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Marine Advisory Commission raises hydroplane spectator rate to $2.50 per foot, keeps standard electrical fee
Summary
The Oak Harbor Marine Advisory Commission set a $2.50-per-foot nightly spectator rate for the summer hydroplane event, with a three-night minimum, and affirmed the standard $6.35 nightly electricity charge. Commissioners also asked staff to seek clearer commitments from event organizers on course setup and staff support before the August event.
The Marine Advisory Commission voted to set spectator rates for this summer's hydroplane races at $2.50 per foot per night with a three-night minimum and to keep the standard electricity charge at $6.35 per night.
The change was proposed during the commission's Feb. 10 meeting as staff said the marina typically loses a night of transient business because many visiting boats arrive Friday, race on Saturday, and depart Sunday. Chris, the harbor master, recommended the $2.25 rate earlier in the discussion but commissioners moved to $2.50 to more closely match special-event pricing elsewhere and to help cover lost revenue from slips that cannot be backfilled.
The commission also directed staff to continue reservations processing once rates are set. Staff reported the Bellingham Yacht Club had asked to reserve about 15 slips and that the marina is near capacity for the event.
Commissioners raised staffing and permitting concerns tied to last year's event, including overtime and the amount of marina staff time spent shuttling equipment, monitoring the channel and supporting event logistics. Commissioners asked staff to invite the event's promoter or owner (referred to in the meeting as Mr. McKenzie and Mr. Wiesner) to a future meeting to clarify responsibilities for buoy placement, setup labor and staffing costs and to give the commission a clear "go/no-go" decision well in advance of August.
The commission noted that Coast Guard permitting is sometimes not issued until a few weeks before the event and requested a plan B if the organizer cannot meet staffing or permitting requirements. The commission instructed staff to request a follow-up agenda item to secure organizer commitments and to document anticipated staff time and potential compensation for overtime.
The motion to set the spectator rate at $2.50 per foot and the three-night minimum passed by voice vote; commissioners also approved keeping electricity at the standard $6.35 nightly fee.
The commission will notify waiting reservations once staff assigns slips and collects payments.
