British Virgin Islands named presenting sponsor of Storm Trysail Club's Block Island Race Week

Storm Trysail Club's Block Island Race Week 2025 © Stephen R Cloutier

Storm Trysail Club is pleased to announce the British Virgin Islands as the new Presenting Sponsor of Block Island Race Week.

The partnership connects one of America's premier sailing events with a Caribbean destination renowned for its sailing heritage, welcoming islands, and exceptional experiences on the water.

Block Island Race Week returns June 21-25, 2027, bringing sailors together for five days of competition and camaraderie off the coast of Rhode Island. With the British Virgin Islands joining as Presenting Sponsor, the event celebrates the shared spirit that makes both destinations favorites among sailors: great racing, memorable shoreside gatherings, and a community connected by the sea.

"Many of our sailors have raced or cruised in the BVI - or aspire to! - and we're delighted to welcome the destination as our Presenting Sponsor," said Matt Gallagher, Race Chair and Rear Commodore. "This partnership brings a little Caribbean spirit to Block Island while celebrating what makes Race Week special—great competition and camaraderie."

In the heart of the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands offer a sailor's paradise of steady sea breezes, sheltered anchorages, and island-hopping adventures. Its sailing culture encompasses the annual BVI Spring Regatta, international competition in Virgin Gorda, and generations of sailors who return to explore the islands by boat.

Among its most recognizable destinations, Bitter End Yacht Club has long welcomed sailors from around the world. Together with the BVI's distinctive islands and vibrant waterfront communities, it reflects the blend of adventure, hospitality, and camaraderie that makes sailing there so memorable.

"We are delighted to partner with the Storm Trysail Club as Presenting Sponsor of Block Island Race Week 2027. Sailing is at the very heart of the British Virgin Islands' identity, and this partnership brings together two communities that share a genuine passion for life on the water," added Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism for The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission. "Block Island Race Week provides an exciting opportunity to strengthen our connection with the North American sailing community, celebrate our shared maritime heritage, and showcase the exceptional sailing experiences that make the BVI so special. We look forward to being part of this celebrated event and inspiring even more sailors to discover, or rediscover, the magic of sailing in the British Virgin Islands."

The partnership is a natural fit for two destinations where sailing is central to the experience. From racing around Block Island to racing between and around all the 60 islands nestled among those blue Caribbean waters, both offer sailors the opportunity to enjoy time on the water.

Additional details about the partnership and British Virgin Islands activities at Block Island Race Week will be announced as the event approaches.

For Block Island Race Week information, visit here. To explore the British Virgin Islands, visit www.bvitourism.com/about.

Complete entry and pay early to save on dockage

Definitely doing BIRW? Start your planning early to save! Complete your entry and pay entry fees by December 31 and Storm Trysail Club will send you a discount code for dockage at Champlins Marina. Don't miss out on your chance to get your slip at a discounted rate!

Enter on Yachtscoring

Block Island Race Week entries off to a strong start!

The excitement is building for Block Island Race Week 2027! Nearly 70 teams have already registered, putting us well ahead of the pace for the previous edition.

At the end of October 2024, just 47 boats had signed up for the 2025 event, compared with 67 at the same point this year—a 43% increase in early registrations! It's an encouraging sign of strong interest in the 2027 event, particularly with the enthusiastic response to the new Coastal Racing Division.

We're especially excited to see the response to the newly named Coastal Racing Division, which is already attracting a strong fleet of ORC, PHRF, and doublehanded competitors looking to experience all that Race Week has to offer. Currently, this fleet represents 40% of the overall entries and 114% more than 2025 at this time.

The entry list continues to grow, with a great mix of returning competitors and new faces. We've been highlighting some of the latest entries, including Arbitrade and Nordlys, on the BIRW Facebook and Instagram pages. Follow along to see who's joining the fleet!

Thinking about joining us? Now is the time to start planning! We're hearing that accommodations on Block Island are already filling up, so we encourage teams to secure housing, rally their crews, and get their entries in early.

With registration running ahead of the last edition and growing interest across the divisions, Block Island Race Week 2027 is shaping up to be one you won't want to miss!