(Block Island, RI)- For many sailors in northeastern America and their
friends from the around the world, Block Island Race Week is the
highlight of the sailing summer. Hosted by the Storm Trysail Club with
professional, well-managed race committee's, sailors can count on
fantastic racing for five straight days of sailing from June 24th to
28th. Included in the schedule is another one of those fabulous "round
island" races, the 25nm Around Block Island Race sailed mid-week. While
many enjoy the sailing, it's not unusual for many of the thousand-plus
sailors to enjoy the renown "Block Party" that goes all week long,
fueled by Mt Gay's famous rum and, equally as famous, The Oar Restaurant
& Bar's famous "mudslides".This year the sailing teams are looking forward to one of the largest fleets to assemble in years, with 183 boats registered to sail, J/Boats having by far the largest brand presence in the regatta with 80 boats participating (44% of the fleet!). Six J one-design classes are sailing, including the J/111s, the J/80 North American's and East Coast Championships for the J/109, J/105s, J/44s and J/29s. J/Teams are also sailing in the IRC and PHRF handicap divisions.
The J one-design teams are loaded with excellent sailing talent. With their North American Championship on the line, the J/80's sixteen boats are also the largest J one-design class participating. There are several top teams sailing with North American, Sailing World NOOD, Key West and East Coast champion credentials amongst them, including R80 (Will & Marie Crump fresh off a NOOD and New York YC Annual Regatta wins), RUMOR (John Storck, Jr and family), Clarke McKinnney, Bert Carp, CHURCH KEY (Chris & Liz Chadwick), FKA (Les Beckwith) and COURAGEOUS (Gary Panariello). For more Block Island Race Week sailing information
