The Salty Dog

No harbor, marina or fishing village would be complete without a legend or tall tale (or tail as the case may be) about adventures of the sea. The village of South Beach, now within Sea Pines Plantation is not without exception; not only does the village have its own sea story, but a local landmark to go with it. The Salty Dog Cafe is a landmark, in honor of a dog, named for a boat. "The Salty Dog" was a 36 foot fishing boat, belonging to a gentleman from the village, who earned his living at sea. Together, with his dog "Jake" the fisherman would sail out everyday, headed for the ocean and the adventurous avocation he loved.

As any seasoned sailor knows, the weather on the open water can change in a moments notice. A good captain has to maintain a watchful eye towards the sky, and even at that, many are often taken by surprise. In the case of the Salty Dog, the phenomenon of instantly changing weather was the cause, from which the legend grew.

On a clear "blue bird" day, with the fish practically jumping in the boat, the sky suddenly turned dark. The old fisherman moved as quickly as possible to stow gear and anchor and get underway to safe harbor, but by the time the engines of the Salty Dog began to turn, the wind had gusted to sixty knots and waves were capping at twenty-feet. The skipper fought hard to keep the boats "nose in the wind", and Jake; paws digging into the gunwale, snarled and growled at the menacing storm. At length the little boat lost her battle with the storm and was taken under by the ferocious seas.

Alone in the ocean, far from the sight of land, the fisherman and his dog clung together; fighting to survive. Eventually the man began to lose hope and strength, but Jake would not give up. For three days and nights the dog swam on, always heading west, as his master held tight to his collar. Back at South Beach, folks had given up hope of the two having survived; that is until they saw the courageous dog dragging his exhausted master to shore. Today, visitors can admire portraits of Jake, wearing his sou'wester, as they dine at "The Salty Dog Cafe"; built and named in honor of the faithful mutt's heroic feat.