Spirit of South Carolina

10/27/2021

08/29/2021

03/01/2021

When the spotlight is on you, think of those who came before, and those yet to come. Remember why you're here now.

Ship. Shipmate. Self

12/28/2020

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! Now it’s time to raise the glass towards the horizon, set a new course, and sail into 2021!

12/22/2020

Another great neighbor visited our fine harbor recently! Here is the Schooner Harvey Gamage departing after a weekend in Charleston. Nearing the end of a program with students they are bound for Georgia with a bone in their teeth in front of the USS Yorktown.

12/02/2020

Fair winds Schooner Roseway! it was good to have you as a neighbor!

11/30/2020

More fun with socially distanced maintenance! Thanks to our volunteer corps for prepping the masts for coatings and slush!

11/03/2020

A ship cannot be run as a democracy. Good thing this fine nation is no ship!

10/29/2020

Some before, during, and after photos of the hard work our amazing volunteers have continued to accomplish during these strange times of social distancing wooden ship upkeep! Pilar the ships cat knows good varnish when she sees it! Thank to our volunteers!

08/11/2020

Check out this video of Spirit, her crew, and students! If you find yourself in a place where you’re able to help support Charleston’s only Sailing School Vessel please donate to our PayPal at PayPal.me/spiritofsc

Every bit helps during these uncertain times. And we can’t wait to get back out on the water with you!

https://vimeo.com/441064712/00ac5c73d1

This is "Spirit of SC (Final Cut)" by Practical Effect on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

06/25/2020

10 years ago today the International Maritime Organization designated June 25th as the Day of the Seafarer. Typically a day of celebration for all of the hard working men & women who risk their lives upon ships at sea to provide all of us with the goods and resources we need. Did you know that 90% of the worlds goods & resources are delivered by ships?! This year Spirit of South Carolina and her crew want to acknowledge the daily struggle of our fine mariners with a resounding thank you. 2020 has been exceptionally difficult for professional seafarers due to the pandemic, with many stuck or stranded on vessels for much longer than usual. Some well after their contracts are up. The worlds economy depends on these fine human beings and we should all recognize that and support them. Three cheers for seafarers! HIP HIP HUZZAH! (The flags shown are from the nations Spirit visited during her most recent semester at sea) ⚓

06/21/2020

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! May the wind always be at your back!

06/04/2020

This Throwback Thursday we’re rolling into foggy Friday with these shots of us on a fine Canadian day in June 2017. Off the coast of eastern Nova Scotia! It’s out there somewhere!

05/12/2020

A quick shoutout to our volunteer crew for some fantastic at home projects made for the ship! We have kept the crew aboard to a minimum but our fantastic volunteer corps still wanted to help out from a safe distance. Top left: an upgraded galley accessory holder. Top right: line storage bag and bosun’s chair. Bot left: repurposed sail bosun’s chair. & finally our volunteer coordinator Bryan Oliver making a sun cover for the rescue boat’s gas tank! Let us know if you have any side projects you’ve gotten into due to social distancing! Thank you SOSC Volunteers!

05/06/2020

The Lowcountry sure has a lot to offer, especially from the deck of a fine sailing ship. Whether it’s the view, the wildlife and habitat, or just the joy of being on the water that draws you to it, Spirit of South Carolina can’t wait to be there with you soon. But we need your help! As a 501(c)(3) non profit sailing school the current health and economic crisis has put a pause to our programming. Spirit of South Carolina is dedicated to providing remarkable experiences in education under sail to folks of all ages. As such we are determined to get back to the salt sea air, the wind in the rigging, and the spray on our faces with you. If you are able please donate at paypal.me/spiritofsc. Even the smallest amount helps keep the ship and the crew in seaworthy shape so that when the time for social distancing comes to an end we can cast our dock lines and set sail with no hesitation!

Drone pic: James Bell
Other pics: Dan Cleveland

04/23/2020

In recognition of Earth Day and these strange times we are all going through, Spirit of South Carolina and it’s crew want to bring a little light to the world. Although we can’t go sailing with y’all right now we know that if we all do our part in keeping our loved ones, our community, and our environment healthy the day will soon come when we can get back on the water and celebrate the beauty of this planet Earth!

Often during difficult times it becomes easy to see only the negative side of things, to lose motivation, or to let fear and anxiety bog us down. But while we’re all adjusting to a lifestyle of distance, hardship, and change, let’s try to keep in mind that no one is alone in this. Your struggles may be different than that of your neighbors but we are all in this together. For those of us that work on ships at sea the awareness of community and the need for teamwork becomes very apparent from day one of the voyage. If you are able to support people and businesses in need right now please do so, and if you are in need don’t hesitate to reach out. Charleston, the low country, and this nation have been through worse by sticking together. We are all voyaging through this storm so let’s ease the sheets a bit, mind our course and soon we’ll get through the gale.

“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. A leader adjusts the sails” - John Maxwell -

To the essential workers out there, our grocery and delivery employees, our community services and infrastructure staff, and of course overwhelmingly to our Nurses, Doctors, and Respiratory Therapists on the front lines we say three cheers to you!

Hip Hip Huzzah! Hip Hip Huzzah! Hip Hip Huzzah!

03/11/2020

Are you looking to take advantage of what is shaping up to be a beautiful weekend? Spirit of South Carolina Inc is hosting a slew of events to celebrate the arrival of the Coast Guard’s Barque ‘Eagle’.

Come down and spend an evening aboard, with topics of discussion to include education at sea, experiential learning, and semester programs. Drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served, as we enjoy the scenic venue that is the Charleston Maritime Center.

On Sunday, when the ‘Eagle’ departs, join us for a sail to es**rt her out; much like the ‘Frances Elizabeth’ might have done 150 years ago. 3 hours on the harbor, brunch, and the sights and sounds of Charleston Harbor provide the perfect backdrop for two elegant tall ships.