DATE: Wednesday, September 10, 1997         TAG: 9709100559

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA 

SOURCE: STAFF REPORT 

DATELINE: COLINGTON                         LENGTH:   22 lines

RESTAURATEUR WINS SAILING EVENT

Local restaurateur Bryan Oroson, who sponsored the first Albemarle 100, sailed ``Sabbatical'' to victory in the overnight sailboat race from Colington to Edenton and back.

Oroson won the trophy supplied by Bridges Restaurant that was named in honor of Bill Best, who for years has officiated at sailing races involving the Colington Yacht Club.

The 12 entries from CYC in the Albemarle 100 started before dusk Friday, sailed under a brilliant array of stars on a dark night beneath the Highway 37 bridge after midnight, rounded the marker at Edenton under strong breezes, and rode following winds back to Colington with spinnakers flying.

Second place went to George Kendall in ``Liberty Call'' and Shawn Murphy won third in ``Seabird.''

The boats ranged from 24 to 41 feet.

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