Hilton Head Island: America's Cup Sailing Yacht Cruise

Hilton Head Island offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing aboard the iconic Stars & Stripes yacht. This 1.5-hour cruise allows guests to actively participate in raising sails and steering the vessel while enjoying stunning views of Calibogue Sound. With expert guidance and fascinating historical insights, the adventure promises excitement and relaxation amidst the island’s beautiful surroundings. Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, this cruise is not to be missed.

This experience made our article of The 14 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Hilton Head Island.

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Key Points

Experience a 1.5-hour sailing cruise around Hilton Head Island on a 12-meter Stars & Stripes yacht designed by Dennis Conner.
Participate in raising sails and steering the yacht while learning sailing instruction and historical context from a live tour guide.
Relax and enjoy scenic views of Calibogue Sound with the opportunity to spot dolphins during the cruise.
Prices start from $52.95 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Arrive 45 minutes before departure and check-in at the local partner’s office below Harbour Town Lighthouse, bringing a mobile or printed boarding pass.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Cruise Overview

The 12-meter Stars & Stripes yacht, designed and raced by Dennis Conner in the 1980 America’s Cup, offers visitors a 1.5-hour sailing cruise around Hilton Head Island.

Prices start from $52.95 per person, and the cruise is likely to sell out quickly. Guests can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The cruise experience includes sailing instruction, historical context from a live tour guide, and the opportunity to participate in raising sails and steering the yacht.

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Highlights and Activities

While on the sailing cruise, guests can participate in raising the sails and steering the yacht, or simply relax and take in the scenic views around Calibogue Sound.

The live tour guide provides sailing instruction and historical context about the 12-meter Stars & Stripes yacht. Guests can keep an eye out for dolphins as they admire the surroundings.

The 1.5-hour cruise offers a memorable experience, from the hands-on sailing activities to the opportunity to explore the coastal waters of Hilton Head Island.

Meeting Information

To attend the sailing cruise, guests should arrive at the local partner’s office, located below the Harbour Town Lighthouse, 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time for check-in.

Boarding begins 30 minutes prior to departure, so guests should bring a mobile or printed boarding pass. Limited parking is available, so it’s recommended to arrive early.

The cruise requires the following:

Arrive 45 minutes before departure for check-in
Bring a mobile or printed boarding pass
Arrive early due to limited parking
Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure
Cash required for the $9 Sea Pines Resort vehicle entry fee for non-resort guests.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Hilton Head Island Sailing Yacht Cruise includes the 1.5-hour cruise, sailing instruction from the live tour guide, the crew’s services, complimentary food and drinks, and the Sea Pines Resort vehicle entry fee. However, the cruise is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. Visitors will need to pay the $9 vehicle entry fee in cash if they are not resort guests.

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

| — | — |

| Cruise | Mobility impairments |

| Sailing instruction | Cash required for vehicle entry fee |

| Crew | – |

| Food and drinks | – |

| Sea Pines Resort vehicle entry fee | – |

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Based on 140 reviews, the Hilton Head Island Sailing Yacht Cruise enjoys an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviewers praised the friendly crew, memorable experiences, and enjoyable sailing conditions.

The guide received a 4.7/5 rating, while the transportation and value for money were also highly regarded at 4.7/5 each.

The guide received a 4.7/5 rating, while the transportation and value for money were also highly regarded at 4.7/5 each.

Guests highlighted the thrill of participating in raising sails and steering the yacht.
Many were delighted to spot dolphins during the cruise around Calibogue Sound.
Travelers appreciated the historical context provided by the live tour guide.
The cruise’s inclusions, such as food, drinks, and resort fees, were considered excellent value.
Reviewers noted the cruise’s unsuitability for individuals with mobility impairments.

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Sailing on the Stars & Stripes Yacht

Guests aboard the Hilton Head Island Sailing Yacht Cruise have the opportunity to experience sailing on the iconic 12-meter Stars & Stripes yacht. This yacht was designed and raced by Dennis Conner in the 1980 America’s Cup.

Participants can actively raise the sails and steer the yacht, or simply relax and enjoy the scenic views of Calibogue Sound. The 1.5-hour cruise is led by a knowledgeable guide who provides sailing instruction and historical context.

With a duration of 1.5 hours, the cruise is likely to sell out quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.

Exploring Calibogue Sound

As the yacht glides through the waters, passengers can keep a keen eye out for the diverse marine life inhabiting Calibogue Sound.

This tidal estuary is home to:

Bottlenose dolphins gracefully swimming alongside the boat
Herons and egrets stalking the shoreline in search of prey
Ospreys soaring overhead, hunting for fish in the shallows
Loggerhead sea turtles surfacing to breathe and bask in the sun
Schools of mullet and other fish darting through the waves

The knowledgeable guide provides insights about the local ecosystem and invites guests to actively participate in the sailing experience.

FAQ

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?

According to the information provided, food and drinks are included in the cruise. Passengers are not allowed to bring their own food or drinks on board. The cruise provides everything needed for the experience.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

There is no minimum age requirement, but the cruise may not be suitable for very young children. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Advance reservations are recommended as this popular tour often sells out.

What Safety Equipment Is Provided During the Cruise?

The yacht is equipped with all necessary safety gear, including life jackets, which the crew provides and ensures each passenger wears during the cruise. The crew also provides thorough safety instructions before setting sail.

Can I Request to Be the Captain and Steer the Yacht?

The cruise allows participants to steer the yacht, though they cannot request to be the captain. The live tour guide provides sailing instruction and oversees the steering and sailing activities throughout the cruise.

Are There Any Photography Restrictions During the Cruise?

There are no explicit photography restrictions during the cruise. Guests are generally free to take photos as desired, though they may be asked to avoid interfering with the crew’s operations. Respectful photography is encouraged to capture the sailing experience.

Sum Up

Sailing on the iconic Stars & Stripes yacht offers a thrilling experience on Hilton Head Island. Guests can actively participate in the sailing process while enjoying stunning views of Calibogue Sound and the chance to spot dolphins. With expert guidance and historical insights, this adventure promises both excitement and relaxation in a beautiful setting, making it an unforgettable experience.