75th Storm Trysail Club Block Island Race preview

Block Island Race © Rick Bannerot

After much anticipation, over 60 boats will finally line up on Friday for the 75th Block Island Race starting in Stamford, Connecticut this weekend to complete in both ORC and PHRF classes. The first major regional distance race of the year will feature a range of race teams from around the northeast duking it out on the 186-nm course or the shorter 125-nm Plum Point course.

Boats to watch will be in the ORC A division where Andrew and Linda Weiss' Christopher Dragon and Devin McGranahan's Dream Crusher are the two fastest boats with their respective Ker+ and Kernan designs. There is also a strong turnout in the ORC C class with closely matched teams including four J/44s - two of which are from the US Merchant Marine and Coast Guard Academy.

This will also be the swan song for Ray Redniss who has been the Principal Race Officer and Event Chair of the Block Island Race for 25 years - not to mention also this year's Block Island Race Week chair! But don't expect him to go anywhere anytime soon, as Vice Commodore of the Storm Trysail Club, he continues to be a part of the vanguard in offshore race organization.

Fans of the race will be able to track the sailors after they start at 2 pm on Friday via YB Tracker system - new for 2021 thanks to our sponsor, Harbor Point. Be sure to check it out at stormtrysail.org/blockislandrace.

Also a special thanks to our other sponsors Regatta Craft Mixers, McMichael Yacht Yards & Brokers, and The Real McCoy Spirits.