School's Out for Summer!

What's a Happening Now...

WooHoo! School's out and summer sailing programs are hitting the water all around town. We welcomed our first group of sailors on Monday, June 8th and have about 50 kids per day getting on the water. Our program will run for 8 weeks, with the exception of class the week leading up to the 4th of July. A few spots remain in our Adventure Sail class from August 3-7.

Quick recap...Last month Wando High School sailors competed in the Mallory Trophy which determines the best in double handed fleet racing among the 7 Districts represented by 20 schools across the USA. The event took place out of the US Naval Academy and included seniors Rebecca Bonner, Carter Cameron and Henry Frenzel, juniors Cameron Gise and Hunter Moore, sophomore Austin Ando and freshman Caroline Main. The team placed 11th and once again congratulations to the entire team and coaching staff of Becky Bestoso and Ben Spector on a wonderful year.

Here are some of the ways for you to get involved this June and we still have some availability in summer sailing classes. You are a part of our community, so contact us if you have an idea - we would LOVE to hear from you.

Thank you for your continued support of our mission!

Success on the Sea

There may have been a tropical storm but our supporters braved the weather and thankfully it cleared for a few hours as we cruised the Charleston Harbor. Guests enjoyed music from Bill Wilson & the Secret Ingredients along with food and drinks while bidding on wonderful items from local businesses.

Many thanks to our corporate sponsors - Charleston Harbor Tours and Jack Martin & Associates - for their support of our mission. The funds raised from this event along with a grant from Charleston Race Week went to purchase two new engines for our safety boats. We thank everyone who attended, the business who donated items, the volunteers who coordinated the event and those who made donations for the cause!!!

There are more pictures online and you can still make an online donation to support our mission.

Annual Lowcountry Regatta

This past weekend marked the 10th anniversary of the SC Special Olympics Annual Lowcountry Regatta. Teams from the southeast competed Friday-Sunday at James Island Yacht Club in conditions ranging from 5-13 knots. Opening ceremonies took place Friday evening with the lighting of the torch and escorts from local government officials on the water. Check out the pictures and learn more about this program!

Sailing into STEM!

Students from Burke Middle/High School had their first exposure to boats and spent several weeks in May sailing through our Sailing into STEM educational program with A Backpack Journalist. The youth had such a wonderful time that we are working on a sailing team for Fall 2015. If you are interested in volunteering for an afternoon on the water with this program you can sign up NOW!

Summer Sailing

Meet our 2015 summer staff Adam Sloger, Will Scarborough, Grace Wilkinson, Marguax Bacro-Duverger, Morgan Buckley, Nick Heinen and Mason Walters (from L-R). If you are interested in becoming a Junior Instructor to learn the ropes of teaching sailing while building your self confidence on the water. Apply today!

WoW

Welcome to Women on the Water! Six weeks in and we already plan to continue sailing through October. Women from the first session are sailing independently and new sailors will start skippering this week. This program is designed to give women of all ages and from all walks of life the opportunity to experience sailing in both a racing and non-racing capacity with mentoring from other female sailors. Mark your calendar for Thursday evenings and join us!

Scholarships Awarded

Through the generosity of our donors we were thrilled to offer financial aid to area youth through summer sailing scholarships. A part of the application included a letter from the student letting us know why they want to learn to sail. We look forward to getting these guys on the water. Visit our website to donate to the Mainstay Scholarship program or to learn more!

DONATE NOW!

In NEED of Engines & Boats:

Got a 16-22 ft. boat sitting in your yard that your not using? Please consider donating your boat or working engine which is easy, philanthropic and offers potential tax advantages. In return for the donation of your vessel, we will issue a receipt and you can relax knowing that we will use the boat or the proceeds of the sale - to make it possible for all to get on the water.

Volunteer Opportunities:

We need your HELP! Volunteers can help with everything from boat maintenance, regattas (on or off the water), outreach programs, office/admin work, STEM Education, special events and special and more. If any of this sounds interesting or is something you are passionate about—we hope you will consider volunteering with us. You can sign up to volunteer online.

Board Members:

John E. Cameron, Nancy L. Bonner, Lynne L. Kerrison, William H. Hanckel,
Miles H. Martschink, Lucy D. Sass, George C. Scarborough, Robert K. Scribner,
Steven D. Shapiro, John C. Skinner, Catherine C. Swanson, Cindy R. Ware

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