South Carolina's Only Tall Ship.

The Spirit of South Carolina is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational experiences that change lives.

Our Mission

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.

The Sounding Line

NEWSLETTER & SHIPS BLOG

COI Training Drills – Getting Underway with Captain James Peters

A note about the 8/18 & 8/19 drills Due to the extreme temperature and humidity, these training days have been cancelled. Anyone who was signed up is highly encouraged to sign up for underway training days, which will satisfy the training requirements for the Inspection. Upcoming Underway Drills This week, we are excited to announce that we will be hosting a comprehensive series of underway drills, all meticulously organized under the expert command of Captain James Peters. C

Adam

2 days ago2 min read

Spirit of South Carolina's Volunteer Blog restarts under the SpiritofSC.org website.

The Volunteer Blog which has sustained information and knowledge sharing for Volunteers and interested readers since 2019 is "transferring the colors" from "blogspot.com to our new home within Spirit of South Carolina's website. Volunteer Blog to be continued as part of SpiritofSC.org The legacy Volunteer Blog will be accessible via .pdf files, once the spiritofsouthcarolina.blogspot.com website is retired at the end of it's subscription period. The resources available to r

bryan0489

Aug 41 min read

Captain John Beebe-Center takes command of the Spirit of South Carolina on a temporary contract.

Captain John Beebe-Center has spent the better part of three decades commanding traditional vessels on some of the most demanding waters in the world. He came aboard Spirit of South Carolina on June 19 for our return to service period, and his arrival represents something this organization has been working toward: a captain whose experience matches the scale of what this ship was built to do. His record in tall ships alone is remarkable. He served as captain of Schooner Amist

Adam

Jun 232 min read

Join The Sounding Line

Upcoming Events

COI Drills Underway 8/21

Aug 21, 2026, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Charleston Maritime Center, 10 Wharfside St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

To accommodate volunteers’ schedules we’re hosting multiple days. This day will be underway with Capt James. Before we can complete the COI renewal process , we must train as a team on safety drills and protocols. DRILLS: - Fire Fighting - Man Overboard - Abandon Ship

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1 day to the event

COI Drills Underway 8/22

Aug 22, 2026, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Charleston Maritime Center, 10 Wharfside St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

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Become Involved

VOLUNTEER

Spirit of South Carolina relies on volunteers who are curious, committed, and ready to participate.

Volunteer crew supports 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.

MAKE A DONATION

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.

PARTNER WITH US

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.

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

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!