Jim McAlpine, 88 and skippering Lucky Jim, whipped all the “youngsters” in the first Oak Harbor Yacht Club Sail Fleet regatta of the spring Thursday, March 16.

Because of the weather and water conditions, the course was shortened as the fleet raced from the marina to the buoy marking the south harbor entrance and back among sporty, shifting breezes.

Yeah Dogg skippered by Chad Holcomb finished second and Gadzooks with Rex Dupuis at the helm placed third.

The Thursday night races run through early October and are open to the public. Yacht Club membership is encouraged but not required, and all skill levels are welcome. Following each race, a social activity is held.

For more information, contact Sail Fleet Captain Bill Weinsheimer at ohsailfleet@gmail

The Lucky Jim crew prepares for the race. (Photo by Bill Walker)

Race Chair Byron Skubi gives the pre-race instructions. (Photo by Bill Walker)

Dave Steckman gets ready to head out to the course Thursday. (Photo by Bill Walker)

The crew of Yeah Dogg finishes up for the evening. (Photo by Bill Walker)