Editorial: Race Week boaters welcome

Published 3:00 pm Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Race Week, now in progress in Oak Harbor, has provided residents of North Whidbey Island with a quarter century of summer highlights. Some watch the races to see who wins but most simply enjoy the sight of dozens of colorful, billowing sails dotting the blue waters of Oak Harbor Bay and Penn Cove on a sunny summer’s day.

This year’s event got off to a bit of a cloudy and wind-challenged start on Monday, but predictions are the weather will clear up and the latter part of the week will be much better for sailing and viewing. Islanders will be competing for parking spots along the bluffs so they can watch the boats in action.

Meanwhile, the Race Week participants, their families and friends bring hundreds of smiling faces to town each year, creating a carnival atmosphere at the marina and downtown and giving local restaurants, hotels and other businesses a financial boost.

Race Week organizers deserve the community’s congratulations and thanks during this Silver Anniversary celebration. It’s no easy task bringing so many boats throughout the Northwest and points beyond for a full week of racing and associated activities in Oak Harbor. After 25 years of making it happen, the city is now home to one of the premiere racing events in the region. Kudos to all who have been involved in the effort over the years.