The Wilmington Harbor Enhancement Trust (WHET) is a non profit organization which was formed in 1993 by business owners and local boaters, who were interested in promoting the orderly development of property and recreational activities along the Wilmington, NC riverfront on the Cape Fear River.

Today, WHET has approximately 80 members. The daily operation of WHET is funded by membership only. Proceeds from Fundraisers by WHET and funding by the City and County provide the finances for riverfront improvements for recreational activities.

Although WHET has many interests, bringing tall ships to Wilmington is one of the main goals of the organization.  Promoting the construction of floating docks downtown is also one of our priorities.  The members of WHET feel that the availability of docks will entice boaters traveling the Intracoastal Waterway to take a side trip to downtown Wilmington, as well as provide local boaters a place to dock while dining, shopping, or just visiting friends who live downtown.

WHET is also the creator and sponsor of the annual Invasion of the Pirates Flotilla.