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Block Island Race
The Block Island Race was first held in 1946 and is a qualifier for the Northern Ocean Racing Trophy (ORC), the Double Handed Ocean Racing Trophy (ORC), and the New England Lighthouse Series (PHRF). The Block Island Race is also a qualifier for the De Coursey Fales (PHRF), Sagola (PHRF) and Windigo (PHRF) Trophies, the du Moulin Cup for Double Handed Racing and the Youth Challenge Cup awarded by the YRA- LIS, as well as the STC Rugg Family Youth Offshore Challenge, and the “Tuna Trophy” for the best ORC combined scores in the EDLU (40%) and the Block Island Race (60%).
May 25, 2026
The classic offshore challenge delivered this weekend as just over 60 boats took on the wet and cold 186-nautical-mile course from Stamford, Conn., around Block Island and back.
May 20, 2026
Nearly 70 boats will take on one of the Northeast's most historic offshore regattas, with a challenging, 186 nautical mile course that exits the Sound and rounds Block Island before returning to Stamford. A true test of seamanship, this year's race is seen as a proving ground for the upcoming 2026 Newport Bermuda Race, with 34 of the 69 entries appearing on both race's scratch sheets.
January 7, 2026
Starting Friday, May 22, 2026 — A Premier Ocean Racing Event on the New England Sailing Calendar kicks off another huge year
ABOUT THE EVENT
One of the oldest regional races
The Block Island Race was first held in 1946.
The Block Island Race was first held in 1946 and is a qualifier for the Northern Ocean Racing Trophy (ORC), the Double Handed Ocean Racing Trophy (ORC), and the New England Lighthouse Series (PHRF). The Block Island Race is also a qualifier for the De Coursey Fales (PHRF), Sagola (PHRF) and Windigo (PHRF) Trophies, the du Moulin Cup for Double Handed Racing and the Youth Challenge Cup awarded by the YRA- LIS, as well as the STC Rugg Family Youth Offshore Challenge, and the “Tuna Trophy” for the best ORC combined scores in the EDLU (40%) and the Block Island Race (60%).
2026 Race Chairs
John Troy
EVENT SCHEDULE
Block Island Race is held over Memorial Day Weekend and starts Friday at 1200 with faster boats finishing as early as Saturday morning or as late as Sunday morning.
REGISTRATION
Entry is done online before the event and registration and tracker pickup begins on Thursday afternoon 3-9pm and also Friday from 7-10am at Stamford Yacht Club.
FIRST SIGNAL
1200 on Friday in the vicinity of Red Bell "32" (The Cows) southerly of Stamford Harbor.
THE BLOCK ISLAND COURSE
Boats will sail from the Start; leave Block Island to starboard, to the Finish, leaving Red Bell “32” (The
Cows) and Red Nun “1” to starboard. Course distance is 186 NM.
THE PLUM ISLAND COURSE
Boats will sail from the Start; leave the Red & White Whistle “PI” (Plum Island) to starboard, and to the Finish as described above. Course distance is 125 NM.
AWARDS
Prizes will be awarded at a reception at 1700 on Sunday at Stamford Yacht Club.
ELIGIBILITY
Open to mono-hull boats of no less than 29 feet LOA (some exceptions, see NOR) with PHRF 81 to 174 & ORC.
MULTIHULLS WELCOME
Boats may be multihull sailing vessels with a minimum length of 26’ LOA, not including bowsprit, and must have a NEMA Rating Certificate.
SAFETY
For all classes, at least 75% of those aboard the boat shall have attended a US Sailing Safety at Sea Seminar.