About Sailmaster Villas

Sailmaster Villas represent one of Shipyard Plantation's most sought-after villa communities, offering 51 townhomes built in 1974 that blend classic Lowcountry architecture with modern updates. Located along the fairways of Shipyard Golf Club's three championship nine-hole courses—Brigantine, Clipper, and Galleon—these villas provide an authentic golf-oriented lifestyle with the added benefit of being just one mile from the beach via a scenic walking and biking trail.

The complex features a mix of 26 two-bedroom/2.5-bath units (approximately 1,536 square feet) and 25 three-bedroom/3-bath units (approximately 1,896 square feet). Many are highly desirable end units that offer additional privacy, expanded outdoor spaces, and enhanced natural light. The two-story design typically includes first-floor living areas with vaulted ceilings, updated kitchens with granite or quartz countertops and stainless appliances, and private fenced courtyards perfect for pets or quiet outdoor enjoyment.

Golf Course Living and Outdoor Spaces

What sets Sailmaster apart is its direct golf course orientation. Properties overlook the meticulously maintained fairways of Shipyard Golf Club, where tall pines, rustic oaks draped in Spanish moss, and freshwater lagoons create a picturesque backdrop. Many villas feature private balconies off the upstairs bedrooms, offering peaceful views of the course or lagoons—ideal for morning coffee or evening relaxation.

The private fenced courtyards are a signature feature, providing ground-level outdoor living space that's secure for children and pets while maintaining the privacy that villa owners appreciate. These courtyards have been enhanced over the years with stamped concrete patios, custom landscaping, and outdoor grilling areas. The community pool, often cited as one of the finest on Hilton Head Island, is centrally located and newly renovated, serving as a natural gathering place for residents.

Interior Features and Recent Upgrades

While built in 1974, many Sailmaster Villas have undergone substantial renovations in recent years. Common updates include complete kitchen remodels with quartz countertops, high-end appliances (including French door refrigerators and designer ranges), luxury vinyl plank or tile flooring downstairs, and modernized bathrooms with walk-in showers and rainfall shower heads. The first-floor owner's suites often feature vaulted ceilings, en-suite baths, and direct access to the courtyard or patio.

Upstairs bedrooms typically include private balconies with golf or lagoon views, full en-suite bathrooms, and vaulted ceilings that add to the spacious feel. Many three-bedroom units have been configured with each bedroom having its own full bathroom—perfect for families or rental guests who value privacy. Recent infrastructure improvements include new roofs (many replaced in 2020), HVAC systems (2021-2024), water heaters, and impact-resistant sliding doors.

Shipyard Plantation Amenities

Golf Excellence

Shipyard Golf Club features 27 holes of championship golf designed by legendary architects George W. Cobb and Willard C. Byrd. The three nine-hole courses—Clipper (most challenging with sand and water hazards), Galleon (the original nine with guarded greens), and Brigantine (scenic dog-legs and water features with resident alligators)—can be played in various 18-hole combinations. The club has hosted the PGA Champions Tour three times and offers public access with residents receiving preferred tee times and discounts.

Tennis and Fitness

The world-famous Van Der Meer Tennis Center at Shipyard Resort is one of Tennis Magazine's Top 50 US tennis resorts, featuring 20 courts (13 Har-Tru clay, 7 hard courts) with 8 lighted courts including 3 indoor facilities. The center offers clinics, lessons, tournaments, and junior camps year-round. Hilton Head Health, a renowned wellness destination within Shipyard, provides comprehensive fitness programs, spa services, and health retreats.

Beach Club and Recreation

The Shipyard Beach Club provides private beach access on Hilton Head's pristine Atlantic coastline. The oceanfront clubhouse features a deck and bar, restrooms, and showers. The beach was rated #3 in the US by the Travel Channel and offers seasonal lifeguard service. Four miles of paved bike paths wind through the plantation, connecting neighborhoods, lagoons, golf courses, and the beach—perfect for daily exercise or family rides to restaurants and shops just outside the gates.

Location and Accessibility

Shipyard Plantation's 800 acres are situated on Hilton Head Island's desirable south end, offering dual gated entries off William Hilton Parkway (Highway 278) and Pope Avenue near Coligny Plaza. This central location means Sailmaster residents are never more than a 5-10 minute drive from the island's best shopping, dining, and entertainment. The Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, a 338-room AAA Four Diamond beachfront resort with world-class dining and spa services, operates within the plantation and is accessible to residents.

Outside the gates, residents enjoy proximity to Coligny Beach Park, Coligny Plaza shopping and dining, The Fresh Market, Harris Teeter, and dozens of restaurants ranging from casual beachfront bars to upscale fine dining. The Cross Island Parkway provides quick access to the island's north end, while neighboring communities include Palmetto Dunes, Long Cove, Forest Beach, and Sea Pines Plantation.

Investment and Rental Potential

Sailmaster Villas permit both short-term and long-term rentals, making them attractive to investors. The golf course location, walk-to-beach proximity, and resort amenities (golf, tennis, pool, beach club) create strong rental demand during peak travel seasons. Many owners successfully rent their villas as vacation properties while others prefer long-term tenants. The complex's well-maintained condition, upgraded units, and central location support consistent occupancy rates.

Recent sales have ranged from approximately $600,000 to over $790,000 depending on unit size, condition, upgrades, and views. Three-bedroom end units with recent renovations, golf views, and private courtyards command premium prices. The strong capital reserves and lack of current special assessments provide financial stability for buyers.

Regime and POA Fees

Sailmaster Villa owners pay both Shipyard Plantation POA annual assessments (approximately $1,200/year for the community's roads, gates, landscaping, and amenities) and monthly regime fees that cover building insurance, exterior maintenance, landscaping, trash service, water, and pest control. Monthly regime fees typically range from $400-600 depending on unit size and the regime's current budget. These fees fund the community pool, common area landscaping, exterior building maintenance, and capital reserves.

A property transfer fee of 0.5% of the sales price is assessed when selling. There are currently no mandatory club memberships, though optional memberships are available for golf, tennis, and fitness facilities at discounted resident rates.

Living at Sailmaster

The Sailmaster community attracts a mix of full-time residents, seasonal owners, and investors who appreciate the golf course lifestyle without the premium pricing of oceanfront properties. The private courtyard design creates a sense of individual ownership while the community pool and shared green spaces foster neighborly connections. Many owners are golfers who value being able to walk out their door to world-class courses, while others appreciate the mature landscaping, wildlife (deer, egrets, herons), and peaceful lagoon settings.

The community is pet-friendly, with many owners enjoying the fenced courtyards for their dogs. The walking trails provide safe routes for daily exercise, and the location between the golf club and beach means you can easily bike to either destination. Owners participate in Shipyard POA social events including the quarterly "Nibble & Nip" parties at the Beach Club, Men's and Women's Clubs, and seasonal activities.