Our Origin, Objectives and History
In the early spring of 2002, an idea was taking shape in Southport. A small group of ten individuals conceived to bring “new and old” together in Southport’s growing community, with a focus on social and water activities. This Club was formed to provide cruising, sailing, and social activities to foster friendships and encourage boating knowledge and skills.
In that first year, there were a number of events with friends who invited friends, and what began with 10 quickly became 20, and then 30, and more continued to come. The enthusiasm was overwhelming, the season moved swiftly, and left the questions of “how do we top this?”
In 2003, the founding ten formalized the Club and officially named it “Southport Sailing and Boat Club,” aka “SSBC,” initiating charter membership based on those that participated in the prior season’s success. The Club grew adding organizational structure, By-Laws, and incorporation as a nonprofit organization, and obtained insurance coverage.
Today, SSBC is thriving and has maintained its maximum limit of 120 household memberships. A membership consists of the members and their spouses, significant others, and live-at-home children. When at capacity, potential new members are asked to submit their membership applications and then, if voted in by the Board of Directors, they are put on to a waiting list for future memberships as openings occur.
SSBC maintains an active social and cruising schedule with annual events like the Clam Boil, Dock Party, End of Summer Party, and the Southport Christmas Flotilla, plus a number of other outings and cruises.
Our Destinations
Some of the destination cruises we take are to Bald Head Island, Wilmington, Beaufort and Oriental, Myrtle Beach, Georgetown, and Charleston. SSBC consists of a group of people with a common interest that have become friends and family. Our primary mission is to provide fellowship and fun activities for both our boat-owning and non-boat owning members. Our membership has included residents from Southport, Oak Island, St. James, Winding River, and the surrounding community, as well as some members that are only part-time residents.
How We Are Managed
The Club is managed by a nine-member Board of Directors that oversees the planning of activities and administers the budget. The Board of Directors is complemented by one or more “Advisors” who assist the Board with general oversight. Advisors are expected to have been former members of the board. Each Board member serves a 3-year term. All planning is done by committees consisting of Club members and all members are expected to participate in helping to plan an event each year.
Our By-Laws
One thing that has not changed over the years, is our adherence to the SSBC By-Laws, as formulated by the founding members, as well as our mission to provide cruising and boating activities, to foster friendships, and encourage the acquisition of boating knowledge and skills. These By-Laws were revised in December 2022 and can be found on the page entitled “By-Laws.”