The name Oriental Dinghy Club (ODC) harkens back to the club's beginnings... almost three decades ago. Locals ... and a steady stream of visiting sailors from North Carolina's cities to the West... gathered to race small "dinghies". Since then, the club and the town have grown in prominence and have hosted district, regional and national events for numerous One Design class organizations.

2014 Solo & Double Handed Race

In 2014, the Sunfish WORLDS & Youth WORLDS were sailed in Oriental waters. A member of US Sailing & SAYRA [South Atlantic Yacht Racing Assn], ODC encourages and promotes amateur participation in sailboat racing on the Neuse River and the Pamlico Sound.

ODC's member roles include sailors with extensive racing resumes. The club also has trained and US Sailing Certified Race Officials. ​

An astounding number of our kids, who were ODC Junior Members, have continued to compete on the intercollegiate level. Currently, former Juniors sail for Harvard, Columbia University, NC State University and the US Naval Academy.

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PHRF Racing

Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) is a handicapping system used for yacht racing.   ODC has both Spinnaker & Non-Spinnaker Classes with each class divided into smaller divisions. The goal is to group boats so racers are competing against others  with similar ratings.

what it's like out there

Leadership

ODC is led by the Commodore, his/her Bridge Officers and the club's Board of Directors. Additionally, the club has a number of standing committees which meet, discuss and propose topics relating to race schedules, properties, finance, communications, training and membership.

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One Design

​Through the years,  ODC has had various One Design Fleets including Sunfish, Pearson ENSIGNS and Etchells. 

Currently, the club has a very competitive and  active Sunfish Fleet.
​In 2014, the Sunfish Worlds & Youth Worlds were held in Oriental waters.

Training

Prior to 2015, ODC held seminars and workshops on the Racing Rules of Sailing [RRS] and training on Race Management.

In 2017, plans are to expand and formalize training for members including topics on sail trim, tactics, crew recruiting/retaining and boat handling.

Youth

ODC is active in supporting youth sailboat racing: the Croakerfest Regatta, the Hoop Pole Regatta and the Greens Creek Challenge. 

Additionally, the Oriental area is home to several of the nation's top youth sailing camps including Camp Sea Gull, Camp Seafarer and Bow to Stern Boating Center. 

Social

ODC currently has two major social events each year--the Spring Kickoff Party and the year end Annual Meeting & Awards dinner.

Additionally, members get together after races to swap stories, congratulate the day's winners and enjoy a beverage with friends.

2015 ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS DINNER