Cape Fear Sail & Power Squadron to celebrate 75 years of boating safety and education
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Cape Fear Sail & Power Squadron will mark a major milestone this week as it celebrates 75 years of service to the Cape Fear region with a special luncheon aboard the Battleship USS North Carolina.
The anniversary celebration is scheduled for June 6, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will recognize the organization’s long-standing commitment to boating safety, navigation education and community service.
Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo is expected to attend the event and present a proclamation from the City of Wilmington honoring the squadron’s 75 years of contributions to the local boating community.
Founded in 1951 and sponsored by the Charleston, South Carolina squadron, the Cape Fear Sail & Power Squadron is the oldest squadron in North Carolina. For decades, the organization has offered boating and navigation classes aimed at making recreational boating safer and more enjoyable throughout the Cape Fear region.
The squadron’s work extends beyond classroom instruction. Members also conduct Vessel Safety Examinations, allowing boaters to earn a U.S. Coast Guard safety decal after passing inspections of required onboard safety equipment. The organization has additionally supported maintenance of aids to navigation and U.S. geodetic markers across area waterways.
Courses are designed for both beginner and experienced boaters and cover topics including boating safety, navigation rules, required equipment, anchoring, docking and local boating regulations.
Completion of the squadron’s basic boating course, America’s Boating Class, qualifies participants for the North Carolina Boater Education Card. State law requires anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, to complete a NASBLA-approved boating safety course and carry a Boater Education Card when operating a motorized vessel of 10 horsepower or greater.
“Our goal is to help boaters enjoy the water safely and responsibly,” said Past Commander Otis J. White, a spokesperson for the squadron. “Our courses provide practical, real-world knowledge that benefits anyone operating a recreational vessel.”
More information about the Cape Fear Sail & Power Squadron, its courses and upcoming programs is available on the organization’s website.
