Hilton Head: America's Cup 12-Meter Yacht Sail & Crew Experience

Summary

Sail hilton head’s stars & stripes yacht from harbour town with hands-on crew moments

You’ll step onto Hilton Head’s Stars & Stripes yacht, help raise sails with friendly crew, and watch Harbour Town Lighthouse fade into low-country views. Feel wind in your face, try your hand at crewing (or just relax), and share laughs with locals—all in one 90-minute sail that leaves you wanting more.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to actually grab a rope on a real America’s Cup yacht? I didn’t think I’d get the chance either, but there we were—standing in Harbour Town Marina on Hilton Head, squinting at the red-and-white lighthouse while the Stars & Stripes crew handed out quick instructions. The deck felt solid but somehow alive under my sneakers, and there was this salty, warm breeze that kept messing up my hair. Our guide—Mike, I think—had this way of making sailing jargon sound like something you’d pick up over coffee. He cracked a joke about Dennis Connor and then asked who wanted to help hoist the sails. My arms still remember it.

The engine was barely a whisper as we left the marina, and then suddenly it was just canvas and wind. You could hear water slapping against the hull and someone’s kid laughing every time the boat tipped (not too much—just enough to make your stomach flutter). I tried pulling a line when Mike nodded at me—probably did it wrong, but he gave me a thumbs-up anyway. There were maybe fifteen of us on board, all ages, and for a minute everyone went quiet watching the coastline drift by. It smelled like sunblock and sea air and something woody from below deck.

I kept looking back at that Harbour Town Lighthouse getting smaller behind us. Funny how fast ninety minutes goes when you’re busy not thinking about your phone or anything else really. Some folks just sat with their faces turned up to the sun; others kept asking questions about regattas or how fast we were going (faster than I expected). By the end, I sort of wished we’d stayed out longer—though my hands were starting to feel that rope burn in a good way. If you ever wanted to know what being part of a crew feels like—even just for an afternoon—this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon sail on America's Cup yacht

• Depart from Harbour Town Marina
• Sail under full sail on Stars & Stripes
• Enjoy views of Harbour Town Lighthouse
• Return to Harbour Town by motor

Top questions

How long is the America's Cup yacht sail from Hilton Head?

The sail lasts approximately 90 minutes from Harbour Town Marina.

Can I participate as crew during the sail?

Yes, guests have an opportunity to help as crew members during the trip.

Where does the Stars & Stripes yacht depart from?

The yacht departs from Harbour Town Marina in Hilton Head.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

All ages need their own ticket; there are no special infant rates for this trip.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this sailing experience.

How many passengers are allowed per trip?

The current public capacity is limited to 20 passengers per trip.

Is transportation provided to Harbour Town Marina?

No hotel pickup is included; however, public transportation options are available nearby.

Can I book a private charter of Stars & Stripes?

Yes, private charters are available by contacting Vagabond Cruise directly.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes a 90-minute sail aboard the real America’s Cup 12-meter Stars & Stripes yacht from Hilton Head’s Harbour Town Marina—with chances to join as crew if you want—and plenty of low-country scenery along the way before returning to shore together.