In 1970, when Bob and Coral Clark, Seattle builders of San Juan sailboats, arrived in New Bern, North Carolina they were amazed at the beautiful sailing waters of the Neuse River. But they found that while, if you desire, you can sail eastern Carolina almost 365 days a year, very few sailboats were seen enjoying what mother nature had given the area. By the early spring of 1972, Bob and Coral had established Clark Boats – East. They’d sold a handful of San Juan 21’s in town but felt there was a lack of – and need for – an organization to promote the sport locally. A meeting of all known sailboat owners was called at Craven Community College and, as a result of the ensuing enthusiasm, it was decided to form a club. Blackbeard Sailing Club, Ltd was founded by a group of 32 North Carolina families as a “do it yourself” and “pay as you go” organization.
In 1973 BSC sponsored the first in the water boat show in this area, Also, during these years Bob and Coral Clark taught us all about racing – and there is nothing like one design racing! When you cross the finish line you know just where you stand. The San Juan 21 was the boat of the day. A few had bigger boats, but not many, Many good times were had both racing and cruising. A really big cruise was to Oriental!
The time has rushed by as we developed from a sailing confederacy without any property to call home port, to a full fledged facility. By 1974 our own land became more than a dream, it became a real possibility. We became incorporated as Blackbeard Sailing Club, Limited. The constitution and by-laws were legally documented and BSC became a recognized non-profit organization. In 1975, the club purchased its first tract of property. Clearing, draining, filling, leveling of tract one was a monumental undertaking. The underground wiring, water piping, septic tank systems including drain fields required much detailed planning and hard work by members of the club. But their efforts were rewarded with the completion of a 14 slip pier in 1976.
Contact Info
Address:
1215 Barkentine Dr, New Bern, NC 28560, United States
Phone: 949-533-5543
Email: membership@blackbeardsailingclub.org
Website: blackbeardsailingclub.org
