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his past weekend culminated a week of Collegiate sailing in Oriental. First, Jim Edwards writes in to thank the community. Below that, a letter from NC State Sailpack Head Coach Dana Magliola and Team Captain Paulina Spencer.

As many of you are aware, Oriental had quite a few visitors last week when Bow to Stern Boating Center hosted the first Collegiate Spring Break Sailing Training and Collegiate Regatta.

Twenty-four sailors from NC State, Syracuse, and Kings Point (USMMA) arrived Tuesday to hone their skills and prepare for the spring sailing season. After four days of sailing, and fun filled nights including a dynamic panel discussion on Wednesday, they were treated to BBQ at the SailPack Fundraiser on Friday.

Forty more sailors from UNCC, Davidson, Charleston, Florida State, Auburn, and Salisbury arrived ready to sail in the Oriental SailPack Invitational Regatta on Saturday. This was an exciting regatta that started with relatively calm conditions, before building to 15-20 kt winds and 3-4’ seas. The racing then moved under the bridge and continued in calmer waters for a few more races. The college sailors and coaches felt at home in Oriental and greatly appreciated all of the small town support they were given. They loved the area, the people, and the sailing, and are planning to return next year.

As you can see from the list below, we had a great deal of help in this effort…

TRAINING WEEK

• Chris Bensabat, Bill Michne, Ken Small, Mark Weineimer, John Rahm – Panel Speakers for the Wednesday night Seminar.
• The Town of Oriental– Use of a room for the seminar and general support.
• Paul Wells / Triton Yachts – Emergency Fiberglass repair to get damaged boats ready for Sat.
• Inner Banks Sails and Canvas – Sail Numbers to replace some that were missing.
• Beaufort Jr. Sailing Program – Use of one of their FJ rudders when one of ours went for a swim.
• Mick Roberts – Video of Panel Seminar and Regatta
• TownDock.net – Promotions, Media and Photography
• Pamlico News – Promotions, Media Support
• Barb Venturi – Purchasing the welcome Sailors banner that was hanging by Town Hall.
• All the residents of Blackwell Point Loop Rd
• Jill & Guyon Ensley – Use of their lot for parking
• NCSU, Syracuse, and Kings Point – Participating in the training event.
• Ann & Leslie Evans – Donation for dinner for the sailors one night.
• Darlene and Steve Marquart – Pizzas for lunch.
• Unknown donation – Brownies and cookies. (please let me know who you are)
• Village Hardware – Use of their forklift and staff to help unload boats. (They were left out of the last thank you when the boats were unloaded. SORRY)

REGATTA

• Race Committee (Signal Boat, Mark Boats, Safety Boats, Sailor Rotation Boats, Media Boat)
• Bill Michne – PRO, David Rodgers – Regatta Chair, Todd Cox, Paul Olson (and use of his boat), Jim Sherwood, Mary , Joe Mattea, Joe Bliss, Steve and Darlene Marquart, Paul Wells (and use of his powerboat and RIB), Mark Fields, Rob Barefoot, Dana Magliola, Tim Capo (and use of his 32 Endeavour), John Rahm, Don Munn, and Jim Edwards.
• Bill & Camilla Wheeler / Nautical Wheelers – Race Packets Organization
• Race Packet Donors – First Citizens, Farm Bureau, Nautical Wheelers, Triton Yachts, Offshore rafting, Sperry, * Pamlico County Chamber of Commerce, Inland Waterway Provision Company.
• River Dunes – Gracious donation of four houses (two by a single Owner and two by River Dunes) for teams to stay Friday and Saturday night.
• Alecia Johnson and Family – Donation of a house for a team to stay on Friday and Saturday night.
• Chuck Hill – Regatta Photographer
• Dragon Boat group – Post regatta snack bags
• Earl Evans – Captain of his boat for spectators during the regatta.
• Snuggles – A great Bow to Stern Boating Center mascot.

I would like to thank everyone who helped directly and indirectly, as this event could not have happened without the tremendous support from the community.

Jim Edwards
Bow to Stern Boating Center
Oriental, NC