Wed, Jul 22Charleston Yacht ClubWith so much new activity surrounding Spirit, let's gather and get everyone up to speed. We will open up the floor for discussion.
Sun, Jul 19Charleston Maritime CenterYour introduction or reintroduction to Spirit of South Carolina. This course is designed to bring everyone up to speed starting with Tall Ships 101 and ending with Advanced on water training.
Events Calendar
The Sounding Line
DEPTH CHECK – NEWSLETTER & UPDATES
Spirit makes ready for COI renewal.
Along with the recent influx of new volunteers trained and the internal promotion of long-time volunteers in to paid crew, Spirit has taken it's latest steps towards renewing her USCG Certificate of Inspection and satisfying grant requirements from the SC250 commission, which allows her to carry passengers for hire under the organizations many new program initiatives. This week, the vessel's crew and electrician replaced outdated monitoring systems for Spirit's twin Cummins QSB 5.9l turbodiesel engines. The new Seaboard Marine SMX data system is a streamlined system compared the previous display, removing excessive wiring loom and date modules, and allowing for simpler system expansion.
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Our Story
For 20 years the Spirit of South Carolina has delivered educational and hands-on sailing programs that teach history, maritime proficiency, leadership, and teamwork. Serving as stewards of the Lowcountry’s maritime heritage, our organization fosters connection and advocacy among communities.
Our Strategy
Through hands-on participation aboard a working tall ship, Spirit of South Carolina develops capable sea farers — building skills, sea time, and leadership through hands-on training, while stewarding the Lowcountry’s maritime heritage and the lived stories of those who shaped it.
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Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on our volunteer opportunities, programs, and partnerships.
Become Involved
Spirit of South Carolina relies on volunteers who are curious, committed, and ready to participate.
Volunteer crew support sailing operations, training, and shipboard life while learning practical maritime skills and gaining experience on a traditionally rigged vessel. Roles are structured, supervised, and aligned with the vessel’s current phase of operation.
Volunteering here is not about watching from the sidelines—it’s about showing up, learning, and contributing as part of a crew.
Learn more about joining the volunteer crew.
Donations fund the essentials that make our mission possible.
Your contribution supports the development and delivery of educational programs rooted in the Lowcountry’s maritime heritage, personal & workforce development, and history.
Whether you choose to give once or provide ongoing support, your contribution strengthens the foundation that allows Spirit of South Carolina to sail, teach, and serve responsibly.
Support our programming.
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Spirit of South Carolina partners with organizations that believe meaningful learning happens through participation, responsibility, and connection to place.
Using our traditionally rigged sailing vessel as a working platform, we collaborate on programs rooted in Charleston’s maritime heritage and designed with purpose, preparation, and shared goals.
Learn more about partnerships opportunities and how Spirit can help your team make an impact.
Our Partners
Spirit of South Carolina, Inc. is proudly supported by our partners and sponsors. Institutional partners help generate necessary funding and strategic support to create impactful programming. Program sponsors provide funding, logistics, and support staff for individual program initiatives.
Crew Spotlight
Carin Bloom - Bonsun's Mate
Carin Bloom has been a fixture aboard Spirit of South Carolina long before she held a title, and her promotion to Bosun's Mate is a recognition of exactly that kind of earned trust. Working alongside Bosun Bryan Oliver, Carin will take on general deck duties while leading the crew and volunteer pipeline — handling outreach, scheduling, and training for everyone who comes aboard. Five months into her role as Education and Programming Director, she has already demonstrated how much she cares about how people experience this vessel from the inside; now, in her expanded role on deck, she brings that same investment to the people who make the work possible. Congrats, Carin!
Reach Out
If you have general questions or comments, please send it here.
It's faster than a message in a bottle.
@spiritofsc
