By Nan Marshall

Savannah was selected as the site of the 1996 Olympic yachting events for several good reasons: sea breezes; the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean, Wassaw Sound and the Wilmington River; and an active community of sailors. One organization that was formed to assist with the games is still in operation, dedicated to introducing families to fun on the water.
The Savannah Sailing Center was formed in 1993 in preparation for the yachting events of the 1996 Olympic games. Its objective: to train on-the-water volunteers and to manage the races during the Olympics. After so much time and effort had been spent planning and running the Olympic sailing competitions, those involved wanted to continue the organization as a way to promote the sport of sailing by finding inexpensive ways to get people on the water.
Archie Davis, civic leader and banker, credits the leadership and vision of John McIntosh Sr. for the formation of the Savannah Sailing Center.  “The whole thing was John McIntosh. He is a wonderful guy for whom I have the highest respect,” says Davis.
“Mr. McIntosh is the most awesome individual on the planet,” says avid sailor Carrie Rohde. “He was such an inspiration to me personally and has taken the time to guide each and every kid who has an interest in sailing.”
With the support of many of the original sponsors, the help of the Board of Regents and the Chatham County Parks and Recreation Department, and the efforts of a league of volunteers, the Savannah Sailing Center continues to carry out its mission to offer sailing programs. Lake Mayer is the main Savannah Sailing Center facility and is the ideal location for novice sailors.  With protected waters and a safety boat onsite, it is a great place for both young and old to experience the thrill of gliding across the water in a boat driven by a puff of air.

Learning Opportunities
Savannah Sailing Center has programs for the sailor who seeks the peacefulness of relaxed time on the water as well as the sailor who enjoys the stimulating competition of the sailboat race. Certified instructors follow the U.S. Sailing curriculum and skills learned are documented with the U.S. Sailing certification record book.  
Sailing instruction is available for adults and children ages 8 and older from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday. Students learn boating safety, nautical terms, how to tack (the difference in sailing into the wind, across the wind and with the wind) and how to trim a sail (keep it full of air but not flapping).  Five lessons are required to complete the beginner's level.
The “Catch the Wind” summer camp program is based on the simple joy of sailing. It is designed for kids ages 8 and up of all abilities and skill levels.  The classes are structured to allow for maximum sailing time and personal attention.  Beginners skipper either an eight-foot Optimist or a 15-foot Sunfish sailboat. Those with more experience can sail in a two-person 420 sailboat. “Catch the Wind” camp is available in both half-day sessions (8:30 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4:30 p.m.) and full-day sessions (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). This summer there will be nine one-week sessions, beginning June 15.
Summer clinics on the open water in Sunbury introduce spinnaker and trapeze for 420 sailing and Laser racing. By learning to sense the slightest shifts and changes in the wind, students experience the satisfaction of sailing boats both swiftly and precisely.     
For older school-aged sailing enthusiasts, Savannah Sailing Center provides a practice venue, coach and boats. Students at Benedictine Military School, St. Vincent's Academy and Jenkins and Richmond Hill high schools already use the center's resources. The Savannah Sailing Center welcomes any area school that would like to start a sailing program.
Thanks to Carrie Rohde, who lives in Richmond Hill, sailing has become the most popular sports team at Richmond Hill High School. She has made a huge difference to the sport of sailing by turning people who have never sailed before into passionate competitors. In recognition of her contributions to the sport, the U.S. Olympic Sailing Committee honored Rohde as one of only three recipients of a 2008 Coach of the Year Award.
The Savannah Sailing Center also offers a U.S. Sailing Level I instructors' course. The overall goal of the program is to produce highly qualified instructors. The course prepares experienced sailors to teach in a safer, creative and more effective manner.
For more information on the Savannah Sailing Center and any of its programs, go to www.savannahsailingcenter.org or call 912-352-9996.

Nan Marshall is a freelance writer who is based in Savannah.