CHARLESTON SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Tall-ship tasting: Loire wines and Charleston Harbor on the Schooner Pride
A two-hour sail aboard an 84-foot, three‑masted schooner serving five Loire Valley wines and light hors d'oeuvres while tracing Charleston Harbor sights.
Tall-ship tasting: Loire wines and Charleston Harbor on the Schooner Pride.
Board the Schooner Pride for a relaxed, hands-on sail through Charleston Harbor: an intimate tasting aboard an authentic 84‑foot tall ship that pairs five Loire Valley wines with light hors d'oeuvres as the vessel slips past the Battery, Fort Sumter, and the Arthur Ravenel Bridge.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
An authentic tall ship
The Schooner Pride is an 84‑foot, three‑mast schooner modeled on classic coastal trading vessels; it is USCG‑certified and carries up to 49 passengers, offering the character of a ship from the great days of sail.
Five Loire wines with light hors d'oeuvres
Onboard pours include five wines from the Loire Valley served with light hors d'oeuvres, a focused tasting menu designed to pair with the relaxed rhythm of the sail.
Harbor scenery and wildlife
The route showcases Charleston Harbor landmarks and frequent wildlife sightings—dolphins, pelicans, and coastal birdlife—while offering views of Castle Pinckney, the old waterfront, and the Arthur Ravenel Bridge.
What the day feels like
What it feels like to be aboard
The sail is relaxed and convivial: after boarding at the Aquarium Wharf you can help hoist the sails if you wish, then settle onto bench seating as the Pride rides the harbor breeze. Crew members are friendly and available to point out sites of interest while you sample the tasting menu and watch the city skyline and bridge pass by.
THE SHIP
An authentic tall ship
The Schooner Pride is an 84‑foot, three‑mast schooner modeled on classic coastal trading vessels; it is USCG‑certified and carries up to 49 passengers, offering the character of a ship from the great days of sail.
THE TASTING
Five Loire wines with light hors d'oeuvres
Onboard pours include five wines from the Loire Valley served with light hors d'oeuvres, a focused tasting menu designed to pair with the relaxed rhythm of the sail.
THE HARBOR
Harbor scenery and wildlife
The route showcases Charleston Harbor landmarks and frequent wildlife sightings—dolphins, pelicans, and coastal birdlife—while offering views of Castle Pinckney, the old waterfront, and the Arthur Ravenel Bridge.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this sail suits—and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Scheduled duration is listed as 2 hours; individual trips and descriptions also reference a 90‑minute tasting sail—confirm timing when booking.
Boarding and return take place at the Aquarium Wharf in Charleston, SC; confirm pier and arrival time on your ticket.
Dress comfortably and weather‑appropriate; expect it to be 5–10 degrees cooler on the water. Soft‑soled shoes are recommended; bring a light jacket for evening sails. Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are advised.
No outside beverages allowed; sodas, water, beer and wine are available for purchase (credit card only). The Schooner Pride is USCG‑inspected and life jackets are carried for all guests.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Can I get a refund or reschedule my tickets after buying them?
Tickets cannot be refunded or rescheduled once purchased because space is guaranteed; if the captain cancels for weather, the operator will offer a reschedule or issue a credit.
What will we see on the sail?
While wind and conditions influence the exact route, the crew typically heads south from the Aquarium Wharf past the Battery, east toward Fort Johnson and Fort Sumter, then by the Yorktown/Patriots Point toward the Arthur Ravenel Bridge, passing Castle Pinckney and the old waterfront on the way back.
Is there narration during the sail?
The crew will point out places of interest and can speak one‑on‑one about harbor history and ocean life, but the sail is not heavily narrated.
Can I bring my own drinks aboard?
No—outside beverages are not permitted. Sodas, water, beer and wine are available for purchase onboard; the operator accepts credit cards only.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably and for the weather; it is usually 5–10 degrees cooler on the water. Soft‑soled shoes and a light jacket for sunset sails are recommended.
Is the Schooner Pride safe and steady? Will I get seasick?
The Schooner Pride is a USCG‑inspected vessel and is described as a steady, smooth sail; seasickness is uncommon, though guests who normally take motion‑sickness medication may wish to do so.
Are pets allowed onboard?
Only bona fide service animals are allowed; pets and emotional support animals are not permitted.
Are there restrooms and seating onboard?
Yes. The vessel has a marine head located below decks (access via stairs) and bench‑style seating for guests.