It will be a quieter summer in Oak Harbor this year.

The two-man crew who run the annual Hydros for Heroes event each year announced this week that they have to cancel the high-performance boat races because of some “unexpected events beyond our control,” according to a social media post.

The hope is that someone else will take the helm and continue the event next year and beyond.

Local real estate salesperson Craig McKenzie and Jim Woessner, who’s a real estate agent and council member, brought the races back to Oak Harbor in 2016, which was after a 40-year hiatus. McKenzie envisioned the race as a way to honor men and women who serve in uniform while promoting water sports and funding college scholarships.

Plus, it was just a roaring good time.

“Over the past nine years, my buddy Jim Woessner and I with the help of our fellow agents at Better Homes and Gardens McKenzie Realty have worked tirelessly to grow this event into a meaningful gathering for youth, adult spectators, and our racing participants,” McKenzie said in an online post. “While we were looking forward to another memorable event, circumstances outside of our control have made it impossible to proceed at the level we feel this sport and community deserve.”

Woessner said organizing the event was an arduous, time-consuming task for both of them. This year, they contracted with a professional who later bowed out.

As McKenzie said, he and Woessner hope that they can find an organization, individual or group of individuals to “take on this great event and continue to grow it.”

“Hopefully we are able to pass the torch to another willing and able victim/community supporter!” McKenzie wrote.

Woessner stressed that “there was nothing nefarious” behind the decision and that no government body is the cause. In fact, both the city of Oak Harbor and Island County contribute lodging tax funds to the event each year. For this year, the county had pledged $26,500. The organization’s application for the funds stressed how the event supports the economy and fosters camaraderie among the participants.

“Local businesses are vital partners, providing catering to sponsors and dinner for racers, equipment rental, sound systems, and announcements for the races,” the application states. “The event also hosts a vibrant street fair where small businesses and nonprofits can participate as vendors. The races showcase high-speed boats competing in various categories, drawing spectators for thrilling experiences.”

In an upcoming Sound Off column, Councilmember Bryan Stucky addresses the community’s reaction to the news, with some people blaming the city council or city government. He points out that the city isn’t involved in planning such events.

“These events are made possible by dedicated groups of volunteers, and we should extend them grace when things don’t go exactly as planned,” he wrote. “The city’s role is to support these events by removing as many obstacles as possible to help them succeed. We assist with things like road closures, public land, permitting, public safety and some advertising. Of course, we need to maintain certain safety standards and guidelines, but beyond that, our goal should be to help facilitate — not hinder — the process (in my opinion).”

In another blow to the hydroplane racing scene, trailblazing hydroplane racer and champ Steve Huff passed away from cancer on May 21. He was born in Oak Harbor, graduated from South Whidbey High School and participated in Hydros for Heroes.

“Despite the diagnosis, Steve called 2022 the best year of his life. That year, he achieved his first National Championship, the APBA National Hydroplane Championship, a dream realized on the water that brought him deep pride and joy,” his obituary states.