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The Palmetto State’s premier maritime ambassador takes on the historic role of HMS Ranger, culminating in Sunday’s Carolina Day reenactment of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island.
CHARLESTON, S.C. — All eyes will be on the Spirit of South Carolina as she steps back in time to portray the British Royal Navy vessel HMS Ranger to commemorate the historic naval action of June 28, 1776. Onlookers will watch as the 140-foot schooner fires upon Fort Moultrie at the tip of Sullivan’s Island to reenact Carolina Day on this significant Revolutionary War Battle’s 250th anniversary.
Currently docked at The Cooper Hotel (176 Concord Street, Charleston) for the duration of the festival, the ship will serve as the focal point for both immersive living history education and dramatic tactical harbor maneuvers.
Public Dockside Interpretation Schedule
Local “loyal subjects” and history enthusiasts are summoned to the docks at The Cooper Hotel to tour the ship, interact with living history interpreters (including the Bully Boys of HMS Phoenix), and experience 18th-century maritime life. Free public deck tours and dockside interpretation are open during the following hours:
- Saturday, June 27: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM & 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday, June 28: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM & 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
“Cannon Fire” Will Echo Across Charleston Harbor Saturday and Sunday
On Saturday, the Spirit of South Carolina will sail across the harbor to Sullivan’s Island for an 11:40am cannon salute to Fort Moultrie.
However, the weekend’s events reach a spectacular crescendo on Sunday morning during a joint commemoration ceremony with the National Park Service.
The Spirit of South Carolina will cast off at 10:45 AM to position itself in Charleston Harbor. Following a military flyover, a wreath presentation, and the ringing of church bells, the true climax will take place at 11:40 AM. The Spirit of South Carolina will fire the historic first ceremonial naval gun shot across the water toward Fort Moultrie, prompting an immediate live artillery return-fire salute from the cannons stationed at the shore.
Spectator & Viewing Information
The public is encouraged to witness the ship cast off from The Cooper Hotel dock, or secure prime viewing spots along the shores of Sullivan’s Island and the Fort Moultrie historic waterfront to watch the live exchange of cannon fire. Please note that both the Saturday morning and Sunday morning battle-maneuver on-board cruises are by invitation only. These historic celebrations are made possible thanks to SC250 Charleston and SC250.
About the Spirit of South Carolina
The Spirit of South Carolina is a 140-foot, traditional sailing vessel called a schooner, a type of sailing vessel of archetypal American design dating from approximately the 1700s. The American schooner design achieved world-wide fame when, in 1851, the American schooner yacht America defeated a fleet of British yachts in a race circumnavigating the Isle of Wight to win what came to be known as America’s Cup. The Spirit of South Carolina was designed as a replica of the 19th century Charleston Harbor pilot schooner Frances Elizabeth. Her builder based her designon the famous schooner yacht America. The vessel is more than a ship, she is a classroom without walls. Aboard the Spirit of South Carolina, students, sailors, and community members experience hands-on learning in seamanship, leadership, maritime history, and environmental awareness. Through participation in the real work of sailing a traditional schooner, our programs connect people to the sea, to each other, and to the heritage that has shaped the South Carolina coast for centuries. We believe that preserving this knowledge is not just about honoring the past — it is about equipping the next generation with the skills and confidence to navigate the unknown.
Photo Credit: Spirit of South Carolina
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