Block Island Race tune-up for Bermuda

Eight-two boats are entered for the 77th Annual Block Island Race which begins May 24 off Stamford, CT. The 186 nm course navigates through Long Island Sound, around Block Island, and back. The weather forecast offers a late sea breeze from the southwest and an outgoing tide predicted for the first afternoon, with sailors hoping for the breeze to fill to get them going out before the tide turns and the breeze turns back to the north.

One of the standout competitors to watch is the Mills 68, Space Monkey. This Pro/Am team, led by David Greenstein, is coming off a string of victories, including line honors in the Fort Lauderdale Race and Nassau Race, and a first-to-finish in last season’s Vineyard Race on a similar course. Sailing Master Jesse Fielding and navigator Jan Majer are banking on their local knowledge to secure a top spot on the ORC podium this time around.

However, they will have to contend with Andrew Weiss and his Italia 11.98 Christopher Dragon which won the 2024 EDLU Race and last year’s Block Island Race along with being a two-time Northern Ocean Racing Trophy champion. Weiss, along with 57 other teams, are using the Block Island Race to prepare for Newport Bermuda Race which starts June 21.

A mix of PHRF and ORC classes divides the fleet into 12 division based on size and rating. Current weather and routing have many of the boats finishing in about 30 hours. Strategy of how to handle the tide and stay in the breeze will be key for the sailors.

The Block Island Race is a key qualifier for several prestigious season trophies, including the Northern Ocean Racing Trophy and Double-Handed Ocean Racing Trophy, which represent the pinnacle of competitive offshore racing under the Offshore Racing Congress’ ORC International (ORCi) rating.

It is also a qualifier for the New England Lighthouse Series (PHRF), De Coursey Fales (PHRF), Sagola (PHRF), and Windigo (PHRF) Trophies, the du Moulin Cup for Double-Handed Racing, the Youth Challenge Cup awarded by the YRA-LIS, the STC Rugg Family Youth Offshore Challenge, and the “Tuna Trophy” for the best combined ORC scores in the EDLU (40%) and Block Island Race (60%).

Event information – Race details – Entry list

Source: STC