Hydros for Heroes organizers brief Oak Harbor commission on plans, aim to reduce marina closures

Craig McKenzie, owner and promoter of Hydros for Heroes, told the Oak Harbor Marine Advisory Commission on the commission's March meeting that the ninth annual hydroplane race will return with several operational changes intended to reduce disruption to marina users while keeping the event free to the public.

McKenzie said Hydros for Heroes attracts about 10,000 attendees, more than 50 regional teams and has donated nearly $250,000 back to the community since he formed the nonprofit in 2017. “Proceeds from this event fuel scholarships for aspiring change makers and support the brave men and women who safeguard our communities,” McKenzie said.

The event’s organizers described three operational changes intended to reduce the impact on marina tenants: limiting boat-ramp closure to Saturday and Sunday only, scheduling regular intermissions so some boats can enter and exit, and asking the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to manage channel oversight so Marina staff can focus on onshore operations. Organizers also said they are recruiting more volunteer boats and local pilot boats to escort marina users through the course when conditions allow.

Why it matters: The race is large for Oak Harbor and visible for the waterfront; residents and marina tenants said past years’ closures and unclear schedules have blocked owners from using slips they pay for. The commission wanted specifics about schedule notices, crane backups and how volunteers and the Coast Guard Auxiliary will be used to open access.

Key points from the discussion

- Schedule and closures: McKenzie said the organizers will limit ramp closures to Saturday and Sunday and plan intermissions on race days so marina users may be able to leave and return. “We’re trying to get done and off those docks on Sunday by 06:00 at the latest,” he said.

- Coast Guard Auxiliary and volunteers: Organizers said the Coast Guard Auxiliary will manage channel oversight this year and that the Oak Harbor Youth Sailing program and other local volunteer boat operators have offered to escort marina users through a marked passage. “We have four boats that are maneuverable and set up for moving marks and towing boats, and we have trained operators that are ready to go,” said Gabe Hill of the Oak Harbor youth sailing board.

- Crane reliability and contingency plans: Organizers described a recent failure by their crane vendor that would have prevented hoisting inboard boats. McKenzie said that contingency planning includes finding local volunteer tow/escort boats and revising pit layout to reduce crane dependence.

- Communication and scheduling: Commissioners and marina staff urged earlier distribution of the race program and more explicit published “break” times so tenants can plan around intermissions. McKenzie said race-day decisions still depend on last-minute boat counts and weather but that organizers will continue to publish updated schedules when possible.

- Parking and transit: Commissioners suggested coordinating with NAS Whidbey and the base for additional temporary parking and exploring Island Transit’s on-call service to reduce demand near the ramp. Barbara (Commissioner) noted the on-call system currently does not run reliably on weekends but said the city is working with Island Transit to expand service.

Quotes and attributions

“Half of F Dock now is completely open to the public… We don’t have the back gate of the base closed,” McKenzie said, describing past changes to pit and spectator access. Gabe Hill, of the Oak Harbor youth sailing board, offered the group’s boats and trained operators as volunteer pilot boats to help with ingress and egress.

Next steps and commitments

- Organizers committed to share race schedules and intermission plans with Marina staff and the commission as soon as they are available. - Marina staff and the commission will coordinate to identify volunteer boats and a marked passage channel; the Coast Guard Auxiliary will be the authority on channel openings. - Organizers and marina staff agreed to try to minimize overtime for marina employees by refining set-up and tear-down plans.

Ending: Organizers and commission members said they support the event’s community contributions while seeking clearer schedules and contingency plans to reduce tenant inconvenience. McKenzie said the event depends on volunteer labor and local partnerships and invited commissioners and marina tenants to meet with the event coordinator, Phoebe, ahead of race weekend.