Back in the day, once during Race Week everyone stayed ashore and competed in activities that ranged from tug-o-war and in-pool jousting tournaments to road races and Whales Tales contests. While it was all fun and games (literally), as the world of sailboat racing became more competitive, grumbling started. Racers didn’t love the idea of staying ashore on a predetermined day when there might be perfect wind—only to have no breeze another day when racing was scheduled.

Eventually, the grumbling made sense—and so the format changed to allow for five days of scheduled racing. Lay Day still remained part of BIRW, but now it’s called as needed—like an audible in football.

If Chelsea Freas' McMichael Weather briefing predicts no wind for a day, BIRW Race Director Dick Neville may step up at the 0900 morning briefing, look left… look right… and call out, “Lima Delta!” signaling a Lay Day.

If a Lay Day is called this year, here’s the plan:

• Boat-vs-Boat Tug-o-War Tournament
• Mark-Set Bot Races
• Trivia Contest
• Cornhole Tournament
• Island Scavenger Hunts c/o Aldo's Bikes and Mopeds

And of course, the bar, restaurant, and pool at Champlin’s will be open for everyone to enjoy.

If you are interested, we would love you to sign up so we can email you. If interest is high, we will give first preference to those who sign up early.