by David Spivey, General Manager
We were excited to host the Waterway Guide Media Flotilla on October 24 and 25 as one stop along the way of its 2015 “Sail to the Sun Rally” concluding in Miami, FL. Fifteen vessels sailed across the Albemarle Sound after transiting the Dismal Swamp Canal to enjoy Albemarle Plantation’s great hospitality. The OYC and Plantation staff hosted a reception under the tent for the visiting boaters, provided tours of the community, and sponsored an oyster roast on Sunday evening. Boaters and the Waterway Guide Media attendees played golf, visited with locals and relaxed in the Marina before sailing to their next stop. Several boaters mentioned that the Albemarle Loop [albemarleloop.com] promotion was a great incentive for them to visit the Plantation on their way south, and for some this was a return trip.
We could not have pulled off this event without the help of our Clubhouse Governor, the OYC Board and member volunteers, our Marina Governor, and a special thank you to Jack Atwell who set all this in motion with the Albemarle Loop. I am very proud of the warm hospitality shown our guests and the camaraderie of our boating community; we made a great impression. Waterway Guide has already approached us about possibly doing several events next year.
Below is just one of several messages we received from visiting boaters who participated in the rally:
“Would you please pass along our sincere thanks to everyone at Albemarle Plantation including everyone who helped us at the docks, Nancy Whelan, Vice Commodore OYC, and everyone else who hosted us at the absolutely wonderful reception on October 24. Your hospitality was heartwarming and inspiring! We hope we are able to return sometime in the not-too-distant future. We wish all of you God’s blessings and all the best over the years to come.”
