Captain’s Cove Golf & Yacht Club in Accomack County has been named the 2025 Community Association of the Year by the Community Association Institute (CAI) Chesapeake Chapter. The award was presented October 6 at the CAI Symposium and Expo in Hanover, Maryland, recognizing the Eastern Shore community’s excellence in governance, operations, and resident engagement.
Captain’s Cove, a 50-year-old waterfront community overlooking Chincoteague Bay, earned the honor for its strong leadership and commitment to improving quality of life for residents. The association’s mission focuses on fostering a thriving, inclusive community while responsibly managing resources for the benefit of all.
Board President Mark Majerus said the recognition validates years of dedication from both residents and staff. “What truly sets Captain’s Cove apart isn’t just its amenities or management,” he said. “It’s the spirit of community — neighbors who wave, stop to talk, and come together daily. It reminds me of life in Mayberry, USA.”
Four years ago, Captain’s Cove transitioned to a self-managed model — a move that brought skepticism from some residents. Since then, the association has built a reputation for effective management, transparency, and community pride under Senior General Manager Colby Phillips and a team of 70 full- and part-time employees.
The CAI award underscores Captain’s Cove’s balance of professionalism and small-town warmth, celebrating a community where good governance, natural beauty, and neighborly connection come together.
The Community Associations Institute, founded in 1973, represents more than 50,000 members worldwide and sets standards for ethical and transparent management in homeowner and condominium associations. The Chesapeake Chapter covers most of Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
