It's go time! Block Island Race Week preview

Storm Trysail Block Island Race Week © Stephen R Cloutier

"The planning for 29th Block Island Race Week began on the last day of 28th in 2019 and now it's finally here," said Race Chair Ray Redniss. "Between then and now, there have been a few iterations but now the Storm Trysail Club is ready to welcome 165 boats in less than two weeks to Block Island."

With 50 more boats registered than in 2019, the return to normalcy has attracted quite a few first-timers to the lineup this year. Just under half of all entries (77) are new skippers to Block Island Race Week. On the other side of the spectrum, with the launch of the new North Light Society honoring the dedication of long-time Race Weekers with 5, 10, or 15+ Race Weeks under their belt, Storm Trysail Club will be inducting 152 sailors with over 1700 Race Weeks between them into this new group.

Competitors are spread pretty equally among the ORC, PHRF, and One-Design Bouy Racing Circles with the fastest-growing division, the Performance Cruising Class attracting 57 boats this year (there were just 30 in 2019). This class races just one longer distance race per day while the other 100+ teams will split among three other Race Circles run by long-time Race Committee Volunteers. All of the boats will race in the Regatta Craft Mixers Round-The-Island Race on one of the Race Days.

"The goal is to help make up for a year with little racing and give everyone the jolt of sailing energy they have been missing," continued Redniss. "With the return of post-racing socials and daily awards - now back at Champlin's Marina and Resort we look forward to kick-starting a great summer of racing for our sailors."