Anchors Away Sailing Charters: Half-Day and Full-Day Trips on Charleston Harbor

What Anchors Away Offers

Anchors Away Sailing Charters operates from Charleston Harbor and runs half-day and full-day sailing trips on 40-foot and 50-foot sailboats. The company takes groups of up to six passengers per boat, with trips departing from the City Marina downtown. You can book a shared charter where you join other sailors, or rent a private boat for your group. The boats are equipped with safety gear, and a captain and crew handle navigation while you help sail or simply relax on deck.

Half-day charters typically last three to four hours and cost less than full-day trips, which run six to eight hours and often include a lunch stop at a barrier island or anchorage. The company operates year-round, though wind and weather can affect scheduling. Trips depart in the morning for half-day charters and split between morning and afternoon departures for full-day options.

Key Takeaways

• Anchors Away runs shared and private sailboat charters from Charleston's City Marina, with boats holding up to six passengers each.
• Half-day charters last three to four hours; full-day trips run six to eight hours and often include a meal stop at an island anchorage.
• You can participate in sailing the boat or sit back and watch—the captain and crew manage the vessel either way.
• Trips run year-round, but wind and weather conditions determine whether a scheduled charter departs as planned.
• Private charters cost more than shared trips but let your group control the itinerary and departure time.

Half-Day Charters: Duration, Cost, and What to Expect

A half-day charter with Anchors Away runs three to four hours and departs in the morning. You'll spend the first 30 minutes or so motoring out of the harbor and into open water, then the sails go up. The crew will show you how to help trim sails and steer if you want to, or you can stay out of the way and photograph the water and skyline. Most half-day trips stay within sight of Charleston's barrier islands—Folly Island, Sullivan's Island, and the Morris Island Lighthouse are common sights.

Half-day charters cost less than full-day trips and work well if you have limited time or want to test whether sailing is for you before committing to a longer outing. Shared charters mean you'll sail with strangers, which can be social or quiet depending on the group. Private half-day charters let you bring your own group and set a more relaxed or active pace.

Full-Day Charters: Longer Routes and Island Stops

Full-day charters run six to eight hours and typically include a meal break at an anchorage or beach. Morning departures usually head out around 9 or 10 a.m. and return by late afternoon. You'll cover more distance than a half-day trip—often sailing past the barrier islands and into deeper water where you might see dolphins, herons, or other wildlife. The crew picks a lunch spot based on wind and tide, sometimes anchoring off an island where you can swim or wade, or stopping at a waterfront restaurant.

Full-day charters cost significantly more than half-day trips but give you a fuller sense of sailing and the Lowcountry's water landscape. Private full-day charters let you request a specific destination or route, though the captain will adjust based on conditions. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket—even in warm months, wind on the water can cool things down quickly.

Private vs. Shared Charters

Shared charters pair your group with other passengers on the same boat, splitting the cost among everyone aboard. You'll typically have four to six people total, including the captain and crew. Shared trips work well for solo travelers or small groups who don't mind meeting others and want a lower price point. The crew manages the boat, so you don't need sailing experience.

Private charters rent the entire boat to your group alone. You control the departure time, can request a specific route or destination, and have the crew's full attention. Private trips cost more per person than shared charters, but if you're traveling with family or friends, the per-person cost can be reasonable if you split it among four to six people. Private charters also work for special occasions—birthdays, anniversaries, or proposals—since you can arrange decorations or bring a cake aboard.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet or salt-stained. Shorts and a t-shirt work fine in warm months; bring a light fleece or windbreaker for cooler weather or if you're sensitive to wind chill. Sunscreen is essential—the sun reflects off the water and intensifies. Bring a hat with a brim and sunglasses with a strap so they don't blow overboard. Closed-toe shoes with good grip help on a moving deck; flip-flops can slip.

The crew provides life jackets and safety gear. Bring a small bag with your phone, wallet, and any medications, and keep it in a waterproof pouch or dry bag. If you're prone to seasickness, take medication before boarding—the harbor and near-shore waters are usually calm, but open water can have a swell. Eat a light breakfast or lunch before departure; an empty stomach makes nausea worse. The crew will have water and snacks aboard, and full-day charters include a meal stop.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

You can book Anchors Away charters through their website or by calling the office. Shared charters often have open dates you can join within days or weeks. Private charters may require booking further in advance, especially during peak season (spring and fall). The company asks for a deposit to hold your date, with the balance due before departure.

Cancellation policies vary by how far in advance you cancel. Most companies refund deposits if you cancel more than a week or two ahead, but charge a fee or forfeit the deposit for last-minute cancellations. Weather cancellations—high winds, lightning, or rough seas—typically result in a full refund or the option to reschedule. Ask about the specific policy when you book, since it can change seasonally.

When to Go: Seasons and Weather Considerations

Charleston's sailing season runs year-round, but conditions change. Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer the most consistent winds and comfortable temperatures—typically 60 to 75 degrees. Summer (June through August) is hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms common, but mornings are usually clear. Winter (December through February) brings cooler water and air, occasional rain, and lighter winds, so trips may be shorter or canceled more often.

Wind is the main factor in whether a trip departs. Sailboats need wind to move, but too much wind makes the ride rough and unsafe. The crew monitors forecasts and will call you the day before or morning of your charter to confirm conditions. If the forecast looks marginal, they may suggest rescheduling or offer a motor-assisted trip instead. Weekday charters often have better wind than weekends, and morning departures tend to have steadier breezes than afternoon ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need sailing experience to go on a charter?

No. The captain and crew handle all navigation and sail management. You can help trim sails and steer if you want to learn, or you can sit back and enjoy the ride. The crew will teach you basic sailing terms and techniques if you're interested, but it's entirely optional.

What happens if the weather is bad on my charter date?

The crew monitors forecasts and will contact you before your trip if conditions look unsafe. Most companies offer a full refund or let you reschedule for another date. High winds, lightning, or rough seas are the main reasons for cancellation. Mild rain usually doesn't cancel a trip, but ask about the policy when you book.

Can I bring food or drinks aboard?

Most charters allow you to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol policies vary—some allow beer and wine, others don't. Ask when you book. Full-day charters usually include a meal stop where you can buy lunch, or the crew may provide sandwiches. Bring plenty of water; dehydration happens fast on the water.

Is the boat accessible for people with mobility issues?

Sailboats have narrow cabins and require stepping over the gunwale (the boat's edge) to board. If you have mobility concerns, call ahead and describe your needs. The crew may be able to help you board or suggest a more accessible option, but not all boats or charters can accommodate everyone.

How much does a charter cost?

Shared half-day charters typically cost less per person than private trips or full-day outings, but prices vary by season and boat size. Private charters cost more overall but can be reasonable per person if you split the cost among four to six people. Contact Anchors Away directly for current pricing, as rates change seasonally.