Mess Around in Small Boats
Join a community of people who share a passion for traditional watercraft, hands-on skills, maritime history and spending time together on the water.
Traditional Boats and a Welcoming Community
You do not need to own a traditional boat to appreciate the craftsmanship, skills, stories and experiences surrounding small craft.
Preserving the Traditions of Small Craft
The Friends host a local chapter of the national Traditional Small Craft Association.
The Traditional Small Craft Association is an educational organization dedicated to preserving and continuing the living traditions, skills, lore and legends surrounding working and pleasure watercraft whose origins predate the marine gasoline engine.
The local North Carolina Maritime Museum chapter is a loosely knit group of people who simply enjoy traditional boats, craftsmanship, maritime history and opportunities to “mess around in small boats.”
Preserve Skills
Celebrate traditional boatbuilding, rowing, sailing, rigging, seamanship and other hands-on maritime skills.
Share Knowledge
Exchange stories, techniques, experience and information with people who appreciate traditional watercraft.
Get on the Water
Participate in gatherings, rallies, races and informal outings that keep traditional small craft active and visible.
About the Local Chapter
The North Carolina Maritime Museum chapter brings together boat owners, builders, sailors, rowers, historians and people who simply enjoy traditional craft.
Activities are informal, educational and centered on fellowship. Members have opportunities to share boats, attend local gatherings, take part in special events and connect with others interested in preserving maritime traditions.
- Open to traditional small-craft enthusiasts
- No requirement to own a boat
- Educational and social activities
- Traditional sailing, rowing and boatbuilding interests
- Local events based around Beaufort and Gallants Channel
- Connection to a national association
Chapter Events and Activities
The chapter hosts and participates in events throughout the year. Dates and details may vary based on weather, water conditions, volunteers and the Museum calendar.
Wooden Boat Show Sail Around
Traditional small craft gather during the Wooden Boat Show for a sail around Carrot Island and an opportunity to showcase historic designs on Beaufort’s waterfront.
Annual Great 4th Race
A spirited traditional small-craft race is held on a Saturday near July 4, bringing local sailors and boat enthusiasts together for friendly competition.
Traditional Skiff Rally
The annual skiff rally celebrates traditional boat designs, practical seamanship and time spent together on local waters.
In-the-Water Meet
Members and guests gather for an informal fall meet featuring traditional boats, shared knowledge, fellowship and on-water activities.
Local Chapter Membership
A current Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum membership is required before joining the local Traditional Small Craft Association chapter.
Friends membership supports maritime education, preservation, exhibits, community programs and the Museum’s broader mission. Local chapter dues help sustain TSCA activities and communications.
How to Join
Joining is completed in two simple steps. First, confirm that your Friends membership is active. Then select your local TSCA membership term.
Join or Renew the Friends
Maintain an active membership with the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum.
Join the Local TSCA Chapter
Select a one-year or two-year chapter membership and complete your dues online.
Connect With the Group
Contact the Friends office to ask about upcoming events, activities, chapter communications or ways to participate.
Location and Contact
The local chapter is hosted by the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum and gathers for many activities at Gallants Channel.
Gallants Channel
North Carolina Maritime Museum
172 West Beaufort Road
Beaufort, NC 28516
Questions About the Chapter?
Contact the Friends office for information about chapter membership, activities, upcoming events or participation.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 252-728-2762
Keep Traditional Small Craft on the Water
Join a community dedicated to preserving traditional boats, maritime skills and the simple enjoyment of spending time together on the water.