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Our History
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.
We operated on a shoe string, so each family was given a specific weekend to be responsible for cleaning the bathhouse. Mowing the grass and taking the garbage to the dump was done on a volunteer basis. It was ALWAYS taken care of! What years these were! Watching members children grow up and enjoy sailing and the outdoors, watching the club grow and yet still have what we had to start with, the basis for this club where "do it yourself" prevailed and kept BSC within the reach of all those young people with families who loved racing and cruising.
The membership turned out in 1977 for a vote to extend the original pier to 25 slips. The actual decking was completed late Saturday afternoon 59 days after the vote to start construction. Even the kids got into the act, gathering and stacking the wood scraps on the beach. When the last nail was driven all crowded out to the end of the pier; and following an ancient custom tossed coins into the creek.
In 1981, planning began for a clubhouse with a possible target date of 1985. "Walt Wood has agreed to chair a committee to press forward the project to build a clubhouse We all realize that this is a long-term project and Walt will head this committee until it is accomplished. Walt has a dream - and his track record in Blackbeard proves that he has a way of making his dreams for the club come true". By April of 1984, the clubhouse was making rapid progress and ready to be roofed. By August the clubhouse was done. There were ten signatures on our new first mortgage: Jerry Williams, Dale Mullins, Fill Jefferay, Robert Clark, Walt Erwin, Mel Harrison, Charles Marr, Walt Wood and Paul LoCicero. These members and used-to-be members are to be commended on believing in the club so thoroughly.
In 1985, Blackbeard's Junior Program was inaugurated for 9 year-olds and up with Dave Novak in charge. We also added a new regatta "The Clark Cup" to honor Bob & Coral Clark. The Coast Guard Auxiliary Radio Station was built under the club office and a VHF antenna mounted on the light pole next to the back steps. Thanks to a new breakwater and dock extension for "B" Dock begun in 1985, we started 1986 with another 22 dock spaces. By 1989 our new bathhouse was finished we didn't have to shower with the tree frogs anymore! The club also purchased our third piece of property, looking to a future "C" dock. By 1992 "C" Dock was complete and the club had grown to 200 families with a long waiting list of prospective members.
The last ten years have been period of consolidation, bringing for example, a new steel breakwater capable of protecting member property from any condition less severe than a hurricane, a new roof for the clubhouse, additional parking and storage space for trailer boats and an expansion of club cruises, racing and youth programs.
Now in 2009, we find the club prospering, and that same spirit of togetherness and cooperation abounds. Yes, some might say "It's not small and intimate like it used to be - there are more people and we don't know everyone the way we would like", but those who have been involved from the beginning reply "It's just like it has always been - the spirit of the club remains the same".
Need a reminder? In the fall and early spring, try cooking breakfast in the kitchen. Everyone just puts something in the pot and we laugh and tell tales on each other. During football and basketball season, we have some "rip snorting" excitement in front of the television. The many weekend cruises sometimes end up with fifteen boats rafted.
This year, Blackbeard Sailing Club Ltd's membership is celebrating its 35th anniversary of activity on Upper Broad Creek, the Neuse River and around the world. Has success spoiled Blackbeard Sailing Club? Not on your life! BSC is just the same as it always was - just more friends.
Thanks to Fred Latham and Judy Barfield for contributing to this page.
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New website feature - Locate a Slip (or all available slips)
Check out the latest BSC News article to read about a new feature showing a picture of where specific slips are located along the docks and/or a picture of all AVAILABLE slips.
Nick - 02/18/2012
BIRD SHOW IS CANCELLED
After reviewing the changing weather forecast, we are forced to cancel Gay Whitney' s Bird Show. It is going to be way too cold for the birds. We plan on rescheduling for the April covered dish; scheduled April 14th. The covered dish will still go on, with a Valentines Day theme.
Dave Whitney - 02/06/2012
THE BIRDS ARE COMING FOR VALENTINES DAY!!
Come to the covered dish social on Feb. 11th and get a special treat. Gay Whitney, who raises exotic birds, will be bringing some of her flock for your education and amusement. So bring your Valentine date and join your fellow sailors for a fun night.
Dave Whitney - 02/05/2012
New Dock Policy Coming May 1st
At its January 13th meeting, the Board passed a new Dock Policy that will be become effective on May 1st. We have mailed a copy to each member. Please review this material as soon as it arrives. We encourage you to post your comments on the new Dock Policy to Sound Off [under the Members menu] or send your questions by email to DockPolicy@nc.rr.com.
Bill Green - 01/26/2012
What Do You Think About the Possible Incorporation of Fairfield Harbour?
Please see the Fairfield Harbour Incorporation Study document available under Members | Sound Off and use that vehicle to discuss the pros and cons of this important issue.
The Club will want to take a position and your input is valuable to the Board of Directors.
Bill Green - 11/29/2011
Ship's Store Shopping
Looking for a special something for your special friends and relatives for the holiday season? Don't forget to take a look at the Ship Store for one of a kind items for those who share your passion for sailing. You may go directly to the Store at the following link (you need to be logged onto the website first):
http://www.blackbeardsailingclub.com/ShipsStoreNow.php
Notice that we have several items on sale but in limited quantities. Shop online early to take advantage of these savings.
Anne Karasek - 11/06/2011
Improve Your Ground Tackle Before the Next Storm Arrives
This very timely and informative message from Pete Thorn can help us all
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After a competitive search, I found a great price on steel anchor cable that will improve the performance of fluke anchors, like the Fortress or Danforth, in the muddy bottom of Upper Broad Creek. The cable is used as an anchor leader, between your fluke anchor and your existing rode. It allows the fluke anchor to quickly set deeper than an anchor with a chain rode. The chain can pack with mud and create a thick chain/mud braid that prevents the anchor from setting well.
The cables are 3/8” galvanized steel, 7x19 wire rope, 3/8” thimble with an eye at each end, swaged and 10’ long. Breaking strength is about 14,400 pounds with a working load about 2,880. IMHO, the galvanized cable is better than stainless for a few reasons: 1) it is stronger; 2) if it corrodes you can plainly see it. It will not fail due to invisible crevice corrosion like stainless can, and; 3) it is less expensive. Between storms, clean the cable in fresh water, let it dry and spray it with WD40 to keep water out of the cable.
These cables can be purchased at www.webriggingsupply.com The price quote was a bit less than $28, plus shipping. Happy anchoring!
Nick Karasek - 09/21/2011
Boat US Hurricane Preparation Guide
Hurricane Irene has taught us a lesson: We can never be too prepated for a major storm! Thirteen boats in the trees. Dock boxes and dinghy racks thrown around like matchsticks. We could have been better prepared!
Boat US publlishes Preparing Baots and Marinas for Hurricanes which can be found under "Tips | Hurricane Prep".
Every member should review this document!
Bill Green - 09/05/2011
Security at BSC
The gate should never be left open after dark! If you are not sure whether you’re the last person on site, then please assume you are and close the gate!
If you don’t know how to do this, please ask a Board member who will be happy to assist. The security of the Club’s assets (and every member’s assets) is the responsibility of each and every one of us.
Bill Green - 08/03/2010
Important Notice: Alcohol Must Be Under Your Direct Control
The Club's permit issued by the NC Alcoholic Beverage Commission is at risk if members do not comply with the ABC Commission rules. Every member who brings beer, wine or liquor on the premises must have the items under their control at all times.
If you bring alcoholic beverages to the club house, please bring them in a small cooler or bag with your name on it. DO NOT place alcoholic beverages in the refrigerators. We have been given one warning in the past. Do not be the member that causes our permit to be revoked.
Bill Green - 08/02/2010
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