Hydros for Heroes was a hit.

Enveloped by gorgeous Whidbey Island weather, the hydroplane races on Oak Harbor Bay Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13 and 14, where applauded by fans, drivers and organizers.

The hydros returned to Oak Harbor for the third consecutive year after a nearly 40-year absence.  Craig McKenzie took over sponsorship of the races this summer, replacing Michelle Curry, who moved from the area.

McKenzie, aided by the Craig McKenzie Team from Keller Williams Realty, Oak Harbor Rotarians and a host of volunteers, renamed the event Hydros for Heroes to honor men and women in uniform.

Also, all proceeds from the race were earmarked for the Rotary’s many charitable efforts.

McKenzie said he took on the financial responsibilities of the race because he “spent the last 23 years in Oak Harbor running a very successful business, and I am now giving back as much as possible.”

The hydro race is just one of several events sponsored by the McKenzie Team in its effort to give back $100,000 by the end of the year to local heroes — active and retired military and those involved in law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, teaching and healthcare.

Rotarian and race volunteer Brian Jones called the Hydros for Heroes “a great event” that could help fund the club’s Food For Kids Back Pack Program for a year.

Jim Woessner, race director, said he received nothing but positive feedback from the drivers.

“They said Friday’s drivers’ dinner at Louie G’s was the best ever. Then Saturday, they called the pig roast dinner better yet.”

Woessner noted that several members of hydro’s major league — the unlimited circuit — volunteered to help or took part.

Kip Brown served as race marshal and unlimited driver Jeff Bernard was pit director. Unlimited drivers J. Michael Kelly and Kevin Eacret had boats in Oak Harbor.

Bernard, Kelly and Eacret all raced unlimited boats in the Seafair Cup a week ago.

Bernard said Oak Harbor was a good racing venue.

“The second turn gets a little choppy, but overall it is a good course.”

During Sunday’s races in Oak Harbor, pilot Conrad Malmo said the drivers were “treated well” and like competing in Oak Harbor.

“This is one of the largest crowds we get,” he said. “Many of our races are at out-of-the-way lakes in Eastern Washington or on lakes with limited viewing areas.”

Malmo also liked that half of the pit area was moved to Flintstone Park. The larger boats, the ones that required a crane to be placed in the water, were moved from the Oak Harbor Marina to Flintstone Park.

“I like being on the grass, and I like being able to see the course from here,” Malmo added.

About 50 boats took part in the event, and Malmo said about 25 more could have made the trip to Oak Harbor. He suspects the salt water was a key factor keeping some away.

Malmo, however, doesn’t see salt water as a problem: “It’s easy to clean out of your engine and really isn’t an excuse.”

Pointing to the marina, he added, “Some boats sit in salt water year around.”

Woessner said organizers plan to bring the hydroplane races back to Oak Harbor in 2017. The date will depend on openings in the racing schedule and the tides.