Block Island Race Week is a bucket list regatta and time-honored tradition for many sailors. However,  a week in one of New England’s hottest summer destinations does come with a price tag that can be daunting for many. Between entry fees, accommodation, meals, and dockage, costs can add up quickly. But with some savvy planning and a little flexibility, you can make the most of the event without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips to help you save while still enjoying everything Race Week has to offer:

1. Book Early!
One of the best ways to save money on Race Week costs is to book as early as possible. Entry fees, housing, and dockage are often the most significant expenses, and securing them in advance will often get you the best rates. Platforms like AirBnb and VRBO are still showing availability. Local agents such as Phillips Reality are also an excellent resource for finding competitive pricing. 

For dockage, Champlin’s is offering a discount on fees if you pay your entry fees by December 31. Docking at BIRW’s official HQ is the best way to ensure you don’t miss a minute of the action. In 2023, Champlin’s was fully booked—so plan ahead to take advantage of this early-bird offer! You can pay entry fees and get more information on BIRW’s YachtScoring portal.

2. Living Aboard is an Option!
Accommodation is the largest cost during Race Week, but sailors have found creative ways to save on housing by living aboard their boats. In the early days of BIRW, this is what all competing sailors did. Consider reliving this tradition and using it to stretch your budget!  

Whether you stay on the boat you’re racing or bring another vessel to act as your “mothership,” this alternative housing solution keeps expenses in check. Champlins, the Boat Basin, and Payne's Dock all offer shore facilities with showers and bathrooms, making living aboard a viable and cost-effective option. It’s an opportunity to experience the island from a unique perspective—right on the water!

3. Meal Prep is Your Friend!
With 6-7 days of meals to cover, food expenses can really add up during Race Week. But bringing bulk food to the island for lunches and dinners is a great way to keep costs down. Some race crews take this a step further by organizing meal responsibilities within the crew. Jack McGuire, winner of Race Week in 2021 onboard the J/29 Dirty Harry, sailed with five other guys, each bringing their families. They rented one house for the group and assigned each family the task of preparing one meal. 

Some teams also brought groceries from the mainland, which helped balance costs while allowing their families to experience Block Island together. BIRW veteran Chris Fesenmeyer says the Sunshine Daydream crew (the ones known for their tye dye and smiles) save by doing a Costco run before boarding the ferry to Block Island. That way they have all the food they need to sustain a group of hungry sailors. McGuire and his crew do the same—also stocking up on beer and wine for the week before setting sail. Planning meals and groceries ahead of departure is a perfect way to enjoy the island’s offerings without overspending on meals.

4. Brew Up a Drink Ticket Budget!
Alcohol can easily be one of the biggest add-ons to your Race Week budget, especially at the tent parties after each day’s racing. A great way to keep this in check is to pre-purchase your drink tickets at the beginning of the week and stick to that budget. Enjoy the food, music, and camaraderie of your fellow sailors, but by planning ahead and setting a limit on drinks, you’ll save those extra dollars for the next race or night out. Plus, you can save yourself the hassle of a race day hangover!

5. Consider a Mooring Instead of Dockage!
While docking at Champlin’s is a great way to stay close to the action throughout the week, mooring your boat can help save on dockage fees while only adding a small commute to the festivities. Local sailors Brian Gibbs of J/80 Blind Faith says "Block Island offers plenty of moorings with fees as low as $55 per night. If you decide to go this route, be sure to bring a dinghy to get back and forth to land. The island has plenty of free dinghy docks near Champlin’s, in a Boat Basin, and near Dead Eye Dick’s restaurant."

With these tips, you can enjoy the thrill of Block Island Race Week without overloading your wallet. By planning ahead, taking advantage of creative housing and meal options, and budgeting for drinks, you can make the most of your time on the island without the stress of overspending. Race Week is an experience like no other—make sure to savor it, both on and off the water!