During the early years of Charleston Race Week, when the fleet was growing annually, organizers created a new course they called "overstock."

Event director Randy Draftz knew he needed a Charleston local to manage that course, which was tucked into an area of the harbor right off The Battery.

Draftz turned to Tommy Harken, a highly respected Charleston sailor and race officer. Harken has served as principal race officer of Course 1 ever since, expertly managing that circle and routinely receiving rave reviews from sailors.

Harken announced prior to Charleston Race Week 2021 that this will be last year as PRO of Circle 1. On Friday night, the lifelong Charleston resident was presented with the prestigious Jubilee Award for his longtime, dedicated and exemplary service to the regatta.

It marked just the fourth time the Jubilee Award was presented. Harken was taken by surprise when a party he was hosting at his home was stopped for the award ceremony.

"Since this was my swan song, I wanted to have a nice party for my race committee team and other friends I've gotten to know through the regatta," Harken said. "I was not aware of this award and certainly had no idea I'd be getting it. I was honored."

Harken got into sailing at the age of 12 with the Charleston Yacht Club junior program and the sport became a lifelong pursuit. He was a member of the intercollegiate sailing team at The Citadel then got into big boat sailing a few years after graduation. He campaigned a J/35 for many years before returning to dinghy racing, enjoying tremendous success in the MC Scow class for 15 years.

Although a past commodore of the Charleston Yacht Club, Harken is now a member of the Carolina Yacht Club. He has always been a member of the Charleston Ocean Racing Association and helped organize the old Palmetto Cup regatta. That event evolved into Charleston Race Week and Harken answered the call when asked to serve as a PRO.

"I give Randy and everyone else who has played an important role a lot of credit for turning this into a national and international regatta," Harken said. "I don't think anyone ever envisioned we would have close to 300 boats.

"This great regatta has put Charleston on the map as a great sailing destination. It has brought sailors from around the world to our great city," Harken added. "Who knows, 365 days from now I might change my mind, but for now I'm done."

Harken recently had a knee replacement that was beset by complications and standing on a rocking boat for hours on end is now difficult. He just felt it was time to pass the baton and move along.

"I've enjoyed every aspect of being part of Charleston Race Week and will always do whatever I can to support the regatta, but it just seems like the right time to step aside," said Harken, who is retired after 40 years with Martschink Construction, a grading and paving company.

Harken offered praise and gratitude to the many volunteers who have helped manage Circle 1, notably his Deputy Race Officer Harvey McCormick. Lenny Krawcheck, David Hill, Van Kinnet and Bob Miller are other longtime members of the team.