The College of Charleston’s sailing center during a rare quiet moment. Courtesy College of Charleston Sailing.
them former college sailors, some of them high schoolers and some of them racing neophytes, with ages ranging from to 12 to 70. Nobody keeps score, yet there’s plenty of friendly banter on the water and on shore. (The cost is $10 per sailor each Tuesday, but association members sail for free.) In addition to all this, the College of Charleston Sailing Program hosts advanced racing camps in the summer for high schoolers. “These kids literally come from all over the country,” explains Fisher, “and we really help them ramp up their competitive skills in the span of a week.” One of the most promising initiatives that he and his coworkers have established is their STEM sailing program (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). By collaborating with the College’s Lowcountry Hall of Math and Science, they offer weeklong programs for youngsters ages 8-14 (most of whom have never sailed before). The students learn the basics of sailing, sail on board the J/22s, and partake in experiments and activities (such as building model boats) that teach them how math, engineering, technology and science are at play with sails and sailboats. “That class is amazing to watch,” says Fisher. “The kids really brighten up when they’re learning scientific concepts through hands-on activities. And, it’s crazy popular. Last summer, we offered just one session, but we’ll be expanding that to five six-day sessions for next summer.” Fisher is also excited about the new Adaptive Sailing Program being pioneered by Assistant Dockmaster and Director of Education Jacob Raymond. The program is using a retrofitted J/22 set up to accommodate sailors with physical disabilities. But even before that boat was available, Raymond staged an introductory regatta for disabled military veterans who came from across the country to participate. “There’s really a lot going on here,” he says about the sailing program. “The success of our varsity team remains our core focus, but there’s so much more we can do to promote sailing and we’re taking a solid stab at that.”
Members of the 2013 coed dinghy national championship team. Sailing Director Greg Fisher is at the far left. Courtesy College of Charleston Sailing.
This February, Fisher and his colleagues will help to host the Southern Collegiate Offshore Regatta, a two-day competition that will be sailed in larger boats whose local owners have loaned them for the weekend. “That kind of generosity is indicative of how our program is supported here. And in turn, we do our best to reciprocate. It’s a formula that seems to be providing a win-win for everyone who loves sailing in Charleston.” For additional information on College of Charleston Sailing Program, visit the website, www.sailing.cofc.edu. See us at the St. Pete Boat Show, Dec. 3-6 Booth 122
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SOUTHWINDS
December 2015
51