Ideal forecast for Block Island Race Week

With 163 boats all checked in and ready, the 31st edition of Block Island Race Week is set for June 23-27. Three race circles will be in action, splitting the fleet into 17 classes, with nearly 1400 competitors preparing to test their skills, teamwork, and endurance over five days of varied and often unpredictable conditions.

Held biennially, the weather forecast looks ideal with seabreeze and sunny skies greeting the sailors each day, setting the scene for fantastic racing. The Race Committee will keep an eye on the McMichael Weather Briefings to pick the perfect day for everyone’s favorite Regatta Craft Mixers Round-the-Island Race day.

But, as every Block Island veteran knows, anything can change. The island is notorious for serving up all four seasons in a week—from foggy mornings to blasting winds, sideways rain, and those unforgettable bluebird southwesterlies, – with hopes that the kind weather holds as predicted.

Competition is well-distributed across ORC, PHRF, One-Design, and Performance Cruising classes, with the latter boasting 64 boats, a 42% increase from 2023, showing that Cruising Boats are here to have a great time and race hard. 2025 Block Island Race Week also serves as the J/105 and J/109 East Coast Championships, the J/44 North Americans, and the ORC North Americans.

“I believe Block Island Race Week has thrived for over 60 years because we’ve evolved alongside the sailors,” says Commodore Andrew Weiss. “At Storm Trysail Club, we’re committed to listening to the fleet and delivering the best possible racing and shoreside experience—for the next 60 years and beyond.”

Returning to defend their ‘Boat of the Week’ title, also known as the Everett B. Morris Trophy, is Bill Zartler’s J/105 DejaVoodoo. “We have some of the same returning crew and some new crew for this year’s event. Ryan Glaze, Kate O’Donnell, and Gray Rackley are returning from the last two race weeks. We will have Shawn Burke and John Hopper rounding out the boat team,” Zartler said. “We are looking forward to the mudslides, hospitality, and great racing. No fog ,please…”

Depending on class, racers will tackle a mix of buoy racing and longer distance courses. All boats will compete in the iconic Regatta Craft Mixers Round-the-Island Race, traditionally run on the windiest day of the week, as chosen by the Race Committee.

Event information – Race details – Results

Source: BIRW