Bill Baldwin

The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Triangle Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society was officially formed on January 15, 2005, to provide a means through which individuals sharing a common interest in antique and classic boats can meet, share experiences and information, exchange ideas, and generate enthusiasm for all aspects of these unique boats.

Merl W. "Bill" Baldwin, Jr. a/k/a "The Helmsman" was the Founding President.  (June 6, 1935-October 14, 2015) Bill wrote science fiction--specifically militaristic space opera.  The Helmsman Saga (8 books) was his best-known work, hence his nickname.  Bill worked at NASA at Cape Canaveral supporting Project Mercury and later as a contractor for the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center.  He was also President of the Wooden Boat Association of North Texas and managing editor of The Brass Bell, the magazine of the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club. Bill is fondly remembered by early chapter members.

New Name for Chapter
On March 21, 2019, the ACBS officially sanctioned the chapter's new name:  NC Coastal & Piedmont Chapter.  The new name better reflects the location of our chapter members. 

Incorporation
On August 24, 2022, the chapter was incorporated in the State of North Carolina under its new name.

Area Served by Chapter

Coastal counties are blue and Piedmont counties are yellow.

nc map copy

Awards Won by the Chapter

  • 2019/2020  ACBS awarded our chapter the Chapter Growth Award--greatest number of new members
  • 2019-2020  ACBS awarded our chapter the Chapter Growth Award--greatest percent increase
  • 2019-2020 ACBS awarded our chapter's President Alan Hills the Broken Gunwale Award (Click here to read about his misadventures at the Lake James event--pg.7)
  • 2021 ACBS awarded our chapter the small chapter publication award for our monthly newsletter "Messing About in Boats" editor Judy Hills
  • In 2024 ACBS awarded our chapter the small chapter publication award for our monthly newsletter "Messing About in Boats" editor Judy Hills
  • In 2024 ACBS awarded our chapter the Chapter Growth Award--greatest percent increase.