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T

he SailPack Oriental Intercollegiate Regatta. Or as it is more commonly referred to: the SailPack Regatta.

Started in 2015 by the NC State SailPack sailing team, it was called ‘The SailPack Invitational Regatta.’

The Jacksonville Fins took first place in the 2024 SailPack Regatta.

It hosted 9 teams and 64 students. Now, it has a waiting list of teams wanting to visit and compete.

Embry-Riddle and the University of Indiana sailing in Saturday’s light wind conditions.

This year teams from Texas and Indiana drove in to participate. Says NC State Coach, Dana Magliola, “It’s the hospitality of Oriental that makes teams want to be part of this event.”

Several residents open their homes and host visiting teams. A Saturday night BBQ brings sailors and residents together.

The teams from Embry-Riddle, and their host dog Sadie. (Eileen and Steve Price photo)

Jim Kellenberger serving BBQ to sailors and residents, Saturday night at Bow to Stern Boating.

This year saw one day of light winds and sunshine followed by a day of rain, choppy water, and high winds.

Day two brought rains, choppy waves – and lots of bailing.

The 2025 SailPack Oriental Intercollegiate Regatta happens again in April, 2025.

Spectators watching the first start from a folding dinghy, Saturday morning.

Find the full results here.

With a shortened starting line, sailing becomes a contact sport.

Jim Edwards and crew hang onto Lou Mac Pier, getting ready to take sailors out on rotation.

Students and spectators watch from Lou Mac Park and wait for their turn on the water.

NC State, William & Mary, and University of Texas – day one sailing in light winds and sunshine.

University of Florida sailing in rougher Sunday weather.

FJs on the beach at Bow to Stern, rigged, ready, and waiting for sailors.

The William and Mary team capsized in high winds Sunday.

Christopher Newport University, SUNY Stony Brook, and Indiana University.

University of Florida is all smiles.

Heading downwind, sails out.

The team from Texas talking with Commissioner Allen Price.

Embry-Riddle, USF, and Clemson sailing in the light air Saturday.

UNC Wilmington.

The Committee Boat on the second day – dealing with waves, winds, and rain.

Hauling in the boats on Sunday afternoon.

Taking down the rigging after the final race.

The sailors of the 2024 SailPack Regatta.

Posted Thursday April 25, 2024 by Allison DeWeese