Our Origin, Objectives and History

In early spring 2002 an idea was taking shape in Southport. A small group of ten conceived to bring “new and old” together in Southport’s growing community, with a focus on social and water activities. Stated more formally in the “Club By-Laws.” This club is formed to provide cruising, sailing, and racing activities to foster friendships and encourage boating knowledge and skills.

 In 2002, the first year, there were a number of events with friends who invited friends, and what began with 10 quickly became 20 and then 30 and more continued to come. The enthusiasm was overwhelming, the season moved swiftly, and left the questions of “how do we top this?”

 In 2003, the second year, the “Founding Ten” formalized the Club to “Southport Sailing and Boat Club”; initiating charter membership invitations based on those that participated in prior season successes. The Club grew adding structure, By-Laws and incorporation, non-profit status, and insurance coverage’s. Today our Club has a cap of 100 members (numbering well over 200 in family count.)

 Today our Club has feature social events such as: The Valentines Ball, The Clambake, The Aloha Party, and the End of Season Party. We also have the Wooden Boat Race and The Around Oak Island Race for the sailors in the Club. All of these events have become quite popular and attendance is excellent. We also have at least 3 organized cruises each year with as high as 50 boaters making the trip, and to support the community we provide leadership for events like “The Southport Harbor Cleanup.”

Our Club continues to thrive and we currently have members from Southport, Oak Island, St James, and other surrounding communities. Although we have grown and added some events over the years, the one thing that we haven’t changed is the original By-Laws written by our founding members. “This club is formed to provide cruising, sailing, and racing activities, to foster friendships, and encourage knowledge and skills.” 

The Founders – 2002