Back to the News Page

Outer Banks Sailor Wins March West Marine Prize

Michael Collier of the Outer Banks (OBX) Hunter Sailing Association was the winner of the March drawing for the West Marine $200.00 gift certificate.  Michael was thrilled to “help out” a recently opened West Marine store in Washington, NC, by spending his gift certificate locally.  Taking advantage of the opportunity to improve his boat and patronize his favorite store, he was able to purchase new interior lights, a winch for his sail furler, a new bow light, and midship cleats as well as a few other useful items."

About his plans for this year’s Sailstice, Michael says “I am really excited about the 2005 Summer Sailstice. I see this as a fantastic opportunity to involve the Outer Banks of North Carolina Hunter Sailing Association with other clubs and associations to form a monster flotilla. Originally, the Outer Banks Hunter Sailing Association thought it would be good to celebrate Summer Sailstice at Ocracoke Island, NC.  Then, I learned that many of the other sailing groups in the area are planning a rowdy celebration at Oriental.  It seemed serendipitous and worthy of our participation. We are not ones to miss a good party.

Coastal North Carolina is often overlooked by the sailing community.  The Chesapeake, Northeast, Great Lakes, Northwest and Pacific coast gain recognition for their sailing waters and activities.  Perhaps it is because of the shallow waters here, or because mariners just pass through here on " The Ditch" making passage to ports north and south of here. After all, that is part of the reason the ICW (the Intracoastal Waterway) exists. It was cut through here so watercraft could avoid Cape Hatteras.  However, as I sail around the region, I am meeting sailors from many different parts of the world visiting our beautiful and historic state.

“The Summer Sailstice of 2005 will be a memorable event in North Carolina. This year we will make our presence known. This year inland coastal North Carolina will be heard from, and it doesn't hurt that I was a winner of the March Summer Sailstice drawing.”

Outer Banks (OBX) Hunter Sailing Association
C. Michael Collier, Commodore
519A Spring Forest Road
Greenville, NC 27834