Team was the 1st team in its division to earn a spot at the ISSA Mallory National Championship in this decade.
• Buddy Sail has flourished with the Boys & Girls Club, received funding for coaching and educational needs.
• In partnership with James Island Yacht Club our Special Olympics Sailing Team participated in the 3rd Annual Special Olympics Regatta.
• Partnership with Charleston County Parks & Recreation Department will continue through 2009, with addition of adult sailing classes.
• Three motorboats were contributed through CCS supporters for daily use in programs.
• Acquired new jet docks for the fleet of boats, as donated wood docks were deteriorating.

Charleston Community Sailing Inc provides an easy way for the community to support local programs through a tax-deductible donation. We work tirelessly to provide access, facilities, and sailing instruction to people of all backgrounds and I hope we can count on you for a generous donation. Your tax deductible donation will directly fund conditioning to maintain our facility, the purchase of needed equipment, and help to cover our daily operating costs to help us achieve our ambitious goals for 2009.

If you require additional information about Charleston Community Sailing Inc., please feel free to contact me directly. If you are sending your donation in the form of a check, please make it payable to Charleston Community Sailing,, PO Box 21811, Charleston, SC 29413. Thank you very much, and please know that we deeply appreciate your dedication to our programs.

Kindest Regards,

Jessica Koenig
Executive Director
Charleston Community Sailing

P.S. Don’t forget, whatever you give towards CCS is fully tax-deductible. Wishing you a wonderful holiday!

Money To Be Used To Fund Outreach Program and New Floating Docks
Charleston, SC (August 20, 2008) – Charleston Community Sailing Inc. announced today that it has been selected to receive a generous donation in the amount of $18,500 by the Merrythought Foundation.

“Thoughtful donations like this are truly the cornerstones of organizations like ours,” said executive director of Charleston Community Sailing Inc., Jessica Koenig. “The costs of providing waterfront access and proper sailing facilities can be daunting but thanks to the Merrythought Foundation, we can continue to offer our special brand of service to the Charleston area”.

The mission of the Merrythought Foundation is to provide experiential educational opportunities for children and young adults in the appreciation and conservation of the waters of the world. “We could not be more excited to be on board with Charleston Community Sailing,” said Carole King of The Merrythought Foundation. “Sailing programs can build self esteem, leadership, teamwork, physical fitness, and appreciation of the qualities of the water that covers most of our planet.”

Charleston Community Sailing Inc. plans to use the funds to support and expand The Buddy Sail program, which in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club, offers an outreach program to inner city children, allowing them to experience the joys and freedom that sailing can offer. Additional proceeds from the donation will be used to partially fund new floating docks that provide launching access to the organizations sailboats.

ABOUT CHARLESTON COMMUNITY SAILING Inc.
Charleston Community Sailing Inc. is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to improve the community and promote the sport of sailing by providing access, facilities and sailing instruction to people of all socio-economic backgrounds, skill levels, and physical abilities. The organization has grown from having six used donated 420’s, 10 local sailors and five volunteers, to one that has taught over 2000 children, produced eight local high school sailing teams, a Special Olympics Sailing Team, an outreach program – “Buddy Sail” and a full time director working with an abundance of volunteers.

For additional information about Charleston Community Sailing Inc. please contact Executive Director Jessica Koenig at 843-607-4890 or visit www.charlestoncommunitysailing.org.

This past weekend, two teams of local female sailors participated in quarter finals of U.S. Sailing’s Adams Trophy competition, held at the College of Charleston’s Walker Sailing Center in J/22 sailboats. The Adams Trophy is an event solely for women.

The locals represent Charleston Ocean Racing Association, and the participants consisted of a team comprised of Jenny Gervais, Sarah Schaill, Katie Hughes and Jessica Koenig, and another team comprised of Betsy Pilcher, Mary Palazzo, Kara McFadden and Amy Ironmonger. Both teams qualified to move on to the semifinals at the C of C center July 5-6.

Jessica Koenig, who is also executive director of Charleston Community Sailing, said, “The Adams Trophy is a great experience, and we were able to compete against other area female sailors who share our passion for the sport, which is dominated by men. I hope we can encourage other female sailors to compete in years to come.”

The finals will be held in Oklahoma. Information about the Adams and other U.S. Sailing competitions is available at www.ussailing.org.

Article by Will Haynie, Post & Courier. 6/27/08

CHECK US OUT IN THE POST & COURIER. June 26, 2008.

Community Sailing

Charleston Community Sailing, which is based out of the City Marina, has a fleet of 13 Vanguard 420 sailboats, docked virtually under the James Island connector. The 420s are simple and safe enough for beginners, yet also quick enough to keep competitive-level high school and college sailors interested.

Founded in 1999, CCS formed a nonprofit, community-based program to provide access, facilities and sailing instruction to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, skill levels and physical abilities. Since then, it has taught more than 1,000 children, produced eight high school teams and has a Special Olympics Sailing Team and an outreach program called “Buddy Sail.”

The latter pairs children from the Boys & Girls Clubs with high school volunteers for an afternoon on the water.

In the summers, CCS works with the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission to put on summer sailing day camps, providing many Lowcountry youths with their first exposure to the sport of sailing.

Some of the summer programs include masters racing for adults, which features five classes on consecutive Monday evenings. The next session starts July 7. The cost is $125.

Two-week beginner ($320) and intermediate ($300) sailing courses will be held July 28-Aug. 8.

Private lessons for adults and children are offered year-round.

“If we get a big enough group of people, we can design a program as well,” adds Jessica Koenig, executive director and sole full-time CCS employee.

For more, see www.charlestoncommunitysailing.org or call 607-4890.