The sign? The pronounced increase of outdoor activity at Boothbay region boatyards as the boating season quickly approaches. Boat covers are shed like unneeded winter overcoats, hull bottoms are scraped and painted and docks are launched and secured in readiness for summer

Wotton's Wharf, named in honor of long-time lobster dealer and community leader, Donnie Wotton, has seen pronounced activity all winter long.

The long-standing wharf, on Boothbay Harbor's Mill Cove, was purchased last May by Jeff Lowell of the Boothbay Region Boatyard. Lowell bought Wotton's to gain deep water docking and mooring close to downtown Boothbay Harbor. Lowell saw the advantages of Wotton's in providing full boatyard services to yachts cruising "Down East." Additionally, Wotton's could provide highly coveted deep-water docking and mooring for yachts close to Boothbay Harbor and be able to host significant boating events such as the Shipyard Cup which Boothbay Region co-sponsors with Hodgdon Yachts annually in September.

Lowell's vision of Wotton's serving as a vital magnet of yachts seeking deep-water berthing and repair facility with convenient walking access to downtown Boothbay Harbor is already bearing fruit as witnessed with the arrival of such world-class yachts as the Adix, Cintrix, and Schererazade over the past year.

Wotton's Wharf general manager Chuck Chaney oversees the changes and renovations underway at the facility. "It is heartening to see Wotton's will continue as a vital part of Boothbay Harbor's working waterfront," said Chaney.

The wharf's two-story headquarters, located on the pier, has undergone a major overhaul. "A lot of work has been done to reconfigure the headquarters to meet the demands of the wharf's mission," said Chaney.

When renovations are completed later next month the facility will include a marina office, ship store, repair shop, boatyard offices and crew's quarters to meet future after-hour security needs.

Wotton's possesses 580 feet of tie-up dock space with 17 feet of water at mean-low tide on the wharf's south side and additional 100 feet of dock on the east side.

"We are in the process of providing new power to the wharf furnishing 100 amps at five separate locations to accompany fresh water provisioning," said Chaney.

Full gasoline and diesel fuel will be dispensed from Wotton's north gas dock.

Wotton's will be able to provide full yacht repairs as an adjunct to Boothbay Region Boatyard. Skilled boat builders, joiners, electricians and other boat professionals are at hand to provide all manner of services to the cruising sailor.

A giant floating barge, purchased from Eliot Winslow, abets yacht repairs at Wotton's by serving as a sizable workshop and storage area adjacent to any worked-upon vessel. A crane can safely and easily be moved right onto the wharf as needed.

"When completed this will be the only place north of Newport able to dock up to 350' l.o.a. and 16' draft while undergoing general service work. The top-of-the-line facility has the additional asset of being exceptionally accessible in allowing boaters to reach the wharf without maneuvering through a busy harbor.

"It will be convenient for people to walk into town and take advantage of all the recreational amenities, while their boat is having emergency repairs done. Wotton's will add full internet access to visiting boaters this summer.

"The skipper of the mega-sailing yacht Adix was very impressed with our wharf last summer. He remarked that there are fewer and fewer places to tie up 100-foot-plus vessels like his, and was equally impressed with the accommodating spirit of Wotton's.

"The Shipyard Cup, now entering into its fourth year, is the kind of yacht event Wotton's hopes to continually attract in the future The world-class sailing regatta draws magnificent sailing yachts from the southern ocean doldrums to take advantage of the fine winds and weather of Maine late summers. The Shipyard Cup serves as a needed shouder-season economic boost to the Boothbay Region as sailors and spectators alike frequent area establishments.

The dramatic scenic backdrop of Wotton's, providing an expansive view of the pine-studded harbor islands, lighthouses and open sea beyond lends itself ideally to functions such as this year's Shipyard Cup post-race festivities.

Information on Wotton's Wharf can be obtained by calling 207-633-7440 or by visiting their website at www.wottonswharf.com. Reporter Daniel Fayen can be reached at 633-4620, or at danielemmett@yahoo.com.