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ive years after the NCO (Nautical Co-op of Oriental, a cooperative of three area sailing clubs) took over the organization of the Oriental Cup Regatta, they reached their goal to get 25 boats to participate in the Oriental Cup. They had a sunny, balmy day to boot.

The races were on October 12. The Spinnaker Division started the race day with six boats. Five of them were Etchells. One boat, Squirrels on the Highway, a San Juan 21, won the ‘came from furthest away’ award in the Spinnaker Division.

High-performance Etchells are stored on land, then put in the water for races. Launching SV Heartbeat.

The wind was around 10 knots for the Cruising Division at the start. But then, when they were almost to the second mark, Adams Creek, the wind died down. The boats slowed and bunched together.

After Adams Creek, there were some random lines of wind and some boats were lucky enough to catch one.

Madison Scott on Sea Otter caught one, finishing within five minutes of the race being called. The 3-hour time limit was extended by 90 minutes so other boats could finish.

SV Sea Otter viewed from SV Ricochet

Jockeying for a position at the start

SV Barefeet

Ninety people attended the evening dinner.

Buddy Kelly raced a 20 ft gaff-rigged Flicka

Evening dinner

First place in Spinnaker Division: Mike Craig, Skipper Henry Frazer and Kevin Bryan

First place in Cruising Division: Adam Balfour, Jennifer Rodriguez and Skipper Madison Scott

Each year, the receiver of the trophy cup alternates between divisions. This year, it went to the Spinnaker Division. First-place winner Henry Frazer had a successful weekend; he took the trophy cup home and then won the raffle for a bottle of bourbon.

Proceeds from the weekend go to support the Pamlico Coastal Activities Council, which supports scholarships for sailing and swim lessons for Pamlico County youth.

Story by Christa Martin. Photos by Christel Monmoine and Christa Martin.

Posted Thursday October 17, 2024 by Christa Martin Kreutz