31st Block Island Race Week Day 4 - Mount Gay Rum Race Day

Mount Gay Rum Race Day featured everyone's favorite race of Block Island Race Week: the Regatta Craft Mixers Round The Island Race. The breaking of the recent heatwave made for a fast and furious counter-clockwise lap by Southeast Lighthouse, past the Mohegan Bluffs, around the 1BI buoy, and back into New Harbor.

David Fass' Swan 42 Zammermoos had a tremendous day sailing in the ORC 2 Class. "Fortunately, we got ahead at the start and were able to stay away from most of our fleet and the traffic," said crewmember Seadon Wijsen. "We had a pretty easy and pleasant race."

"It was a great day on the water with big breeze," added Jack McQuire, owner of J/88 Dirty Harry. He noted that his favorite part of the Round The Island Race is the way the currents change around the course. "If you're not on it, you can go from a half mile ahead to a half mile behind in a minute." He noted that the race always hinges on good tactics and solid strategy.

Returning to the marinas, sailors shared their favorite parts of the race. "Round The Island is definitely my favorite day. I love seeing Block Island from the ocean," said Abby Smith, competing on her dad, Tom Rich's GP 42 Settler. The boat was the first to round the 1BI buoy. "Seeing all the other boats coming out and lining up to race, seeing kites up, jibs up—it's always fun no matter the conditions." Her brother-in-law and crewmate Alex Lavoie added that "it was fun to sail fast in great conditions. Every time you do this race and see the scenery from the water, you appreciate the Island more and more."

Check out full results for the Regatta Craft Mixers Round The Island Race on YachtScoring. Tomorrow, racing wraps up with IHG Hotels and Resorts Race Day. Come back to The 1BI for final results, awards coverage, and highlights from the week!

Find out more at stormtrysail.org/the-1bi-2025-day-4