Set sail and venture out on the pristine waters that surround beautiful Hilton Head Island.  Slicing through the sparkling water aboard a sail boat, with the warm sun shining above and the fresh wind blowing through your hair, invigorates the senses and relaxes the mind, providing the perfect excursion for lovers, families or friends. There’s no finer way to enjoy the temperate climate, verdant coastline and bountiful marine world of Hilton Head than by sailing the beautiful waterways around it.

    The numerous sailing charters and rentals in Hilton Head offer an array of charters and tours, from small (two to six passengers) or large group (up to 49 passengers) charters to bareboat rentals, from sunset and moonlight cruises to all day excursions and dinner cruises.  Sail on the fast catamarans, a large schooner or cutter, or a smaller sailboat just for two.

    Most charters offer morning, afternoon, sunset and moonlight cruises. Some will take you out to watch the summer fireworks displays.  You might like to try a sailing dinner cruise. You’ll also find that most companies invite you to bring along your own beverages (yes, even adult) and snacks, but will be happy to provide catering services if need be.

    The waters of Hilton Head have been carefully nurtured and protected, offering visitors the rare opportunity to watch friendly dolphins and catch glimpses of the magnificent loggerhead sea turtle, who visits the sandy shore at night to burry eggs in the soft sand.

    Sailing by the scenic marshlands and shorelines of Hilton Head will also offer those aboard a chance to observe unique birds, such as the snowy egret, great blue heron and osprey. Enjoy the romance of a fire-lit sunset sky while gliding through the calm waters with a cool drink in hand.

    Chartered sailing excursions will take you through the Broad Creek, Calibogue and Port Royal Sounds, giving you glimpses of the most coveted water-front property in the Lowcountry as well as natural, untouched land that provides a habitat for hundreds of species of birds.

    If you are looking for a fun afternoon or an evening sunset sail with your family or friends, consider the smooth sailing catamarans “Flying Circus” and “Pau Hana” (843-686-2582), both sailing out of Palmetto Bay Marina (86 Helmsman Way) on beautiful Broad Creek. In their 22nd year of operation, they offer daily dolphin watch excursions that are perfect for all ages as well as a “Happy Hour Sunset Sail,” their specialty and an island favorite. The 53-foot “Pau Hana” is very family-friendly with plenty of walk-around deck space and wonderful 360-degree panoramic views, easily accommodating 49 passengers. The 30-foot “Flying Circus” is fast and fun, offering a private and intimate sailing cruise limited to six passengers.  They also offer Tuesday night Fireworks cruises during the summer.  All trips are narrated by the lively and knowledgeable crew and customized to those on board.

    The “Stars & Stripes” (843-363-9446), berthed at the Harbour Town Yacht Basin (149 Lighthouse Road) in the Sea Pines Resort, is the Island’s only 12-meter America’s Cup vessel and offers an array of sailing trips. Enjoy a two-hour sunset cruise to end that perfect day, or take your crew on a 90-minute voyage, discovering new vistas of Hilton Head and making friends with the local sea life.

    Charter a exhilarating sail on the 38-foot trimaran “Sumo” (843-671-4386).  This sleek six-passenger craft quietly flies across Calibogue Sound, but because of its three-haul construction, it is sturdy, safe and fun for all ages.  Weather permitting, you’ll be half-way to Tybee Island before you know it.  “Sumo” operates daily year-around, and offers hourly, half-day and full-day charters as well as a classy Sunset Cruise.  For those who are adventuresome, you can even be part of the crew.  “Sumo” launches from the Harbour Town Yacht Basin at 149 Lighthouse Road in the Sea Pines Resort.

    If you would like to go on your own private sailing adventure, you could rent a sailboat or catamaran from Commander Zodiac (843-671-3344) who also offers lessons in Hobie Cats and Sunfish.  They are located at South Beach Marina, 232 South Sea Pines Drive in the Sea Pines Resort.

    For more information, see our Ad Directory under Sailing Charters & Instruction.

    Also see “Things To Do” #4, #7, #18, #19, #21, #23, and #33.

Photo courtesy of Ed Funk