Race Week crowd welcome
Published 5:00 am Wednesday, July 19, 2006
It’s that time of year when Oak Harbor residents and businesses throw out the welcome mat to the hundreds of folks attracted here by Race Week, one of the premier sailing events in the Northwest.
Now in its 24th year, Race Week is a welcome summer attraction for residents and visitors alike. Downtown comes alive as the hundreds of people associated with the participating 100 boats enjoy themselves, and the waters of Penn Cover and Saratoga Passage are never more beautiful than when dotted with the colorful, wind-filled sails of Race Week participants.
Sailing is a Whidbey Island tradition, dating back to the earliest explorers and settlers who made their way here under the power of sail. Oak Harbor is fortunate to have a marina where sailboats abound, and a Yacht Club that considers part of its mission spreading the gospel of sailing to the next generation. Boating classes filled with boys and girls learning to sail are one of the benefits of raising kids on Whidbey.
Race Week organizers have ordered up perfect weather this week, with warm temperatures and steady winds. Racing starts about noon every day this week, so pick out a vantage point and enjoy the view. The Coupeville dock and Long Point are among the best places to watch the passing parade of sails. For racing results and activities associated with Race Week, go online to www.whidbey.com/raceweek.
