College sailors set

the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association (ICSA) National Championships are fast approaching

While balancing course loads, core curriculums and grade-point averages, college sailors around the country have worked all year long to earn their ticket to the final playoffs – the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association (ICSA) National Championships. From 161 eligible schools, 25 have “made the grade” and qualified to send their best sailors to compete for the three championship titles on the line: the ICSA National Women's Dinghy Championship (with racing scheduled for May 24-26), will be followed by the ICSA/Layline National Team Race Championship (May 28-30) and, finally, the ICSA/Gill National Coed Dinghy Championship (May 31-June 2).

The action will take place on the Cooper River as the College of Charleston Cougars host the visiting teams at their J. Stewart Walker, Jr. Sailing Complex. Located in the Patriots Point Marina (Point Pleasant, S.C.), the complex is adjacent to the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum where spectators will be welcome aboard the legendary World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown for a prime spot from which to watch racing.

In addition to southern hospitality, George Wood, College of Charleston’s Head Coach, said competitors are “guaranteed beautiful weather and winds around 10-15 knots,” which is sure to be a big hit with the sailors, many of whom tested the venue during three events hosted by Charleston last February

Documenting the action from the coed dinghy championship, noted sailing commentator Gary Jobson (Annapolis, Md.) will produce a one-hour program for ESPNU, the network devoted entirely to college sports. The 2006 ICSA/Gill National Championship is set to air June 10, 11, 19, 22 and 29.