Generations on the water: the Baxter family tradition continues at Block Island Race Week XXXI

Block Island Race Week 2023 © Cate Brown / Block Island Race Week

With 66 entries and counting, the 31st Block Island Race Week is shaping up to be a fantastic event. Among the names on the Scratch Sheet, one stands out as a link to the regatta's earliest days: the Baxter family.

John and Molly Baxter have extensive success in competitive racing at the highest level and have entered their family cruising boat Rascal, a Dehler 38C, in the Performance Cruising Class—keeping a cherished family tradition alive. We reached out to John to hear more about what Race Week means to him and his family.

"We're planning to do Block Island Race Week with the whole family," John shared. "My friend Anthony Kotoun was [coaching Stark Raving Mad] at the last race week and mentioned how much fun the pursuit racers were having. He suggested we gather some of our St. Mary's College sailing friends, bring our families, and enter the navigator division together."

For the Baxters, Race Week is more than a competition; it's part of their family heritage. John's father began attending Block Island Race Week in its early years, back in the 1960s, and he sailed almost every edition until recently, when his health began to keep him ashore. "I'm not sure if he was there in 1965, but if not that one then definitely the next," John said. "One of my favorite memories as a kid was seeing John Thomson, of Infinity boats fame, cruising around the harbor in his powerboat Seafood—a nod to Caddyshack—with a Dixieland band playing in the cockpit. It brought a real festive spirit to the event."

John's sailing career took off after college, where he raced on boats like the IMS 40 Sirena and later with the Rima team on the Farr 60 and Reichel/Pugh 55. "Those were some of the best years," he recalled. "That was also when I was finally allowed to join in on the legendary Race Week cocktail parties!" Now, after decades of racing at Block Island, John estimates he's participated in 15 to 20 Race Weeks, sailing with his dad from the time he was just six years old.

This year, John and Molly are bringing their own children, ages 8 and 11, to experience Race Week for the first time. "We're looking forward to sharing Race Week with them," John said. "There's nothing like it."

John's brother, Bill, will also be back in the PHRF class sailing his J/111 Fireball, representing their home club of Riverside with his wife, Jackie.

Seeing veteran racers bringing the next generation to Block Island fills us with joy. It's a reminder that while the competition is fierce, Race Week is also about family, friendship, and fun. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up and join the tradition!