A Taste of Harbour Town's Yacht Hop

    At 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 3rd, the Fifth Annual Yacht Hop gets underway at Harbour Town in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island. This much anticipated evening is a key fund-raising activity for Hospice Care of the Lowcountry - the area's first and only not-for-profit Hospice, Home Health and Palliative Care Agency. And it has become one of the premier events on the local calendar.

Yacht Hop offers participants not only a once-a-year gala gathering, but also a unique opportunity to support a very worthy cause while stepping into the fantasy high life of elegant yachts in an atmosphere of conviviality with extravagant gourmet food samplings and drinks prepared on site by some of the area's finest chefs.   

"Most folks never get a chance to even set foot on one of these beauties. That's what makes this different from other fund-raisers in our community."

Harbour Town, which is perhaps one of the most photographed and celebrated private harbors in America, is the ideal venue for this activity. The picturesque Hilton Head Island, bowl-shaped marina with its iconic red and white striped lighthouse, makes available a number of its best boat slips just so large guest motor yachts and sailing vessels can tie-up during the event. Historically 15 to 20 yachts have participated.

A $100 ticket (valet parking is included) admits each participant to the evening of yacht touring, live music, dancing, beautiful sunset, fine food and drink.

"It's a fabulous way to indulge yourself and support our local hospice which relies on this event as our key fundraiser," said Lynn Brooks, the Hospice Care of the Lowcountry's executive director. 

According to Porter Thompson, Chairman of the Board for Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, the unique venue and format is what sets the event apart. "The magnificent boats are the key ingredient. Most folks never get a chance to even set foot on one of these beauties. That's what makes this different from other fund-raisers in our community. It's a memorable and festive activity. There's an excitement and anticipation as you hop onto each boat knowing that you will be seeing something that is really cool" Thompson said.

This year's live music will be provided by the Headliners - one of the most popular adult dance music groups in the Lowcountry. The spreading limbs of Liberty Oak, which has held forth at this prize location for well over 100 years, provides a romantic canopy for dancing, desserts and champagne as the sun sets to the Southwest over the harbor and  Daufuskie Island in the distance.

Many leading chefs from top restaurants on Hilton Head Island are donating their time and talent. A different chef is featured on each yacht with fully-stocked cash bars located throughout the venue. The menu sampling of tapas, salads and appetizers is both extensive and adventurous with a variety of international cuisines represented.

The evening concludes with a live auction at 8 p.m. Guests are encouraged to gather around the Liberty Oak from the majestic sounding of yacht horns and participate in the auction which features a number of luxury items while enjoying a variety of desserts and beverages. Silent auction winners will also be announced.

One-hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit patient programs and services of Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, a 501C (3) organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. For reservations or more information, call 843-706-2296 or visit www.hospicecarelc.org.

For an evening of gourmet dishes, music and dancing and fun with friends and family, mark your calendars for May 3. Don't miss this special evening at Harbour Town.