For a glimpse into the future of Charleston Race Week, head down to the docks of the Stewart Walker Sailing Center at Patriots Point.

That facility that serves as home base for the College of Charleston intercollegiate sailing team has welcomed several junior teams that are competing at Charleston Race Week 2021.

Mark Newman, sailing instructor at South Carolina Yacht Club in Hilton Head, is largely responsible for organizing the contingent of teenagers. Four of six boats in J/22 class are crewed entirely by junior sailors, while another is competing in the J/70 class.

"We brought all our juniors and sent emails out to other clubs in the area asking if they wanted to send some as well," Newman said. "We've got 15 total juniors racing this year and we're very pleased with that turnout."

South Carolina Yacht Club has two boats in J/22 class with James Pine and Neil Bunce serving as skippers. Pine, a 12-year-old Mount Pleasant resident, is a member of the United States Optimist Dinghy Association national team.

"We went out (Thursday) and practiced for two or three hours to get to know the boat, so I think we're ready," Pine said. "It's hard to sail these boats compared to an Opti. There are a lot of lines to worry about."

Pine was not about to offer predictions about the team's performance other than to say the biggest goal was to beat the other junior teams. "We're going to scope out the competition today and get a better idea where we stand within the fleet," he said.

Damien Beisner is skippering a J/22 entry representing Lake Lanier Sailing Club in Flowery Branch, Georgia. Augusta Sailing Club in Evans, Georgia also sent a junior crew led by Nathan Bowen. All four boats are borrowed from College of Charleston sailing.

Beisner and Lake Lanier set the pace among the junior teams on opening day of Charleston Race Week, placing second in Race 1 and taking third in Race 2 en route to totaling 10 points. Yem, owned by Mount Pleasant resident Justin DaMore, took the early lead in J/22 class. Frederick Piasecki from Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia stood second after Day 1.

"This is a chance for these kids to play with national and world champs. Just soaking up the atmosphere of such a major regatta is valuable for them," Newman said. "The experience they are gaining is tenfold."

Meanwhile, Wyatt Norman is skippering Vortex, a J/70 owned by South Carolina Yacht Club. Norman's goal was to finish in the top half of the 29-boat fleet - a lofty goal considering the class is loaded with professionals.

"Our main goal is to go out and have fun and learn as much as we can," Norman said.

by Bill Wagner