Finding Home on the Water: Captain Bill Kahn launches GT Sailing Adventures on Winyah Bay

By Karen Owens, Publisher

For Bill Kahn, sailing has never been just a pastime. It’s been a lifelong thread—one that began in childhood, passed down from his father, and carried with him through every chapter of his life. Today, that passion has found new purpose with the launch of his charter business, GT Sailing Adventures, offering relaxed sailing experiences on the quiet waters of Winyah Bay.

A South Carolina native, Bill learned to sail at an early age and was drawn to the water long before it became a vocation. After graduating from Georgia Tech, he and his wife, Karen, moved to New York, where they spent more than two decades raising their three children and braving long, cold winters far from the coast that had always felt like home.

Once their children were grown, the pull of the Lowcountry proved irresistible. The couple returned to South Carolina, settling near Winyah Bay to be closer to family—and the water. It was there that a long-held dream finally took shape.

Owning a sailboat had always been on Bill’s wish list. Today, he sails the coastal waters aboard his 43-foot Dufour sailing yacht, Sea Said Yes, sharing the experience with others through small-group charters designed to be unhurried, comfortable, and welcoming. 

As retirement from a 40-year career in sales approached, Bill decided to turn his lifelong passion into a full-time pursuit. After earning his U.S. Coast Guard license, he began offering sailing adventures to local charities, donating trips for fundraising auctions. GT Sailing Adventures grew from a simple idea: share the joy of sailing while showcasing the natural beauty of Winyah Bay and the surrounding Lowcountry.

Captain Bill is fully licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard, and Sea Said Yes meets all required safety and inspection standards. His charters run at an easy pace, emphasizing laid-back sailing rather than rigid schedules or high-energy itineraries.

All trips take place aboard Sea Said Yes, a 43-foot Dufour sailing yacht built for stability and comfort. The vessel’s wide beam provides steady sailing and generous deck space, making it easy for guests to relax while underway.

Sailing on Winyah Bay offers a perspective of the Lowcountry that few experience—wide, quiet waters bordered by undeveloped barrier islands and historic landholdings. The bay stretches from the Georgetown waterfront to the open Atlantic, with protected waters and consistent coastal winds well suited for comfortable sailing.

The shoreline reveals long, uninterrupted views of places such as Hobcaw Barony, Cat Island, and North Island—areas that remain largely unchanged and distinctly Lowcountry in character. Depending on conditions, guests may pass historic markers like the remains of the Harvest Moon shipwreck or catch distant views of the Georgetown Lighthouse.

GT Sailing Adventures hosts small-group sails with a maximum of six guests onboard. Each cruise includes insights into the history of Georgetown and Hobcaw Barony, but the focus remains on time on the water rather than a scripted itinerary. Guests are welcome to take part in the sailing or simply sit back and enjoy the ride. Snacks and drinks are provided, and no prior sailing experience is required.

Charter options include a three-hour afternoon excursion priced at $125 per person, as well as a shorter sunset cruise for $85. All trips depart from Georgetown Landing Marina, located at 432 Marina Drive in Georgetown.

For Captain Bill Kahn, GT Sailing Adventures is more than a business—it’s an invitation to slow down, step aboard, and see the Lowcountry from a different point of view.