Entry open for 79th Block Island Race
by Storm Trysail Club 15 Jan 02:21 HKT
May 22-24, 2026
Block Island Race Week 2025 © Stephen Cloutier
The historic Block Island Race, hosted by the Storm Trysail Club, returns on Friday, May 22, 2026, ushering in another season of premier offshore competition for sailors from across the Northeast and beyond.
First organized in 1946 by returning war veterans seeking camaraderie and a return to normalcy, the Block Island Race has grown into a beloved ocean-racing classic—challenging crews with a scenic yet demanding course around Block Island and through the ever-changing waters of Long Island and Block Island Sounds.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Southern New England's coastal waters, the 2026 Block Island Race is expected to draw a competitive fleet of monohulls competing for top honors and trophies in their divisions. The race traditionally departs off Stamford, Connecticut, before rounding Block Island and returning, testing crews with a combination of strategic navigation, weather variability, and pure seamanship. As this is also a Newport Bermuda Race year, registrations are expected to attract even more boats warming up for the 636-mile Race.
Race Highlights:
- Date & Time: Friday, May 22, 2026, starting at 1200
- Course(s): Classic Block Island course (186nm) — from the start line southward, around Block Island, and back. (A short Plum Island Course at 132nm is available for PHRF boats).
- Competitor Eligibility: Open to ORC and PHRF-rated boats, including a wide range of doublehanded racing and cruising yachts, with classes scored under PHRF and ORC handicap systems.
- Awards & Celebration: Prizes will be awarded at a post-race reception and awards ceremony, uniting racers, families, and supporters ashore at the Stamford Yacht Club on Sunday the 24th.
"We're thrilled to continue this long-standing tradition of sailing excellence with the 79th Block Island Race," said Commodore Andrew Weiss, Storm Trysail Club. "This event not only celebrates high-level racing but also the camaraderie and rich history that make offshore racing such a defining part of our sport."
The Block Island Race serves as a key early-season offshore event for many competitors and often functions as a qualifier within regional racing series.
Competitors can enter online via YachtScoring and review Notice of Race documents for detailed instructions, class breaks, and logistics.