The South Carolina Yacht Club was created in reminiscence of the early social gatherings to be “the” club for the most interesting residents and travelers to Hilton Head Island. Upon registering the name “South Carolina Yacht Club,” club founder and Windmill Harbour developer, James N. "JR" Richardson, Jr, worked with designer Florence Hawkins of Florence Hawkins Interiors to “live up” to the name. JR was involved in every detail of the design. The Catesby Room was named in honor of Mark Catesby (1683-1749), the first American naturalist/illustrator of American natural history. Catesby’s hand-colored fish renderings displayed in the club represent the first study of fish in the Carolinas. The blue and white porcelains, which fill the antique breakfront in the foyer, were brought into the club’s décor to represent early exports with the exchange of spices for porcelains by Chinese sea traders. The walls are covered with original maps that were hand-drawn and colored from the first explorers to our area. In the Bluefish Room, the recessed ceiling proudly displays burgees from yacht clubs our members have visited and brought home from around the world. JR spent hours selecting the colors and design. Attention to detail in the club design was the basis to her beauty and enables members and guests to experience the history and culture of South Carolina.

The South Carolina Yacht Club opened on July 1, 1989 with an event attended by 700 guests in black tie. It was a beautiful evening. A night of nights on Hilton Head Island. Over the years, Leslie and JR Richardson have worked together to create a club that provided a casually elegant ambience, fine culinary experiences, and a warm, friendly staff. The South Carolina Yacht Club has been a special project for them. The South Carolina Yacht Club members are from all over the Island, the Lowcountry, across the United States, and around the world. The South Carolina Yacht Club is a “safe harbour” for her members.