About Us > History

Founded in August 2000 by a group with passionate maritime interests, the South Carolina Maritime Foundation is a public, non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization established for the express purpose of reviving interest in the state's important maritime history. Specifically, its mission is to celebrate and make more accessible for all South Carolinians the region's rich maritime heritage. The organization seeks to accomplish this through the creation of several central elements including a classic tall ship, an annual maritime festival, the annual Charleston Race Week, the bi-annual Charleston to Bermuda Race, and an ongoing educational outreach.

Initially, the fundamental component of this endeavor was the construction of a classic tall ship christened The Spirit of South Carolina. This vessel serves as an icon for the organization, animating the historical nature of its work and providing a platform to carry out its youth oriented educational programs.

The first educational sails with students began on October 1, 2007, and the season ended two months later on December 5, 2007.  The Sea Spray Scouts day sail program serviced nine school districts from across the state of South Carolina, including more than 1,000 students.  Unanimously, the teachers surveyed stated that the experience met their expectations.  Feedback from the educators was consistent in expressing that the educational experience onboard was very helpful in explaining concepts that are difficult to communicate effectively in the classroom.  Collectively, these teachers expressed enormous enthusiasm for the ship as a platform for learning.

History of Accomplishments

• Successfully advocated for city land to build the tall ship at Ansonborough Field
• Recruited the city's most prominent individuals to support the project
• Attained the services of renown designer group for ship architecture
• Sought out and received significant product contributions to lower budget
• Developed an international yacht race and one of the nation’s largest regattas to support the SCMF and the Spirit
• Developed an annual HarborFest to benefit the SCMF and the Spirit
• Attained national recognition in USA Today & Smithsonian Magazine
• Launched the completed ship on March 4, 2007
• Collaborated with Bauer International to co-host the Captain’s Cup Golf Tournament to benefit the children of Cainhoy aboard the Spirit.

"This project will reflect the pride, craftsmanship, resourcefulness, and ingenuity of generations of South Carolinians, and deserves the support of the citizens of the entire state."
- Charleston, SC Mayor Joseph P. Riley