The ramshackle tent city that popped up next to the Oak Harbor Yacht Club last weekend will soon be completely dismantled as its temporary inhabitants are forced back to reality.
The 29th annual Whidbey Island Race Week came to a close yesterday, and in keeping with tradition, the participants packed every minute of their five days on Whidbey with as much sailing and partying as possible.
Jacque Kaseler and her husband competed throughout the week on their Melges 24 named PeTeron.
“It’s just a great environment,” Kaseler said. “Camping out creates a sense of community and it’s fun to compete against your friends. Plus, a lot of people don’t mind the free drinks.”
Kaseler and her team take sailing very seriously. She said one member of her crew has been to every Race Week since 1986 except one. On Thursday, the PeTeron had three first-place finishes and was named the Boat of the Day. As of Friday morning, the PeTeron was in second place overall among the P3 Fleet.
“Today was especially great,” Kaseler said Thursday evening. “It was rainy but windy, and we love the wind.”
On Thursday, along with every other night last week, the sailors gathered on the yacht club lawn for dancing, drinking and socializing. Live music rang out over the water and beach volleyball games were played. Even the security guards charged with manning the gate were joining in the festivities. They donned brightly colored reggae caps attached to long faux dreadlocks.
Just across the parking lot, another annual party was taking place Thursday at Crescent Harbor Adventures on the Seaplane Base. The event celebrated both Navy and Race Week sailors and recognized Navy Appreciation Night and the Centennial of Naval Aviation. People received an abundance of pork ribs and chicken prepared by the Chief Petty Officers’ Club as they entered and were entertained by the Don Richards Band and Andy O.
“I played at this event back in the early ‘90s,” Don Richards said. “It’s changed since then.”
Though the evening was cold and blustery, the party drew both sailors and civilians alike with families, teens and plenty of 20-somethings in attendance.
“We’re going to try and warm up a bit and just enjoy the band,” Oak Harbor resident Zach Rhodes said. “It’s one of our local favorites.”
Courtney Wells, who was serving drinks at the party, said she’s been sailing since her youth and was disappointed she couldn’t compete in Race Week this year due to her work schedule.
“I’ve only missed two Race Weeks since I was 8 years old,” Wells said. “I like sailing, and I like the parties.”
As of yesterday morning, the 12 boats in first-place spots were Shrek (P0 Fleet), Prowler (P1 Fleet), Absolutely (P2 Fleet), Lekker (P3 Fleet), Little Blue Dune Buggy (P4 Fleet), Delirium (P5 Fleet), Crazy Ivan (P6 Fleet), Dos (P7 Fleet), Here & Now (P8 Fleet), Raindrop (P9 Fleet), Yeah Dogg (P10 Fleet) and Skamokawa (P11 Fleet). Visit www.whidbeyislandraceweek.com.
