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group of young Oriental sailors made a strong showing at the recent Hoop Pole Regatta.

The competition, which took place at the mouth of the Adams Creek canal, drew a field of 43 Sunfish and Optimists. 18 of the young sailors were from Jim Edwards’ Bow to Stern Youth Sailing Program in Oriental. He says the Oriental contingent took 7 of the top 10 places, with Grant Mistr, winning the top honors in the Opti class.

The 17 members of the Bow to Stern racing team. Visible in some hands are wooden hoops awarded as prizes. The “hoop” in the Hoop Pole Regatta is said to refer to the wooden rims that secured the staves of wooden barrels.

Three Optimist dinghies sailing tight for position.

The Hoop Pole Regatta was hosted by the Morehead City Boating Club. This year, says Jim Edwards, “the weather and conditions were optimal”. Unlike past years, where thunder storms have capsized competitors, the weather co-operated with variable winds of 10 to 15 knots.

“Sleepy” gets a lift: a group of young competitors carries a rigged Optimist.

Young competitors get some last minute advice.

Charlie and Charlotte Garrett, grandparents and ardent supporters. In addition to the Garretts, over 15 parents traveled to the event.

The top 7: Of the top 10 Opti and Sunfish finishers, 7 were visiting from Oriental.

This is the Bow to Stern sailing school’s third summer, and Jim Edwards says the program has grown each year. The classes wrap up this week, but Edwards still plans to bring young sailors to the upcoming Blackbeard Regatta on August 28 & 29. Also on his schedule in coming months is the Green’s Creek Regatta.

(Photos for this story provided by Laurie Sampson and Jim Edwards)

While the Optimist and Sunfish sailboats that raced in the Hoop Pole arrived by trailer, some vessels made the journey on their own bottoms. Here, a sailboat tows a dinghy and inflatable chase boat involved in the regatta.

Placings of Oriental Sailors

Optimist Dinghy
(29 boats competing)

1. Grant Mistr
2. Caroline James
3. Ariane Garrett
5. Margot Sherman-Jollis
9. Duncan McFarland
11. Madeline Garrett
15. Natalie Sherman-Jollis
16. Ben Bruno
17. Collin Mistr
18. Cameron McLendon
26. Emme James

Sunfish B
(14 boats competing)

2. Alexis Edwards
4. Emily Gosselin
5. Huston Wallace
6. Emma Wheeler
7. Zach Bruno
8. Kara Wheeler/Nicole Edwards