“They opened the bag, the winds leaped out; at once a gale caught them, and carried them off to sea tearing their hair as they left their native land behind.” In this passage of Homer’s novel, “The Odyssey,” the ancient Greek author spoke of the belittlement men felt in their sailing vessels against the pious power of the winds.

The Carolina Yacht Club, located 401 South Lumina Ave. Wrightsville Beach, is Wilmington’s loop in a chain of seamen that runs back to the days of when men of the sea offered their lives to the fate of the gods.

While the advent of technology no longer allows us to believe that the winds are something that can be kept in a bag, there is still little that can be done to its force. This is something that the proprietors of the Carolina Yacht Club knew and respected when they founded one of the first known establishments on Wrightsville Beach in 1853.

Much has changed since the antebellum days of CYC – drawbridges have been built; shops, stores and bars opened – but the sailing members of the nation’s second oldest yacht club still struggle to keep the club’s identity as an epitome of frontier and the soul of adventure.

Paul Rhineheart, the club’s Commodore, spoke of his feelings about CYC. He said, “If the general interest of sailing slips from us, then we are no longer a yacht club but just another beach club.”

Currently the sailing club stimulates interest to a new generation of sailors by offering sailing camp in the summertime to interested kids, as well as lessons for adult members.

Not only is CYC a fully equipped sailing area with ample parking, boat storage lot, private boat ramps, and brand new sailboat hoist, but they also host a year round schedule of highly prestigious regattas for many classes of vessels including sunfish, 420’s and lasers.

“We will host the Laser Nationals this year,” Rhineheart added, “which draws a wide range of competitors.”

Another unique aspect to this particular club is its design and location. From the beautiful rocking porch lined upper decks of CYC, one can view a large-scale open ocean regatta. From the western deck, the members can watch their children explore the rudiments of yachtsmanship in the safeness and sanctity of Banks Channel.

Unfortunately the Yacht Club’s membership is closed due to unimaginably long waiting list of people who wish to benefit from the club’s facilities, which include a snack bar, industrial self-serve kitchen, adult bar and locker rooms.

For those dying to become the next Odysseus, though, the university is fortunate to have access to the CYC sailing facilities via the UNC Wilmington sailing club. So, say your prayers to any god you please and taste the salt of true adventure.