Anchored in Community

From the Georgetown Wooden Boat Show to a thriving Youth Sailing Program & Raffle, we dive in with the South Carolina Maritime Museum on how it continues to make waves across the Lowcountry.

Q: For readers who may not be familiar with your organization, can you tell us about the South Carolina Maritime Museum and its mission?

A: The South Carolina Maritime Museum, operated by the nonprofit Harbor Historical Association, has been preserving and sharing South Carolina's maritime heritage for nearly 30 years. Located on Georgetown's historic waterfront, the museum welcomes visitors from across the country to explore exhibits, attend educational programs, and connect with the stories that shaped our coast.

The organization also hosts the Georgetown Wooden Boat Show, one of the largest wooden boat shows in the Southeast. What began as a small gathering of wooden boat enthusiasts has grown into a regional event attracting more than 20,000 attendees annually while serving as the museum's largest fundraiser. Today, the show is a cornerstone event for both our organization and the Georgetown community.

Q: In recent years, the museum has become known for its Youth Sailing Program. How has that program grown?

A: We believe preserving our heritage isn't just about telling stories from the past. It's also about creating the next generation of boaters and stewards of our waterways.

Our Youth Sailing Program began as a way to introduce local children to sailing and water safety. Since then, it has grown into a year-round program serving more than 100 youth annually through summer camps, after-school sailing, regattas, and instructor development. We've watched young sailors progress from complete beginners to racers, mentors, and instructors.

Community support has played a major role in that growth, helping us provide scholarships and expand access so more children can experience life on the water regardless of financial circumstances.

Q: You've recently launched a Chris-Craft raffle to support the program. Tell us about it.

A: We are currently raffling a classic 1979 Chris-Craft Tournament Fisherman that was generously donated to benefit our Youth Sailing Program. Every ticket purchased supports scholarships, vessel maintenance, and the resources needed to safely operate a quality program.

The raffle offers a unique opportunity for someone to win a beautiful classic boat while helping us expand access for local youth. Most importantly, it helps us continue our mission of connecting young people to the water and preserving our maritime heritage through hands-on experience.

Q: Why does this work matter?

A: Sailing builds confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. It encourages young people to step outside their comfort zones and develop a lifelong appreciation for the water and the environment around them.

For us, success isn't measured simply by the number of boats on the water. It's measured by the young people who discover new confidence, learn valuable life skills, and develop a connection to the water that will stay with them their entire life.

To learn more about the South Carolina Maritime Museum, our Youth Sailing Program, or the Chris-Craft raffle, visit us online at scmaritimemuseum.org or stop by the museum on Georgetown's historic waterfront.

Photos courtesy of South Carolina Maritime Museum.