Sail Wild Hearts Orange Beach AL
When Ted Scarritt was just a boy growing up in Hawaii, he dreamed of someday combining his love of the water and earning a living. Today, the owner of Sail Wild Hearts in Orange Beach, Alabama, is living his dream.
His boat, Wild Hearts, is a 53 ft. catamaran sailboat designed as a charter, providing plenty of room for passengers to move about. Having undergone a complete refurbishment from the winter of 2013 to the spring of 2014, the boat is now better than ever, according to Debbie Sims, who handles public relations and events for the company.
“What makes her extra special,” Sims says, “is the Captain and crew.”
Yes, any great boat needs a great man at the helm.
Captain Zach Smith (a.k.a. Captain Zach “Sparrow”) loves the sea, salt and wind — though he’s not a true pirate, he shares the love of the ocean that often lies in a sailor’s heart. Born and raised in Auburn, Ala., he felt the pull to explore island life. So he spent five years in St. John, USVI, where he learned to sail, paddleboard, dive and windsurf.
When ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ tugged at his heart, he hoped to find a job that would allow him to remain on the water. Sims says Capt. Zach “sailed through his first job interview with flying colors and never looked back. The job was his.”
The captain knows the local waters by his wild heart and enjoys introducing people to his passion for sailing. He and his crew will welcome you aboard with the sincere desire to give you an adventure you will keep in your heart forever.
(But Alabama fans beware — he may make you walk the plank!)
When asked why he sails, Capt. Zach answers, “Sailing gives me such freedom … I feel at home on the water, and it is never the same twice.”
Indeed, each time you board Wild Hearts, you can expect a new experience. Sail Wild Hearts offers the popular “Dolphins and Angels Sail” with a view of Blue Angels above and dolphins below; morning dolphin cruises, sunset sails and adventure kayak cruises.
The boat is also available for private charters to celebrate special moments such as weddings and birthdays, or invigorate your team through corporate events onboard. The roomy sailboat can accommodate 49 passengers plus its crew.
“Wild Hearts is a luxury sailing yacht, and there is nothing like it on the Gulf Coast,” Sims raves. “It has ‘real’ bathrooms on board, there is a spacious protected salon with fully cushioned seating for staying out of the sun and the boat has a super Bose sound system.”
All you need to do is dress appropriately for the weather, and bring a light jacket for sunset cruises. Wear soft-soled shoes or flip-flops. (You’re on vacation, after all.) Sunscreen and hats are recommended to protect you from the elements. Bottled water is supplied free of charge, and snacks are available for purchase.
Prices begin at $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 5 to 12. Children 4 and under sail free.
So kick back and relax. It’s time to explore the depth of your own Wild Heart.
Sail Wild Hearts is located at 25328 Canal Road in Orange Beach, AL. For more information including photos and booking information, please visit the Sail Wild Hearts website or call (251) 981-6700.
– Ashley Kahn Salley
Lead Storyteller, Innisfree Hotels