Advancing the sport within Charleston community

by Dan Dickson
College of Charleston’s Varsity Sailing Team may be among the top ranked dinghy programs in the country, but this week they are taking their small boat skills to Sperry Charleston Race Week (April 17-19), with more than 30 team members and coaches competing on boats in seven different classes.

“Our sailing program is privileged to have some super-talented, passionate people who help us extend the impact we have on the Charleston community,” explained sailing director Greg Fisher. “One way we do that is by supporting Sperry Charleston Race Week. We’ll be berthing about 30 of the visiting boats in the basin at our sailing center. And our fleet of J/22s will be out there competing in the regatta. One of our boats, our new adaptive boat, will be raced by the Warrior Sailing Team of disabled veterans. We’re also hosting a youth forum at our sailing center during the regatta, and that will feature a panel with this year’s Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year, Stephanie Roble, plus a number of our team members. So, we’re truly enthused to be so involved in this prestigious event.”

While the top priority of the team is to perform well at the national championships organized by the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association, Fisher has helped see the sailing program develop a menu of options for sailors and would-be sailors of all ages, including a Varsity Offshore Sailing Team, youth racing clinics, recreational racing, various levels of instruction, a new adaptive program, and a new Development Team for college students who want to up their game, but aren’t quite proficient enough to make the varsity team.

“Ultimately, it’s our goal to help advance the sport within the Charleston community, and we’re so fortunate that there’s not only strong support for that, but great enthusiasm as well.”