A rain storm washed out the opening activities of the 2015 Oak Harbor Hydroplane Races Friday, Aug. 14, but Mother Nature offered up sun when the boats hit the waters of Oak Harbor Bay Saturday and Sunday, and the rumbles of Friday’s thunder were replaced by the window-rattling roar of the boats.

Race owner Michelle Curry said the event went well after the soggy start, thanks to the work of the volunteers, sponsors and racing teams, and the dedication of the fans.

“No event is without it challenges,” she said. “We have an incredible group of volunteer managers that handled everything seamlessly.”

One Navy volunteer, Joe Roberts, “agreed to help me all three days in order to learn and experience everything that goes into an event this size,” Curry said. “I couldn’t ask for a better assistant.”

About 50 boats attended, according to race officials, up from the 42 which raced in 2014.

“More boats, more racers –- even added a new team that saw the races last year in Oak Harbor and just had to join the fun,” Curry said. “(We) even heard we inspired yet another family to get into racing for next year. That is why we do what we do, to inspire others and put smiles on people’s faces.”

Curry helped bring hydroplane racing back to Oak Harbor last summer after a nearly 40-year absence.

From the boaters’ point of view, everything went “really, really well,” according to Bob Donley of the Hopp Racing team of Snohomish.

“It’s a good venue and close to home,” Donley said.

The Hopp team races most weekends and “generally brings six to 10 boats,” he said.

Not all teams followed the Hopps to Oak Harbor.

“I wish there were more boats here,” Donley said. “Some drivers have issues with the salt water.”

Salt water is “not that big of a deal,” Donley said. “The boat is only in the water about 10 minutes and it doesn’t take long to flush out the engine. Regardless, everything is stainless. It’s just an excuse some have found to use.”

Donley began racing in 1968 and joined the Hopp team in 2006. He is responsible for electrical and radio issues, making sure everything in the cockpit works.

The Hopp team also provided a race simulator for the spectators. Viewers could sit in the cockpit of a hydro and experience the sensation of racing around a watery course.

Sarah Gallella, a race volunteer, said everything was “going great” and was “very exciting” Sunday afternoon.

“This is the best venue in the state,” she said. “When you see other races, and you see this — well, this is just beautiful.”

Gallella, the “VIP Boss,” handled the concerns of those viewing from the boxes set up on F Dock at the Oak Harbor Marina.

“I also coordinate with the marina; certain things have to happen for security reasons,” she said, “and I help with the race officials and their needs.”

Hydroplanes races are “fun, interesting events,” she said. “Someone who is not familiar with boats can learn as they go. It is still exciting that way.”

There were some issues with the weather late Saturday.

“It was windy, but we still made it happen, made it a good race,” she said.

Sunday’s sunny weather “just brought everyone’s enthusiasm out,” she added.

The vendors “did fantastic” Saturday and Sunday, Curry said. “We continue to grow and get better each year.”

Friday’s rain storm forced that evening’s activities to be cancelled, and the county “graciously agreed” to give refunds to the vendors who paid to participate, Curry said.

The races attracted a crowd similar to last year’s estimate of 12,000, Curry said.

“Overall, people loved it, brought their families and enjoyed the day,” she said.

“Most have never experienced this type of racing or seen these types of boats, and experiencing it up close and personally is truly an experience. We even had repeat fans from Canada to California come back to hear the noise.”

A new wrinkle this year was a flyover during the opening ceremonies. As Tara Hizon of the city council sang the national anthem, the nine Blackjacks flew by.

Teresa Cole came up with the idea for the flyover, Curry said, and Ken Davies of Cascade Aviation helped make it happen.

“Everyone had goosebumps from the experience,” Curry said.

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Hydros head for the starting line in last weekend’s event. Photo by Jim Waller.