When you live at Albemarle Plantation, fun on the water just comes with the territory.
The community is home to one of the largest private marinas on the Carolinas Coast. It’s a full-service, deep-water facility with 166 slips, strategically located on Yeopim Creek, providing easy access to the open waters of the Albemarle Sound, nearby rivers and hidden creeks.
Albemarle Plantation is also home to the Osprey Yacht Club, the centerpiece of the nautical experience at the community. Founded in 1996, the OYC sponsors a year-round slate of events and activities, including races, regattas, awards celebrations, and safety and educational programs.
The club’s 165 members are passionate about instilling a love of boating in the next generation, according to Buzz Savage, the 2015 OYC Commodore.
“Helping a young girl or boy learn how to handle a sailboat and enjoy the water safely is one of the best things we do,” Savage says.
This summer the club has scheduled two learn-to-sail programs for the children and grandchildren of the Albemarle Plantation community. The first is for the Optimist sailboat, the second for the Sunfish. Students must pass the Optimist class before moving up to the Sunfish.
“These programs are designed to instill confidence and a love of sailing,” Savage said. “They’re really the first step in what we hope will be a lifetime of fun and enjoyment for these kids on the water.”