When the Palmetto Breeze changed hands, the new ownership team wasn’t looking to rewrite a Charleston icon; they wanted to refine it. The 100-passenger sailing catamaran has long been a centerpiece of Shem Creek and the harbor experience. For the owners, the mission was clear: protect what guests already loved while upgrading the details that shape an unforgettable day on the water.
Managing owners Michael and Mark Fiem bring a familiar Charleston success story to the helm. The twin brothers moved from Pittsburgh to Charleston in 2005 and built Tidalwave Watersports into a local staple through jet skiing and parasailing. Their partners, locals Scott Connelly and Paul “Chip” Deaton – best known for Charleston Water Taxi and the Daniel Island Ferry – share a parallel timeline and the same guest-first mindset. Together, they bring fresh energy, deep local roots and hands-on support when needed.
“We knew the Palmetto Breeze was already special,” Michael said. “But we also knew there were opportunities to elevate the experience in ways guests would feel immediately.”
One of the most noticeable upgrades has been comfort. The bathrooms have been improved with state-of-the-art electric toilets designed to deliver a cleaner, more reliable experience – an important touchpoint for everyone and especially for women who want to know the basics are truly handled.
Entertainment and communication have also been raised to a new standard. The team installed a state-of-the-art stereo system, added karaoke for private groups and implemented a PA microphone setup that improves communication and storytelling on tours. Whether guests come aboard for a celebration or a classic sail, the experience feels more polished and more fun.
Behind the bar, the upgrades are just as intentional. The bar has been expanded and refined, and one longtime guest complaint was addressed head-on: warm drinks. With an on-site ice machine, coolers stay stocked and expectations are simple: guests can count on genuinely ice-cold beverages every trip.
The food program is another highlight of the new chapter. The Palmetto Breeze now offers multiple catering packages created in partnership with Shem Creek restaurant Water’s Edge. “We came to them with an idea,” said Michael, “and they really hit it out of the park.” That collaboration shines during the Sunday Mimosa Buffet Brunch Sail, which reflects Lowcountry heritage with favorites like shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles alongside a broader spread. Food is included with the ticket, turning the cruise into a true floating brunch event.
Rounding out the refreshed experience is enjoying an Easy Breezy, the Palmetto Breeze’s custom alcoholic seltzer, crafted with a local favorite, Revelry Brewing. The launch features lemon-lime and mango – light, crisp and intentionally not too sweet.
This year, readers voted the Palmetto Breeze Best Cocktail Boat Tours and Best Sunset. The owners expressed thanks to the community and said the recognition confirms what they’ve hoped guests would feel: that the focus on details is being noticed. More importantly, they see it as motivation to keep improving – one upgrade and one remarkable sail at a time.
By Brooke Watson
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