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Oriental is known as North Carolina’s Sailing Capital. As you might expect – you can get sails in Oriental. There’s Mark & LuAnn’s place on the edge of town, and in town just off Broad Street is Wally Chapin’s Oriental Sailmakers shop.

Wally has been making and repairing sails for local and visiting sailors for 20 years in Oriental. His is a family biz – his dad was a sailmaker before him. If you visit the shop you’ll find his fathers sailmakers certificate from 1943 on the wall – awarded by the Boston Navy Yard.

This month Laura’s drawing captures a familiar sight – Wally’s car parked outside his village sail shop and the open sign flying:

Full disclosure: You’ll often find artist Laura Turgeon at the shop too where she adds her sailmaking and repairing skills.

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