FOCUS ON Windmill Harbour Marina, AICW Statute Mile 558
Windmill Harbour Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located hard by the southwesterly mouth of the Waterway’s passage south down Skull Creek, on the shores of Hilton Head Island, south of marker #27.
Welcome to Windmill Harbour Marina, situated on the northwest coast of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. We are located on the Intracoastal Waterway, just ½ mile south of the Pinckney Island Bridge at mile marker 558, 500 yards south of channel marker 27, and ½ mile north of channel marker 29 in the Calibogue Sound. The marina’s 15.5 acre harbour boasts 258 boat slips, offering many for short or long term rental or sale. Transient dockage is available including dining privileges at the Yacht Club, laundry, restrooms and showers, competitively priced fuel and a pump out station. Our remarkable harbour offers a safe, tide free haven protected by a lock system directly off the Intracoastal Waterway. The Windmill Harbour Marina lock is 75′ long by 19′ wide. Hours of operation are 0800 to 1900 by harbour master or 24 hours by yachtsmen with a keycard. We monitor channel 14 VHF and our phone number is 843-681-9235.
One of only three private locked harbours on the east coast, Windmill Harbour Marina offers an unparalleled combination of convenience and security…the safest place to keep your yacht.
Windmill Harbour initially began in 1981, the founding company chose a Southwestern style featuring an adobe look and a large windmill at the entrance. This design, however, was not embraced by the community. In response, the founders removed the windmill and the land plan changed to a mix of single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums in a more acceptable southern traditional style, similar to residences found in Charleston. As Windmill Harbour began to take shape, more and more homes were built in that style. This led to the evolution of the Charleston Lowcountry look one sees in Windmill Harbour today.
Windmill Harbour is home to a variety of different boaters. From small center console fishing boats to large offshore sport fishing boats, fertile fishing grounds are nearby. A significant fleet of Harbor 20s engages in class racing and there are numerous cruising and sailing activities including the Calibogue Cup, Harbour Town Cup and Ocean Challenge.
One of the most important assets of the community is the marina and its unique harbor. The harbor is composed of 15.5 acres and houses more than 255 boat slips and is the largest harbor on Hilton Head Island by nearly a hundred slips. The lock was constructed to create a protected harbor from the weather and the changing tides. It was only the second lock existing on the eastern seaboard at the time. The lock is operated with the gravity flow of water, electricity and hydraulics. As complicated as it may appear, it is very simple to operate.
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As the marina and neighborhood came together the next step was to give the community a place to gather. Thus the South Carolina Yacht Club was born. The vision was that the club would be populated by the most interesting residents and visitors to Hilton Head Island, reminiscent of those early social gatherings on Hilton Head. This led to the decision which established a club that property owners could choose to join, but were not required to do so, and that would invite membership from outside of Windmill Harbour and Hilton Head as well. More detailed information on the founding of the South Carolina Yacht Club can be found on its website.
The unique history, breathtaking beauty, meticulous planning and unique harbor have made Windmill Harbour a premier marina community in the Lowcountry. Its vibrancy and growth are a testament to its founders and its residents.
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