Behind the Bluff with Wilson Landing Marina Dockmaster: Rebecca McCorkendale

Rebecca’s Journey to Palmetto Bluff

For Rebecca McCorkendale, life on the water isn’t just a career—it’s a calling that runs through generations. Growing up on Hog Island, nestled between Hilton Head and Bluffton, Rebecca was raised with salt air in her lungs and a sailboat never far from reach. Her childhood was defined by competitive sailing, coaching junior programs, and spending countless hours exploring the waterways that now shape her professional life at Palmetto Bluff.

From the Ferry to the Bluff

Before taking the helm as Dockmaster at Wilson Landing Marina, Rebecca built a foundation in hospitality and marine operations through local marina work and her time working as a first mate on the Daufuskie Island Ferry. Those early experiences revealed her knack for service and leadership in private club settings—skills that would later anchor her success at the Bluff.

This passion for leadership and service led her to attend The Citadel, where she earned her degree in Business Management and Supply Chain Management. Upon graduation, she was commissioned as an officer in the Army Reserves and now serves as company commander. She was working in management in Columbia, SC, when the Dockmaster position opened in June 2024. “It was a dream come true,” she says, smiling. “Everyone in my family works in a marine or water-related career—it’s truly in our blood.”

Life at the Marina

No two days at Wilson Landing Marina are ever the same. Rebecca oversees the dockhands and outside staff, training, project planning and execution, coordinating facility maintenance, and ensuring that arrivals, departures, and preparations are executed as smoothly as the May River’s current. “We’re constantly managing movement—making sure boats are ready, schedules are tight, and everything’s running efficiently.”

Behind the scenes, Rebecca leads a hardworking crew that thrives on teamwork and communication. Every detail matters, from prepping boat club vessels to maintaining seamless operations. “My team deserves so much credit,” she says. “They’re organized, responsive, and truly take pride in what they do.”

A Community on the Water

What Rebecca loves most about Palmetto Bluff isn’t just the scenery, it’s the people. “Our Members treat the marina staff like family,” she shares. “And we treat them the same way.” Each week, her team highlights one Member to learn more about, ensuring they can greet everyone by name and make every visit feel personal.

That sense of belonging, she says, is what makes the marina special. “We’re not just serving guests—we’re part of their experience. Watching people connect to the Lowcountry from the water never gets old.”

Leading with Purpose

While her team’s goal is always to meet Member needs, Rebecca believes true success comes from empowering her crew. Challenges are viewed as opportunities to learn, and effective communication is crucial for maintaining high morale. “When something goes wrong, we turn it into a training moment,” she explains. “It’s about building confidence and keeping everyone growing.”

She’s proud to lead a team that’s curious, capable, and eager to take advantage of the professional development opportunities Palmetto Bluff provides. “It’s a privilege to work with people who care so much,” she says. “They make every day rewarding.”

“Rebecca’s leadership shines through in everything she does—from her distinguished military service to her empathy and clarity at Palmetto Bluff. She brings big-picture thinking, positivity, and precision to every challenge. She’s the best hire I’ve ever made—a true privilege to work with and learn from.” – Stephan Szymanski, Marina Director – Wilson Landing

Looking Ahead

Since Rebecca joined, the marina has seen remarkable growth and momentum. Reservation counts are the highest recorded, and the fleet has recently expanded with two new 21-foot vessels. A second forklift, set to arrive in February 2026, will ease maintenance demands and improve efficiency while the ongoing Anson Marina project progresses.

The team has also increased the number of captained excursions, giving Members even more ways to explore the Lowcountry’s scenic waterways. “There’s so much excitement around what’s next,” Rebecca says. “We’re growing, evolving, and improving every day.”

Beyond the Dock

When she’s not working with the marina team to manage Wilson Landing Marina operations, you can find Rebecca running with her dog to the Treehouse in Moreland Village—a favorite hidden gem with panoramic views that stretch for miles. “It captures everything I love about this place,” she says. “The beauty, the stillness, the feeling of being connected to something bigger.”

Anchored in Connection

For Rebecca, Wilson Landing Marina is more than a workplace; it’s a living, breathing extension of the Palmetto Bluff community. From early mornings on the docks to sunset cruises on the May River, she’s proud to help create moments that bring people closer to each other, to the water, and to the place they call home.

If you’re inspired by life along the water, explore our available homes and experience the unmatched beauty of Palmetto Bluff for yourself.