FAIR Winds Holds First Public Forum on Mt

FAIR Winds Holds First Public Forum on Mt. Pleasant Town Sailing Center

By William J. Hamilton, III

Feb. 21, 2008 – Mt. Pleasant, SC

About 30 people committed to a Town Sailing program in Mt. Pleasant attended the February 20^th. FAIR Winds Forum at the Creek Club in I’On.

The program began with a Power Point Presentation about community sailing centers around the United States presented by William Hamilton. Those present were very excited by the award winning programs which have appeared in places as varied as Boston and Baltimore and as unexpected as those in Arizona and Colorado.

The group is happy to offer this presentation to community organizations interested in the issue for presentation at their meetings.

Community Boating in Boston’s mission statement reflected the values of the movement to make sailing more available to more people appearing across the US. “The mission of Community Boating, Inc., is the advancement of sailing for all by minimizing economic and physical obstacles to sailing. In addition, CBI enhances the greater Boston community by using sailing as a vehicle to empower its members to develop independence and self-confidence, improve communication, foster teamwork, and acquire a deeper understanding of community spirit and the power of volunteerism.”

Discussion following the presentation focused on how the realities of sailing small boats on Charleston Harbor have made it more difficult for people to enjoy sailing over the past twenty years. Waterfront property and marina slip rentals are now much more expensive. Area Yacht Clubs have waiting lists both for members and boatyard space. Many residential communities prohibit boat storage at people’s homes. Area boat ramps are difficult places to rig and launch sailboats. As a result, if often takes a full day’s effort to accomplish a few hours sailing. Informal noncompetitive sailing by young people, once a common part of growing up in Mt. Pleasant, has almost completely disappeared. Several people present had sold their boats after moving to Charleston and confronting the realities of sailing here.

Several people noted the age of active sailors in Charleston Harbor had increased. The number of boats at local regattas had declined substantially in the past twenty-five years. Races which once drew over 300 boats now commonly register less than 100. It does not appear that as many younger people are as involved in Mt. Pleasant’s traditional sport as once were. Active youth sail training programs are operating at Hobcaw Yacht Club, Charleston Community Sailing and other locations on the Harbor, however this isn’t translating into an active cadre of younger sailors and younger sailing families outside of the successful High School Sailing teams run by Charleston Community Sailing and the College of Charleston’s Programs.

George Wood, former head of the Hissar Sailing Program at the College of Charleston and a veteran of 30 years of sail training and coaching, spoke to the group. After retiring from the College a year ago, he has been working as a consultant on sailing programs nationally.

According to Wood, the concrete pier constructed at Waterfront Memorial Park is a safe and functional place for a Town Sailing Center. The current there is not a problem for sailors in a properly run and supervised sailing program operating with motorized safety boats. Wood led an exhaustive study of Charleston Harbor ten years ago which concluded sailing on the East Side of the Harbor, outside of the commercial shipping channel, provided the best sailing conditions available. This on water study, with soundings and current measurements was built on years of practical sailing experience at locations throughout the harbor. This study supported the decision to make a six hundred thousand dollar investment in the College of Charleston’s sailing center at Patriot’s Point Marina.

Henry Thomas, leader of the Charleston Holder Fleet, a group of veteran sailors, said there was a lot of confusion about what happened to the original plans for a Town sailing center at Waterfront Memorial Park. He joined many others in expressing hope that the pending Freedom of Information Act request filed with the town would reveal what was actually decided and what had happened.

Alma Greer, who works in the local boating industry, said people are tremendously frustrated with the lack of access to public waters for recreation. People tell her they can buy boats, but they can’t use them.

Prior to the meeting, John Cameron, former Coast Guard Officer, dropped by and asked to be involved in the FAIR Winds effort. His recommendations have been cited as the grounds for Town Council’s decision to relocate, cancel or delay plans for a Town Sailing center in January. Cameron is also in charge of the Hobcaw Yacht Club summer youth sailing program.

Cameron informed Hamilton that a decision had or might be made to build an Optimist Pram based sailing center for beginning sailors aged 9 to 15 at Alhambra Hall in the Old Village. It was not clear from information received from various, conflicting sources if this effort was to be town funded or supported by private fundraising. No cost estimate or timetable for completion was available. Cameron said a center for more advanced sailors and adults might be built at the Waterfront Memorial Park pier some time in the future. Cameron was unable to stay for the meeting.

Some people present at the meeting thought the more sheltered waters above the bridge were a superior location for beginner sailing than Alhambra. There was also concern that decisions about this issue were being made outside of the public process.

According to January 25,2008 report in the Charleston Post and Courier by Prentiss Findlay, “Councilman Gary Santos said there's a strong ebb tide at the location that could pose a danger to kids on sailboats so close to the Ravenel Bridge. Santos suggested meeting in February with members of Hobcaw Yacht Club to see about a partnership with them. Rather than spending town money on the floating dock, it could be used to buy sailboats for a joint program with Hobcaw, he said. Council members agreed with him.”

No information on what was decided at a Feb. 11^th. meeting with the Hobcaw Yacht Club has been received by FAIR Winds. Two years ago, the Town rejected an offer by Charleston Community Sailing to build and operate a sailing center at the 3 million dollar pier. That organization is now preparing to build a sailing center at a location to be determined in Downtown Charleston. Mayor Riley has said, “We expect to and want to have a community sailing center in downtown Charleston sometime in the near future.”

The FAIR Wind’s group is planning to continue its work of education and advocacy. Members planned to speak with Town Officials and Council members this week. Members will also be visiting and reporting on community sailing programs around the nation. Petitions and a letter to the Editor writing campaign are also planned. The group will operate an information booth at upcoming community events.

No members of Mt. Pleasant Town Council were able to attend Wednesday’s forum due to a conflict with a legislative dinner in Columbia.

FAIR Winds will form study committees, incorporate and form a board of directors in the next Thirty days. A formal report to the community with recommendations will follow. The group is committed to an open process of discussion and democratic decision making. Persons wishing to obtain email updates can request them online.

Interested persons are referred to the group’s website at www.wjhamilton.com/fairwinds/ for complete information.

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Images of the Forum are available upon request to wjhamilton@wjhamilton.com

Links to websites for award winning community sailing program around the nation can be found on the group’s web pages at www.wjhamilton.com/fairwinds/

Permission to excerpt, reproduce or print this material is granted to any and all persons wishing to use it by the Author.

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