Pirate’s Cove Marina and Pavilion announces new ownership

The Pirate’s Cove Marina & Pavilion is now under new ownership, per a January 15 announcement. The marina, previously owned by the late Jim Tobin and his wife Tammy, is now owned by the Harrell family of Ahoskie, NC, after selling for nearly $7.6 million in December.

The Harrells, owners of Jernigan Oil Company & Duck Thru Food Stores, have an established history with Pirate’s Cove Marina and the Outer Banks – delivering fuel products to marinas on the Outer Banks and Morehead City for many years, operating Duck Thru Food Stores in Manteo, Nags Head, and Wanchese, being part of the Pirate’s Cove neighborhood community, and operating an offshore charter fishing business aboard the Haulin’ Gas.

“Jim and Tammy dedicated many years to Pirate’s Cove, helped set tournament records, and maintained a polished reputation in the sport fishing community. We hope to continue operating the marina at the same level of excellence the Tobins helped establish,” said Michael Harrell, President of Jernigan Oil Company.

This year, Pirate’s Cove will host the 35th Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only Billfish Tournament and 41st Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament.

“We are especially looking forward to the tournaments on this year’s calendar and we definitely plan to continue working with the various tournament boards to host some of the best tournaments on the East Coast,” said Harrell.

Construction of Pirate’s Cove Marina began after the completion of the community infrastructure in the early 1980s.

Today, Pirate’s Cove Marina & Pavilion includes both privately owned and transient slips, totaling 195 slips. The Pavilion at Pirate’s Cove, a 13,000-square-foot open-air venue hosts weddings, fishing tournaments, and other events throughout the year. The marina also includes a seafood restaurant and tiki bar, operated by Blue Water Grill.