Debra Lynn Cycotte

Debra Lynn Peterson Cycotte

“Queen of Scots”

August 26, 1953 – January 10, 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Debra Lynn Peterson Cycotte, announces her peaceful passing on January 10, 2025, at age 71 due to Alzheimer’s Disease. Her sister, Patti Peterson Manning was by her side. Debbie, as she was fondly known, was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, Godmother to her beloved nephew Bradley Christopher Manning, and friend.

Debbie was born on August 26, 1953, in Bay Shore, NY to Norman and Adele Peterson. She grew up in Islip, NY until age 14 when her dad was transferred to Raleigh, NC. Debbie and her dad began sailing in the early 1970’s. Debbie’s passion for being a skipper started after she and her dad built a 13.5’ foot Blue Jay in the family’s screened in back porch. They christened the Blue Jay at Lake Wheeler in Raleigh and spent many weekends at the lake while Debbie learned how to sail. She and her dad belonged to several yacht clubs and most weekends raced their sailboat, a Flying Scot FS1849 affectionately named “For Pete’s Sake” after her dad.

After working as a draftsman for a couple of years, Debbie followed her passion for sailing and moved to Oriental, NC. There, she lived on a 35-foot sailboat for many years and made sails and canvas items.

Debbie served as District Governor from 1980-1981 and earned her United States Coast Guard Captain’s License to operate or navigate passenger carrying vessels in 1985. While living in Oriental, Debbie met Mark Cycotte who was a boat builder. They moved to Deltaville (now Hartfield), Virginia in 1993 and built a home, workshop, and storage building. Debbie continued to work for sail and canvas makers while serving as Fleet Captain for local yacht clubs and actively participating in the Flying Scot Association acting as Class Historian and contributor of stories in each issue of Scot’s n’ Water. She was an accomplished skipper and won many trophies over the years, including the coveted Flying Scot Challenger Division Champion trophy. She worked tirelessly to have Flying Scot designer, Sandy Douglass, inducted into the Sailing Hall of fame in 2020. For all her dedication and hard work, The Flying Scot Sailing Association bestowed the title of FSSA Historian Emeritus to Debbie.

Debbie was also active in the Fishing Bay Yacht Club and the Rappahannock River Yacht Club. She served on countless race committees, chaired and co-chaired various regattas, and did whatever else was needed to have a successful regatta.

Plans are in progress for a Celebration of Life for Debbie late February or early March at both the Rappahannock River Yacht Club and Fishing Bay Yacht Club. Details to follow.

Along with sailing and a love for water, Debbie loved and rescued many dogs over the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be mailed to:

Peak Lab Rescue, P.O. Box 2184, Apex, NC 27502

Donations may also be made online at www.peaklabrescue.com/memorial-gifts. Please indicate that your donation is in memory of Debbie Peterson Cycotte.