The first annual Rubber Ducky Regatta was all that it was quacked up to be.

The event, sponsored by the city Chamber of Commerce was held at the City Beach Lagoon as part of Oak Harbor’s Fourth of July festivities.

After a pre-race inspection of all ships, things turned out just fine for the Cantankerous Crabs, led by Fred Higenall. Higinall and his charges were the first-ever winners of the Regatta and picked up $200 for their efforts.

The Navy Federal Credit Union Quackers grabbed second place followed by the third-place boat, the Rubba–dub-dubs. The Rubba–dub-dubs were the lone youth entry in the field as the Ken Martin family put together a shipworthy vessel.

The Rubba-dub-dubs led the race through the first leg as the boaters went past the lagoon dock and around a buoy. Heading back into shore the wind and a lost paddle caught up with the vessel. The Martins did take home $50 dollars as the lone youth entry in the race.

Rounding out the field were the Alaska-USA boat which took fourth and the Island Clowns, who placed last in the race but first in laughs. The Island Clowns vessel wasn’t that water-friendly as it flipped and couldn’t complete the race.

“It was wonderful fun,” said Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce’s Linda Bruner. “It was so hilarious watching the boats, the clowns barely got off the beach and almost drowned – they could hardly get on their boat.”

This might have been the first year for the regatta, but plans are already being made to hold it again next year. The Chamber of Commerce hopes that it will become an annual part of Oak Harbor’s Fourth of July celebration.

“Their was tremendous support,” Bruner said. “Everyone is all ready looking forward to it next year.”