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.
Join The Sounding Line
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Become Involved
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.
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.
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
Andi Wyldlander - Captain
The Spirit of South Carolina has a new captain. Captain Andi Wyldlander brings thirty years of sailing experience to the ship. He began his career aboard schooners in California, teaching maritime history to fourth and fifth graders. Training new crew has stayed at the center of his work ever since. More recently, this spring he helped sail the schooner Appledore IV from Provincetown to Boston for Sail Boston 250. He also has had the rare and prestigious opportunity to captain the historic schooner When and If, famously owned by General George Patton.
His first priority is completing the ship's Certificate of Inspection. On Monday, September 21, he took Spirit out with crew and volunteers, and ran the through man-overboard, fire, and abandon-ship drills. He set sails again Tuesday, ahead of a program development day with Furman University. Captain Andi brings enthusiasm and energy and is a welcome addition to our organization.
Please introduce yourself when you see him on the dock.
Reach Out
If you have general questions or comments, please send it here.
It's faster than a message in a bottle.
@spiritofsc
