Fellowship on the Water
Sailing the Southeast with the Geechee Sailing Club.
When trying to determine the best places to set sail, it pays to ask the experts. The Geechee Sailing Club, based in Savannah, Georgia, is a member of the South Atlantic Yacht Racing Association and US Sailing, and has operated as a non-profit recreational club since 1971. Dedicated to educating boaters about Southeastern waterways while fostering fellowship among enthusiasts, the club has drawn generations of members to its monthly meetings, weekend cruises, and quarterly socials.
“Our motto is Fellowship on the Water,” says Angela Margolit, Commodore of the Geechee Sailing Club. That spirit extends to hosting the largest and oldest race in Savannah — the St. Patrick’s Regatta, now in its 47th year. We sat down with Margolit and Communications Chair and Past Commodore Linda Howard to talk about must-sail destinations from the club’s perspective. “Our members share their experiences through our many activities — and often by physically assisting each other when needed,” Howard adds.
Club Recommendations on Must-Sail Locations in the Southeast
North Carolina: The Great Dismal Swamp
South Carolina: Charleston, Georgetown, Beaufort, Hilton Head
Georgia: Savannah, Brunswick, Jekyll Island/St. Simons, Cumberland Island/St. Mary’s
Florida: Fernandina Beach, Ortega (Jacksonville), St. John’s River, St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, Stuart, Indian River, West Palm Beach
Out of these destinations there are a few that stand out, one of which being Jekyll Island as one of the most beautiful islands in the southeast, according to Margolit. “You can take a trolley tour through the historic district, bike on the numerous wide oak-tree lined paths, or go horseback riding on the beach,” Margolit says, noting also that the area’s Driftwood Beach is a must-see at low tide.
What unites these locations is their history, natural beauty, and amenities — not to mention their access to the Intracoastal Waterway. “We straddle the ICW, which offers the best of both worlds,” Howard explains. “If in a sailboat, you can elect to stay on the outside for a more direct course to your destination (and avoid traffic if sailing through the night), or duck into the ICW when the weather turns - or you need fuel, supplies, or repairs. If in a power boat, you can stay on the ICW and enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of our low country,” Howard notes.
For those willing to explore beyond the usual stops, anchorages abound at the barrier islands, Port 32 at Ortega Landing, Brunswick Landing Marina, and Palatka. One destination growing in popularity is Daufuskie Island. “There you can dock or anchor nearby, rent a golf cart, and explore bird-nesting areas, historic cemeteries, iron art sculptures, Calibogue Sound beaches — and even sample hand-crafted spirits at the island distillery,” Margolit says. For calmer cruising, the pair recommend Beaufort and Charleston, as well as waterways closer to Savannah like the Vernon and Wilmington Rivers. These inland routes offer lush shorelines and abundant wildlife, even dolphin sightings.
A key way the Geechee Sailing Club supports both members and visitors is by sharing local knowledge. From detailed charts noting bridge heights, depths, tides, and shifting sandbars to updates on marina renovations that may affect passage planning, the club serves as a valuable resource for boaters of all experience levels. To learn more about membership or attend a meeting, visit geecheesailingclub.org.
