By Suzanne Gwaltney, SRES
I asked a friend, Nancy Karl, to share why she and her husband, Fred Karl, chose to retire to Oriental, NC. Here’s what Nancy told us.
“My husband and I heard of North Carolina’s sailing capital quite a few years ago from friends that had homes here and those that cruised the intracoastal Waterway. They had urged us to take a look at Oriental, a small town with a big boating population. We knew it was the place for us upon our first visitand finding the right real estate came easily.
“Our move to Oriental signaled the fulfillment of the dream of retiring on the coast in a sailing community. When we arrived at our new waterfront home, we were led by the gentle breeze to the back of the house where the Neuse River,glistening in the sun, greeted us as well as the sailboats taking advantage of the wonderful weather. Several days later, dolphins put on a show for us and it was as if they were saying, “Welcome to Oriental!!
“Oriental, NC is known for the friendliness of its people. Soon, we became acquainted with members of SCOO (Sailing Club of Oriental) and knew right away that we would like to be part of this active sailing club. SCOO is open to any full time resident who owns a boat (sail or power)
which boasts a cabin with a galley and a head. Another requirement for membership is to complete two overnights on your boat at scheduled sailing events. There are about twenty such events each year. Besides water events there are land events where the delicious food is plentiful and the camaraderie not to be beaten.”
Another club for sailors is ODC (Oriental Dinghy Club). Despite the name, it’s for sailors and their sailboats who enjoy racing. If you don’t want to race your own boat, you may crew on someone elses. Captains are always looking for enthusiastic sailors to help them compete and even win now and again!! My husband crews on a boat and eagerly goes off to each racing event. Besides the sailing, he looks forward to the sumptuous lunches prepared by the captain’s wife.
ODC has weekly races during three seasons of the year. The winter, although milder than other sections of the country, are a bit too cold to enjoy sailing to the fullest so during that time, many a sailor thinks about what he should do to win in the next season! The boats range from day sailors to 40 plus feet. The races are managed by a whaleboat which has been dubbed the “African Queen.” The enjoyment continues after a some races with a land event where great food and racing stories abound.
The enthusiastic spirit of Oriental is also evident in the new sailing school for children The Stern Youth Sailing Program. This program was made possible by many residents volunteers who actually built the sailing prams that are used by the young sailors. What a wonderful testimony to the spirit found in Oriental!!
Besides the boating clubs, there are many other activities to enjoy. The Pamlico Musical Society brings to town wonderful concerts throughout the fall, winter and spring. Also, for lovers of opera there is OOPS (Oriental Opera Preservation Society) and the list continues with book clubs, breakfast and dinner groups, biking and kayaking groups and more! AND, the Pamlico Community Chorale is always looking for voices to add to the seventy plus members.
The relaxing times are special, too. The beautiful Neuse River and the many creeks calm the soul and renew the spirit. If you want to be on the coast of North Carolina, come to Oriental which truly is a special place to be. It’s a small town with a heart as big as the water that will greet you.”
Suzanne Gwaltney, SRES