I'm likely moving to Charleston, SC at some point in the next three months and am curious about cat sailing there. Any information on sailing areas, launch sites and hopefully mast up storage facilities will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jeff.
talk to H17windbtch
Jeff,
My brother lives in Charleston and used to live on Folly beach. I have a TheMightyHobie18 I have left on the beach stick up for two years with no problems. Launching is a bit limited but there is access just north of the Holiday Inn (come down the main drag into Folly until you can't go anymore and turn left - it's a little less than .25 mile on your right). To launch there, you will need to get there early or late - cars park in there and will likely block the access from about 9am to 7pm. From a security standpoint, I would leave the boat amongst a bunch of other boats that are one or two jetties north of the access point (about 100 yards). You will have to take the trailer back with you. There is also a fee based state park at the south end of the island and they look like they have good access looking in from the water but I doubt they'll let anyone leave a boat.
Folly is a great place to sail out of and it is reasonable to sail north into Charleston Harbor from there and around all the historical sites. At the south end of the island there is a wide "folly" where it gets flat and shallow and the waves kick up high and just start to break. It's awesome to pull up the boards and surf through there at medium to high tide - then head towards the marina in the creek behind the Island for some smooth water sailing, head back out the channel to the south of the folly, and do it again. There are several active H18s and H16s out there - a lot more on the beach including some seasprays, and even a Supercat.
If you are intersted in a little more secure accomodations, James Island Yacht Club has a great cat friendly beach that launches right into the harbor accross the way from downtown. I have no idea what their dues might be.
talking about historical sites...
would it be permitted to beach at fort sumter and walk around... because as I understand it, the fees for the fort are included in the ferry fees. We just went there two weekends ago during the anniversary of the first shots of the civil war (April 12-14).
Station 12 sullivan's island is where I sail from. I like it because it is on the inlet and you can go inside or outside. I have never sailed from Folly. There is no mast up storage at sta. 12. I do leave my boat there ocasionally over night if i am coming back the next day. she is sitting there now waiting for me to get off work. leaving the boat on the beach is at your risk but nothing has ever happened to my boat. the homeowners threatened me last year about leaving her there. Sta. 12 has the easiest access the pavement goes right to the beach and it is always clear since it is an emergency lane. Do not leave trailer in parking lot. Do not park on right. Do Not park in HAndicaped $250. Leave trailer on beach up by the grass. The police on Sullivan's are always patroling looking for someway to raise revenue. see yah out there. What do you sail? Also watch out for commercial traffic. It is amazing how fast those container ships move.
Oh yeah - keep everything (including yourself) out of the seagrass on the dunes. They're real sensative about damage to the greenery that could lead to more errosion. Don't even think about dragging a boat across it!
yes there is alot of don't do this and don't do that but it's the unwritten rules. The coolest part about sta. 12 is... well, like this saturday, i sailed out between the jetties and met a open 60 sailamericaone.org and sailed back into the harbor with her. beautiful fast boat. And i kept up with her! sometimes there are tall ships- i have seen the Eagle, Pride of Baltimore. I know the Jennie Johnston is arrive for the maritime festival in a few weeks.
I've got a Taipan 4.9. Have sailed in the harbor during j/24 nationals last year. I thought I saw and A Class out there that week. If I get the job, I'll likely be living in Mt. Pleasant or the surrounds. Wish me luck on my interview Friday.
Jeff.
Good Luck! That's an awesome part of the country.
a T4.9, wow, difinitely bring her to sta. 12. On the mast up storage thing, the only private, secure place is James Island Yacht Club. You have to be a member and then there is a waiting list for boat parking. I quess if you think long term it's doable.
Just to make you jealous- The wind is 15-20, sunny, around 75f, water temp 72f, and definitely sailing after work, of course everyone is welcome.
Ok, there's no reason to get nasty! 
I guess I'll have to settle for sneaking out early for a bike ride this afternoon. Have fun on the water.
Jeff.