When it comes to taking a yacht out on a day trip East of the Cooper, local captains Chris Parker and Dave Gugliotti agreed that the best place to drop anchor is some 20 minutes past the Isle of Palms between Dewees, Capers and Bulls Islands.
Charleston Classic Yachts
According to Parker, that’s because the approach to Capers’ Boneyard Beach, surrounded by pristine sapphire waters and the peaceful Lowcountry marsh abundant with wildlife, feels like being transported to another planet.
With 15 years of boating experience, Parker said that he also enjoys bringing clients and their families to historic Shem Creek, docking alongside local favorites such as Tavern & Table, Red’s or Sunsets. Islander 71 at the IOP Marina is a good jump-off spot as well. He added that another prized destination for excellent fishing and crabbing is off the Pitt Street Bridge in the Old Village.
Also a sailor, Parker said that Charleston Classic Yachts has recently added an all-wooden 30-foot Fenwick Williams called Moonraker to its fleet. With the South Carolina flag as its sail, Moonraker is the latest staple from Sullivan’s Island to Patriots Point.
“Every day is an adventure,” added Parker. “And as no two days are ever the same, the most rewarding part of the job is sharing this journey with others.”
For information on how to charter Moonrise or Moonraker, visit www.charlestonclassicyachts.com.
Carolina Marine Group
While Gugliotti echoed Parker’s sentiments for the best spots to drop anchor, he said that he doesn’t have much time these days to do so. That’s because whenever he’s at the marina, he can often be seen zipping around on his electric scooter between the slips of the 15 yachts that he owns, captains or manages. Maintaining and fixing the boats can be a full-time job, explained Gugliotti, who can do his own engine work, electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, hydraulics, carpentry, painting and just about anything else involving a boat. Further, Gugliotti travels up and down the East Coast and beyond and also creates boating education programs for new yacht owners to train them on how to operate their yacht.
Gugliotti’s Carolina Marine Group offers a wide variety of unique charter opportunities. One option is glamping on a 61-foot Hatteras called Southern Comfort. Overlooking a serene view of the Ashley River, the dockside motor yacht boasts four staterooms, an eat-in kitchen, living and dining room, along with a huge fly bridge, full catering, bartenders, a wet bar and fully stocked galley. For more intimate affairs like a sunset cruise, Gugliotti recommends the 36-foot Hatteras, which seats six or for larger events such as bachelorette parties, he suggests the 30-foot Island Hopper twin diesel.
To learn more, visit www.carolinamarinegroup.com.
IOP Marina
As general manager of the Isle of Palms Marina, Scott Toole agreed with Parker and Gugliotti that Boneyard Beach at Capers is the go-to spot for dropping anchor. An easy and convenient run from the marina, its isolated setting is ideal for kids to look for seashells, for parents to pull a permit to have a campout with a fire pit or simply to catch fish and watch the tide come in.
When Toole isn’t on the water, he is running The Outpost Ship Store, a one-stop-shop offering everything one needs to optimize a memorable family day of boating.
Additionally, Toole works alongside Tyler, the dock master, to ensure the well-being of the 50-year-old marina’s commitment to customer service. Whether clients are renting a skiff for three, five or seven days as a mode of transportation to get to a rental house on Goat Island or elsewhere; a center console, which Toole said makes a fantastic fishing boat or a pontoon to navigate scenic waterway areas from Capers Inlet to Charleston Harbor, IOP Marina can equip you with what you need.
As Toole said, “The most rewarding part of my job is giving clients an access point to get on the water. And every day is different. Today I had a school group going out on an eco-friendly tour, while another guy was coming in from a fly-fishing expedition. We offer all different levels of entertainment and fun, and that’s why year after year our clients keep coming back.” Well, that and the food at The Outpost.
Toole added, “For 20-30 years, people keep coming to the store, getting to know us and seeing the changes to our section of the island. We’ve made a lot of improvements over the last three to four years, so a lot is different now, but it’s still comfortable. The space is a new one in a familiar spot.”
To reserve your day trip, visit rentals.iopmarina.com.
Seabreeze Marina
As dock master of IOP’s sister Seabreeze Marina, Cole Gamble said that Drum Island, located at the mouth of the Cooper River, as well as up in the Wando River are his favorite areas for water skiing and tubing. To enjoy a quieter, more laid-back experience, Gamble said that he also loves boating along Hobcaw Creek, where it’s easy to hit the tide, anchor up and swim or tie up and float without worrying about a wake.
Gamble added that aside from the water, there is no better place to be than on the dock of his marina, ensuring that Seabreeze clients, as well as members of their boat club—a membership opportunity for enthusiasts who don’t want to deal with the upkeep and care that comes with owning a vessel of their own—have the best experience possible. Through the club, members can request a fishing guide, along with gear such as rods, tubes, skis and wakeboards. Whether taking out or returning a boat after a day on the water, clients and members alike can be assured that Gamble and his team will remove the stress from the activity.
For a hassle-free boating experience, visit www.seabreezemarina.com and book either the Bay Boat for fishing or Heritage Sportsman to enjoy a day wakeboarding with the fam.
By Sarah Rose
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