Summer Update from McCotter’s Marina & Boatyard
There’s a rhythm to boating in Eastern North Carolina this time of year — longer days, fuller docks, and the steady return of familiar faces heading back out on the water. It’s the season we all look forward to. But it’s also the season that quietly demands preparation. At McCotter’s Marina & Boatyard in Washington, NC, summer is a balance between enjoying the water and staying ready for what it can bring.
The upcoming 63rd Annual Ocracoke Regatta captures the best of summer traditions, camaraderie, and a shared appreciation for time on the water. McCotter’s has proudly sponsored the event since 1999, continuing a legacy that reaches back even further. “My dad had a hand in sponsoring the race in the early days,” says owner Mark Henley. What began as a short-term commitment quickly became something more, growing into a lasting tradition that continues today.
For those who have never experienced it, the regatta offers more than just racing. It’s a place where beauty and challenge exist side by side. As Henley puts it, “you have to honor the shoals; you can run aground even without sight of land.” From shifting conditions on the water to evenings under the cedar trees ashore, it’s an event that stays with you.
Running alongside the excitement of summer is the start of hurricane season, a reality every coastal boater understands. Preparation remains the difference-maker, and timing is critical; not just for safety, but for peace of mind. Having a plan in place ahead of time helps avoid the last-minute anxiety that often comes when conditions begin to deteriorate. “Preparation is relatively easy in calm conditions — best to be ready before things start to deteriorate,” Henley says.
That preparation goes beyond the basics. Extra dock lines, properly placed chafe gear at every contact point, and sufficient fenders to cushion against surge and shifting loads can make a meaningful difference. Storm conditions introduce forces many boaters underestimate. Boats don’t simply rise and fall; they surge, twist, and press in ways that expose weak points.
From regatta weekends to storm watches, the goal at McCotter’s remains steady: to support boaters with the experience and guidance that comes from decades on the water — so when the weather is right, the only thing left to do is get out there and enjoy it.
All photos except for Mark Henley group photo by Abby Dow