Aerial view of the sailboat Esprit de Joy on Charleston Harbor with the Ravenel Bridge behind
Before you sail

Plan your sail

Parking, packing tips and quick answers before you board.

  • Arrive 15 minutes early
  • 2.5-hour sail
  • Up to 6 guests
  • BYOB welcome
  • Parking next door

Getting to the marina

We sail from The Harborage at Ashley Marina, 33 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29401. Your captain will meet you in the parking lot in front of the three-story gray building with the green roof, 15 minutes before your sail. We leave 5 minutes after departure time.

Option 1: Uber, Lyft or taxi

Set your drop-off to The Harborage at Ashley Marina, not Safe Harbor City Marina next door. The two are close together and drivers mix them up a lot.

Option 2: Drive yourself

Please don’t park at the marina. There’s no visitor parking and cars are ticketed and towed. Instead, park at the Courtyard by Marriott (35 Lockwood Dr), the yellow high-rise right next door. Buy a $15 day pass at the front desk inside the hotel. Don’t skip the pass; they do boot cars.

From the hotel it’s a one- to two-minute walk. Head up to the Lockwood Dr sidewalk (toward the street, not the water) and turn right, with the hotel behind you. Look for the blue Harborage Marina sign and the gray building.

What to bring

Pack light. Space is tight and the breeze is cool.

You bring

  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • A hat and a light layer
  • Closed-toe, non-marking shoes
  • Drinks, snacks and ice

We provide

  • Water and a cooler
  • Koozies
  • Souvenir cups you can keep
  • Plastic champagne flutes

Please skip large rolling coolers. Want it catered? Caviar & Bananas delivers to the boat.

Cancellation Policy, Rescheduling & Weather Concerns

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations are only offered for weather, at the captain’s discretion. If the captain cancels for hazardous conditions, you can reschedule or get a full refund. No-shows are charged the full price.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Your captain will reach out the day of your sail if there’s a concern. We don’t cancel for “a chance of thunderstorms”; Charleston’s afternoon showers usually pass quickly. We do cancel for high winds, heavy rain or lightning.

Pricing, Group Size & Kids

Is the price per person?

No. The price covers the whole private boat for up to 6 guests: $500 for a daytime sail and $550 for sunset.

How many guests can come?

Up to 6 guests, including children, per U.S. Coast Guard rules. Kids under 13 wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket the whole time, and we provide them.

Food, Drinks & Onboard Rules

Can we bring food and drinks?

Yes, it’s BYOB. Beer, wine, spirits and snacks are all welcome, and catering can be delivered right to the boat. Not allowed: illegal drugs, cigars, cigarettes and vaping.

Are pets allowed?

As much as we love them, no pets on board.

The Sailing Experience

Can I help sail the boat?

If you’d like to! Your captain is happy to show you the basics and hand you the wheel for a turn. You can also help trim the sails, handle the lines or set the fenders as we leave and return to the dock. It’s never expected, so jump in as much or as little as you want.

Can you help plan a special occasion?

Absolutely: proposals, birthdays, anniversaries and retirements. See occasions.

Can we rent the boat without a captain, or stay overnight?

No. Every charter is with one of our licensed captains, and there are no overnight trips.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately not. Steps, ramps and thresholds make it unsuitable for wheelchairs or mobility devices.

Tipping Your Captain

Should I tip the captain?

Tips are never required, but they mean a lot to our crew. If your captain made your sail one to remember, 15 to 20% is customary. Pay however is easiest for you: cash, Venmo or PayPal.

Still have a question? Send us a message or call 843-256-6225.

All set? Pick your date

Only 3 private sails a day.

Check Availability
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