There’s something in the air – or in the water – when it comes to sailing in Charleston, South Carolina.
Generations of athletes dominate the local waters, empowering crews with the talent that spills over into the College of Charleston, making it one of the top sailing schools in the country.
High school sailors from across Charleston County compete at a variety of area yacht clubs.
Photo by Claire Filaski
This dominance is hardly a new feat, however. Since the formation of the collegiate sailing team in 1964, the Cougars have consistently produced men’s, women’s and team All-Americans and are frequent recipients of the annual Leonard B. Fowle Trophy—recognition as the top sailing team in the country.
But that tenacity in Charleston waters is hardly confined to college.
The relationship between the strength of the college and that of its neighboring high schools has become one of interdependence. Having won national collegiate sailing championships 27 times since 1978, CofC has created a legacy that lights fire for the surrounding high schoolers.
Ultimately, however, these young athletes contribute just as much to Charleston’s sailing heritage and have helped establish the Lowcountry as the hydroelectric powerhouse of the East Coast.
High school sailors throughout Charleston County focus their efforts on a variety of yacht clubs – many of which regularly join forces and practice alongside or against each other simply to improve Charleston sailing as a whole.
Ryan Hamm, James Island Charter High School volunteer sailing coach, explains the influence of yacht clubs on sailing in Charleston: “If you’re not a member of the yacht club, it’s difficult to get on the water. It’s easy that way.”
These spirited groups rely on generational influence and dedicated passion to drive their programs – and Hamm is well established in these practices.
“The high school thing really took off 15 years ago. I was there from the start,” explains Hamm.
26 years ago, Hamm was one of the founding members of the Sperry Charleston Race Week, an event that is now considered “the largest ‘big boat’ regatta in the country”. The event features approximately 300 boats with sailors from 23 states and seven countries (Braswell) – all contributing to the Charleston sailing narrative.
But what specifically makes Charleston home to a race of this magnitude, a renowned college team and promising high school students?
“We have the best sailing conditions anywhere in the world,” explains Hamm. “All year from May to September we have sea breeze. The sea breeze is the magic of Charleston.”
Ideal sailing conditions in Charleston Harbor contribute greatly to the depth of talent that has emerged from the area in the sport.
Photo by Claire Filaski
And that magic is hardly ever wasted. Every Tuesday, Hamm organizes neighboring yacht clubs for low-stakes races in Charleston Harbor simply to match college talent with up-and-coming hopefuls and to improve sailing in Charleston as a whole.
“There are probably 15 people here who are either going to sail for college, are sailing for college now, or have sailed for college in the past,” notes Hamm.
These practices give high school students an edge few other cities can match. Charleston’s unique weather conditions and generations of talent produce sailors who simply aim to outperform one another.
Kelly-Ann Arrindell is among the better-known racers on Tuesday night. A recent graduate of the college’s sailing program, Arrindell is an instructor at the James Island Yacht Club and calls Charleston’s waters part of the magic.
“The first thing I noticed when I was sailing in college was the extreme current we have in the harbour,” commented Arrindel. “I had never experienced anything like this before, but having sailed Charleston over the years and figuring out the current has definitely made me a better sailor.”
Arrindell is no stranger to sailing. Born and raised in Trinidad, she was constantly exposed to international coaches, eventually chasing the Pan Am and Olympics in 2016 before settling in Charleston for college sailing.
“What drove me [to] the college is the high level of competitiveness of the team,” explained Arrindel. “Everyone pushed each other to get better on the water and great practices emerged where everyone improved together.”
The same, adds Arrindell, now applies to the James Island Yacht Club. “It is mainly parents who inspire their children to play sports. Sailing is one of the most unique sports I’ve ever participated in…even if the kids aren’t interested in racing, sailing offers so many different opportunities.”
Charleston high schoolers grow up in families of seafarers and some of the best collegiate athletes in the country. These constant sources of inspiration make the yacht clubs the future of Charleston sailing and solidify Charleston’s status on the East Coast sailing map.
Sea breezes may have been the key factor in bringing early sailors to Charleston waters, but today the Lowcountry heritage is fueled by a combination of professional, collegiate and high school sailing forces. The locals have made a name for themselves that rivals even the Chesapeake Bay for sailing – and there’s no slowing down in sight.