Fourth of July Cruise
Cruise Captains: Robert Short & Brenda Camp (SV Enchantress)
For updates Subscribe to the Forum: 2026 4th of July Cruise Forum
Lynn and I always look forward to this uniquely beautiful location and have set aside 4 days for our cruise there, even though it is officially a weekend cruise. This will allow us to anchor in Beaufort before heading over to the Cape. Feel free to join us and caravan over.
Each captain can set their own schedule and destinations for this cruise. We only ask that you keep your cruise captains informed of your plans once the cruise starts. We will send out our sail plan as we get closer to the cruise week and the weather/wind forecasts start to take shape. We will also post Beaufort Inlet tide information and offshore wind/swell forecasts starting a few days before departure.
We will be planning at least one late afternoon potluck hors d’oeuvres and BYOB social on the beach, and an evening sunset and fireworks viewing. Of course, one of the main activities at Cape Lookout is to relax on the beaches either on the Bight or on the Atlantic side, so be sure to bring your beach chairs, coolers, rafts, kayaks and paddle boards if you wish. More specific details will be sent out to all members who sign up as the dates for the cruise approach. We will be communicating via WhatsApp once we set sail, so be sure we have your text information when you sign up.
For first timers to the Cape:
Although not that far from the mainland, Cape Lookout is offshore from Shackleford Banks, with windswept beaches, beautiful night skies and, of course, the Lighthouse. There are opportunities for shelling, time at the beach, a dinghy ride across the Bight to the lighthouse, watching the sunset and socializing with fellow NSA members. There are no facilities at the Cape, so be prepared to be self-sufficient while there.
It is best to traverse Beaufort Inlet at slack tide, with an incoming tide as a second best alternative. To find that specific time frame, the Tide Times or Tide Pro apps are great resources (select Beaufort Inlet Channel Range and click on Currents). However, we will publish slack tide times from Tide Pro for the planned days once we decide on the best weather window.
We look forward to seeing everyone in the Bight.
Cape Lookout, Wrightsville
Cruise Captains: Rich & Liz Mason (SV Jane Danger)
For updates Subscribe to the Forum: 2026 Week Long Cruise
Prevailing winds this time of year are out of the SW, which makes sailing from Cape Lookout to Masonboro inlet more challenging than going in the other direction. Depending on the weather report we may decide to take the ICW from Lookout to Masonboro on the 5th or 6th and bank on having favorable winds for sailing back.
As everyone will know, wind and tide conditions determine when you can come through into Beaufort from the outside without a dangerous surf at the channel entrance. If we sail back from Wrightsville, there is a good chance that our arrival times may not nicely coincide with the best entrance conditions. We will play this by ear and may divert to Lookout or decide to loiter outside until it’s possible to enter Beaufort channel.
Sunday 7/5
Monday 7/6:
Tuesday 7/7:
Wednesday 7/8:
Thursday 7/9:
Friday 7/10:
Summer Cruise
For updates Subscribe to the Forum:2026 Summer Cruise
Labor Day Cruise
Cruise Captains: Sharon & Rob McDonald (MV Mischief)
Fall Cruise
Cruise Captains: Christa & Dave Kreutz (SV Cymbeline)
For updates Subscribe to the Forum: 2026 Fall Cruise Forem
BYODC – Bring Your Own Dishes and Cups to events to cut back on trash and be environmentally friendly.
Make sure to fly your BURGEE during the Event!
Oriental Cup Regatta
Sponsored by the Nautical Collective of Oriental (NCO), is a weekend of sailing and racing, good food and live music. It begins Friday evening with registration at the Oriental Marina & Inn. The Regatta on Saturday includes Round the Buoys and Pursuit Races, followed by a Regatta Dinner with Music & Dancing into the night. Festivities conclude on Sunday with the NSA-sponsored Bloody Mary & Mimosas Wake-up call and Awards.
Registration, schedule, rules and Notice of Race can be found at:
The Nautical Collective of Oriental (NCO) coordinates the efforts of the three sailing clubs in Oriental – Oriental Dinghy Club, Neuse Sailing Association and Sailing Club of Oriental – to promote sailing and help train and encourage a new generation of sailors. The NCO also sponsors the annual Dinghy Poker Run. Proceeds from the Dinghy Poker Run and the Oriental Cup are earmarked for youth sailing camp scholarships and collegiate sailing programs. It also helps fund swimming lessons for disadvantaged youth through Oriental United Methodist Church. The NCO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
For updates Subscribe to the Forum:2026 Halloween Cruise Forum
The 2026 Commodore's Ball will be held at Stanley Hall in New Bern again this year on Saturday, November 7th.
The Hall, caterer, bartender (Sassy Spirits) and band (Southern Hellcats) have all been booked early to insure that we can hold the Ball in November.
IMPORTANT: The reason for this early announcement is the possibility of the Navy Ball occurring on the same weekend, which will cause competition for staying overnight in New Bern! You are urged to book accommodations NOW if you are planning on attending and spending the night in New Bern following the Ball. If you are not sure of your plans this far in advance but think attending the Ball is a strong possibility, book a fully refundable accommodation to guarantee you will have a room if you do decide to attend.
Note: Registration for the Commodore’s Ball is not open at this time. Registration and additional details about the Ball will be added in the Fall.
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