Does anyone here sail at or near Myrtle Beach? I'm heading there for the first time and looking for information on where I can beach or where a boat ramp is that is pretty close to open water. thanks for your help guys.

Hey Todd,
Let me share with you what I've been doing for the past few years.
In North Myrtle Beach, I have been flagging down the beach patrol officers or getting in touch with them through the lifeguards. I explain where I'm staying and that I want to put my boat out there, etc. For the past 4 years they have been VERY accomodating, as long as I followed their rules. With my assurance that I would, I was allowed to drive out on the beach and drop off the boat, and sometimes the trailer for the week. (I think the trailer was determined by the relative beach width at high tide.) As I recall there are only a couple of major rules different from any other beach goer.

1-Drive on the beach ONLY with their permission, which meant they were there to escort me too.

2-Coordinate with the lifeguard when negotiating the surf to keep the swimmers safe.

3-Put the boat where they tell you so the beach clean-up personnel that come through about 4:00am aren't complaining. Remember, these people drive BIG equipment that can tear your boat up really good!!! Keep them happy!!!

Myrtle Beach used to have a permit required. I'm not sure of that one though. Their office of Public Safety should be able to put you in touch with the beach patrol for the area you are in.

Have a good time

Rich

If you call the local law enforcement in Myrtle Beach, they will take care of you. Everytime we've gone to practice down there, we've had a pleasant time. Just be sure to play along with their rules and you'll be a-ok.

the lifeguards are pretty catamaran friendly too and will work with you when it comes to launching and landing - be sure to have a whistle so you can signal your intention to land and they'll help clear you a spot. If it's crowded, head straight for the spot you want to beach and start signaling with the whistle.

Myrtle Beach and N. Myrtle have different rules. N. Myrtle is much easier to work with. The authorities don't like trucks and trailers on the beach. There are good access points where you can get to the sand and put the boat on wheels, don't rig the boat in the access. The guards will help clear the water if you can find one that speaks english near where you want to launch. Check on your boat often at night as vandalism is a strong possibility. In Myrtle you must drop sails while on the beach and can only park in certain areas. Regardless of where you will be the water will be crowded, be careful! The tourist have a tendancy to turn their backs to the water and stand looking at shore while swimming and NEVER see you coming! Great islands to sail to north and south. I sail in N. Myrtle almost every weekend in the summer and keep my boats near the Beach Cove Resort in Windy Hill. Enjoy your stay!!