Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines, the first plantation in the area, in 1957. He also instituted a master land use plan to retain the natural beauty of the island for other areas which was largely followed by later developers.
Shipyard Plantationwas the second area to be developed by the Hilton Head Company in 1970 to compete with the Sea Pine’s hold on the golf and tennis market. They had planned it to be a sister to their Port Royal development but sold Port Royal later in 1971 due to economic hardships. However, they did proceed with the development in Shipyard by enhancing the existing landscape and beautiful surroundings.
The Hack family retained ownership of Shipyard as Fraser had done in Sea Pines and the McIntosh family had in Spanish Wells. The new Shipyard Racquet Club was directed by Billie Jean King to attract tennis enthusiasts – hopefully away from Sea Pines.
The Hilton Head Company had unfortunately sold off its oceanfront properties to support its other endeavors, but later realized the value to its development. They purchased 500’ along the water at a much higher price at that time noting that even a small shoreline was better than none.
The Mc Ginty and Dye architectural firm was hired to plan the community. They determined that there were to be no more than 5 units per acre to limit density.
Although the beach club is a more recent amenity, Shipyard remains much as it was originally designed. The tennis is now a Van Der Meer training center in addition to serving the community with great tennis programs as a racquet club. As a development, Shipyard had a much less trying history and drama then many of their neighboring plantations. In the down markets, they also struggled but have always managed to maintain a great lifestyle for the residents and guests.
