NC State sailors about to cross the finish during Saturday's Green's Creek Challenge
Regatta in Oriental, NC. Photo (c) TownDock.net
ORIENTAL, NC (September 6, 2014): Several members of the NC State Sailing Team travelled east this past weekend to the charming and storied maritime enclave known as the Sailing Capital of NC, the town of Oriental, for the Green's Creek Challenge Regatta hosted by the Oriental Dinghy Club. This annual dinghy racing regatta featured a several classes of boats, all under 20 feet in length, racing an extended course from a start in the harbor into Green's Creek, down Smith Creek and finishing in back in the harbor. With nearly perfect conditions, warm, sunny and with a consistent breeze of 10-12mph, Wolfpack sailors and others ranging from 10 to almost 70 years in age enjoyed a great day on the water and friendly, but lively competition. This year's regatta proceeds were donated to the SailPack Foundation, a generous contribution of $530 which will support the continued development of the sailing program at NC State University.
NC State alumnus and regatta organizer Paul Welles and NC State sailing team alumnus Don Munn
join NC State sailors (and mascot) for a photo-op after the regatta. Photo (c) TownDock.net
"We've been so lucky to have the enthusiastic support of the entire community, from providing our sailors with an opportunity to race in a great regatta to the encouragement we've enjoyed from everyone in Oriental for the program we're building at NC State," said NC State head coach Dana Magliola. "We joke around that the town of Oriental has adopted the NC State sailing team, but really they'd be hard-pressed to keep us from coming back every chance we get! It's a sailor's dream-town for sure."
NC State sailors Mark Thompson and Annalisa Kristoffersen receive their trophy during
the regatta awards ceremony. Photo (c) Steve Marquart
Sailing in the FJ fleet with boats provided by Captain Jim Edwards of Bow-to-Stern Sailing School, NC State freshman skipper Mark Thompson (Cary, NC) and senior crew Annalisa Kristoffersen (Raleigh, NC) earned a win in their division and finished 4th overall in the regatta followed by Senior skipper Katherine Kristoffersen (Raleigh, NC) and senior crew Jillian Tucker (Jamestown, NC). Freshman and first-time skipper James Stonecypher (Chapel Hill, NC) and freshman crew and Oriental native McKenna Marquart raced in the FJ fleet, as well.
Photo (c) Paul Olson
Competing in the Sunfish fleet, ahead of her upcoming appearance in Sunfish World Championships which will be held at nearby Camp Seafarer and Camp Sea Gull, Oriental native and Wolfpack freshman skipper Kara Wheeler finished in third overall behind renowned Sunfish speed-demon George Sechrist and Oriental-native George Midyette. NC State sailing team captain David Rogers (Mt. Pleasant, SC) also joined the crew of probably the most interesting boat on the water Saturday, a Norse 20, sailing in the open division.
NC State head coach Dana Magliola and senior skipper Katherine Kristoffersen
talk with a fellow sailor following the Green's Creek Challenge Regatta.
"My teammates and I had high expectations for Oriental knowing it's reputation as the Sailing Capital of NC., but we were blown away by the great conditions, strong competition, amazing hospitality and friendly atmosphere from everyone we met in Oriental," said senior skipper Katherine Kristoffersen (Raleigh, NC). "It was a fantastic regatta experience, and we are already looking forward to going back soon."
Following the regatta, NC State sailors were treated to a cruise on Absentia by SailPack parent Capt. Steve Marquart.
After a brief rainstorm, a rainbow appeared; the perfect way to end a great day on the water.
Special thanks to the Oriental Dinghy Club, regatta organizers Nancy and Paul Welles, the dedicated ODC race committee who put on a great event, Captain Jim Edwards, Capt. Steve Marquart, as well as the families in Oriental who hosted and sponsored our sailors: Camilla and Bill Wheeler, and Carol and Bill Dixon, and Ms. Grace Evans. Their hospitality and generosity were extraordinary! We'll see you again soon!
