South Carolina’s Tall Ship set to sail into the 37th Annual Georgetown Wooden Boat Show

Georgetown’s historic waterfront is preparing to welcome a distinguished guest this autumn. The Spirit of South Carolina, South Carolina’s beloved 140-foot traditional tall ship, will dock along Georgetown’s Harborwalk as part of the 37th Annual Georgetown Wooden Boat Show, taking place October 17–18, 2026.

The vessel is scheduled to arrive on October 15 and will remain in port through October 19. Her visit marks a significant milestone made possible by recent dredging completed in the Sampit River earlier this summer, which cleared the deep-water access required for a vessel of this magnitude to reach downtown Georgetown. 

Built by hand to carry the rich heritage of the Lowcountry’s working watermen into a contemporary context, the Spirit of South Carolina serves as a floating classroom offering hands-on, participatory educational programs.

“Involvement in the Wooden Boat Show is an exceptional opportunity to be surrounded by other wooden vessels of all kinds, and for us to showcase what we can accomplish together and share the Spirit with the public,” said Adam Reed, Executive Director of Spirit of South Carolina, Inc. “Since our programs are educational and participatory, this event provides an unmatched opportunity for visitors to come aboard, learn about our rigging and history, and understand how traditional vessels like ours fit into the modern seascape.”

Event Details & Public Programming

Public Deck Tours

Visitors can step aboard the 140-foot sailing vessel to explore the rigging, learn about traditional shipbuilding techniques, and experience maritime history up close.

• Saturday, October 17: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Sunday, October 18: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Admission: $5 per person (Proceeds directly benefit the South Carolina Maritime Museum)

• Tickets: Available dockside or at the Spirit’s booth during the show.

Colonial Cocktails Aboard the Spirit

For a unique evening on the water, guests are invited deckside for an exclusive historical tasting experience led by historian and Program & Education Director Carin Bloom. Participants will explore the drinking traditions of the American Revolution, discover the history behind popular colonial spirits, and sample classic recipes.

• Dates: Friday, Oct 16 | Saturday, Oct 17 | Sunday, Oct 18

• Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Tickets: $75 per person (plus service fee) — Includes up to 3 beverage tastings and a take-home recipe card.

• Note: Space is strictly limited; advance reservations are strongly recommended. To reserve your space, visit: https://www.spiritofsc.org/wood.

As thousands gather in downtown Georgetown to celebrate our coastal roots, the harbor will transform into a living tapestry of lowcountry history and craftsmanship. Don’t miss your chance to be part of an extraordinary weekend that honors our past, supports local maritime preservation, and showcases the very best of South Carolina’s seafaring tradition.