Edgartown Yacht Club's 'Round-the-Island Race Preview: Classic course, coveted trophies
by Barby MacGowan 24 Jun 08:09 PDT
July 25, 2026
Mike Powers' Tartan 3500 Artful Dodger is a perennial favorite at 'RTI © Stephen R Cloutier
Competition, camaraderie, and a collection of some of New England sailing's most storied trophies await competitors at the 89th Edgartown Yacht Club 'Round-the-Island ('RTI) Race on July 25.
One of the region's premier distance races, the annual 55 nautical mile circumnavigation of Martha's Vineyard attracts everyone from accomplished offshore racers and club sailors to family crews and cruising enthusiasts. With the July 17 entry deadline approaching, 44 boats have already registered, signaling another strong and diverse fleet for the summertime classic.
"For me, a sailboat race is both a competitive and a social event," said Mike Powers (East Falmouth, Mass.), owner of the Tartan 3500 Artful Dodger who has won his class two times out of four times racing. "The 'RTI provides a great opportunity to enjoy both, and at no cost to either the race or the party."
The race's enduring popularity stems from its combination of challenging navigation, rewarding competition, and the unique experience of sailing around Martha's Vineyard. Whether the goal is winning a class, improving crew performance, or simply sharing a memorable day on the water with family and friends, the 'RTI delivers a rare blend of challenge and enjoyment. As well, part of the 'RTI's mystique is the history represented by the trophies awarded each year.
"EYC has been doing this since all sailboats were made of wood," added Powers, noting the race's standing as one of the nation's oldest distance races. "The club knows how to organize, manage, and execute a great race in a location with classic Cape Cod charm. It is easy to understand why the race has such a storied tradition and why the crew of Artful Dodger is pleased and proud to be a part of it."
Trophies at stake
A highlight of every 'RTI is the presentation of ten perpetual trophies that recognize excellence across a variety of divisions and achievements.
Foremost among them is the Venona Trophy, awarded since the race's inception in 1938 to the overall PHRF spinnaker winner on corrected time. The Concord Cup honors the fastest monohull on elapsed time, while the Ralph D. Osborne Trophy recognizes the fastest innovative-design yacht and the Upbeat Cup goes to the overall winner of the fully-crewed non-spinnaker classes.
Additional trophies reward top performances in fully crewed and double-handed divisions, both spinnaker and non-spinnaker, as well as outstanding Service Academy and Edgartown Yacht Club entries. Team competition is celebrated through the three-boat Yacht Club/Service Academy Team Award, while the coveted Incognito Trophy honors the crew that best exemplifies passion, perseverance, and commitment to the event.
That spirit was on full display in 2025, when Chip Hawkins (Barrington, R.I.) and his family crew aboard the C&C 41 Caneel captured three trophies: first in class, the Upbeat Cup, and the Incognito Trophy. (Hawkins has raced the event seven times, winning his class a total of four times.)
"No one can imagine how important winning the Incognito Award was to my father; he literally cried when he received it," said Alden Hawkins after race organizers recognized Caneel for embracing the race both on and off the water and for showcasing the inclusiveness of family sailing. "To win this award and be recognized for doing something that for him was so natural was mind blowing to him."
More event details
Racing divisions include PHRF Spinnaker, PHRF Non-Spinnaker, PHRF Doublehanded, and Multihull. Service Academy sailing teams continue to receive free entry, and complimentary moorings are available for the first 50 paid entries.
Registration fees are $500 through June 12; $600 through July 3; $700 through July 17. (A full refund policy remains in effect through July 17.)
For Notice of Race and registration information, visit here or contact Margaret Passafiume at or (508) 627-4364.