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pril 4 & 5 Oriental was visited by over 100 collegiate sailors, visiting from California to Florida, from Texas to Canada.

SailPack is the largest collegiate regatta in North Carolina, an event that inspires both residents and the visiting sailors. SailPack Coach Dana Magliola sends a note of thanks:

To all of our friends and the entire community of Oriental,

We were grateful to return to Oriental once again this spring for the 10th Annual SailPack Oriental Intercollegiate Regatta. As always, The Sailing Capital of North Carolina delivered with great sailing conditions, a beautiful waterfront, and a community that continues to set the standard for hospitality both on and off the water.

Over the weekend, college sailors and coaches from across the United States and beyond joined us in Oriental for two days of competitive racing and a memorable community experience. From the first arrival Friday evening to the final race on Sunday and beyond, every visiting team had the opportunity to enjoy not only the sailing, but the people and spirit that make this town so special. Some celebrated what I am sure will be one of their most memorable Easter weekends ever!

The Saturday night community BBQ was a highlight of the weekend, bringing together more than 200 sailors, coaches, host families, volunteers, and community members. It was a meaningful reminder of how unique this event is, not just as a college regatta, but as a shared experience between the college sailing world and the Oriental community. We have already heard from many teams and sailors about how much they appreciated their time in Oriental. The warmth, generosity, and sailors’ pride of this community leave a lasting impression, and we know they will be sharing those experiences with teammates and friends for years to come.

We would like to say thank you so very much to the town of Oriental, the broader Pamlico County community, and all those who support and welcome this event each year. Your friendship, generosity, and hospitality are what make this regatta possible and what continue to set it apart.

We are honored to continue this tradition to call Oriental our coastal home. We look forward to returning again next year (and save the date! The 2027 SailPack Oriental Intercollegiate Regatta is tentatively scheduled for March 27–28 on the college sailing calendar, and we hope to see many of you again then!).

Thank you again and we cannot wait to be back with you again in Oriental.

Dana Magliola and the entire NC State Sailing Team

Saturday morning (April 4), at Bow To Stern Boating, the collegiate sailors got together for a group pic:

(Caz Doyle photo, click image for the big view)