The 1BI: BLOCK ISLAND RACE WEEK TIMES
June 22, 2025
Celebrating 60 years of racing
Welcome to The 1BI.
All the news from Block Island Race Week
Welcome to Block Island Race Week and the 1BI, our digital daily newsletter. Each day, we will bring you the latest news, photos, videos, and highlights from the racecourses and the docks. We look forward to celebrating 60 years of racing and sharing your stories with fellow competitors and fans watching the racing from afar. Feel free to send story ideas to [email protected].
Cover Photo: Steve Cloutier/ Storm Trysail Club
In this Issue
Quick Links
1967 Block Island Race Week Race Committee
From the Commodore
Andrew Weiss
Commodore Storm Trysail Club
Welcome sailors, families, volunteers, and sponsors!
On behalf of the Storm Trysail Club, it is my honor to welcome you to the 2025 Block Island Race Week. This is our 60th year. Block Island Race Week is not just a series of races; it is a cherished tradition where memories with family and friends are made, and the spirit of Corinthian sailing comes alive.
As I reflect on BIRW, I’m reminded of my first Race Week experience in 1975, sailing alongside my dad. That week ignited a lifelong passion for sailing, and I am proud to say that this will be my 20th Race Week. Each BIRW, I look forward to reconnecting with old friends and welcoming new faces into our sailing community. It is the bonds we form and cherish for life.
Vice Commodore and Race Chair Ty Anderson has done an remarkable job putting together a team of professionals and volunteers to organize this year’s regatta. Planning started as soon as the 2023 Race Week wrapped up, continued monthly , and has ramped up to multiple times a day during this week. Through it all, Storm Trysail Club’s Executive Director, Whitney Simon, has kept us all on the correct course. Without Whitney’s hard work we would never be prepared for Race Week
This year promises an exciting lineup of races, designed to challenge and inspire sailors of all skill levels. Our dedicated race committee led by Past Commodore Dick Neville has put together a variety of courses that will take advantage of the stunning waters surrounding Block Island. Whether you’re a veteran competitor or just starting your racing , we encourage you to embrace the adventure and camaraderie that Block Island Race Week offers.
As we enjoy this week of sailing , let us also remember that we are guests on this beautiful island which has welcomed us back since the very first Race Week. We are grateful to the local community for their hospitality, and it is our responsibility to show respect for the island and its residents. Please take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of Block Island and to enjoy this experience with kindness and consideration. And remember to purchase some BIRW Raffle tickets. Yes, you may win a prize, but more importantly, over the years this raffle has generated over $120,000 that STC has donated to local Block Island organizations.
I also want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors. Without their generous support, this event would not be possible. Please take the opportunity to explore their products and services throughout the week. Supporting our sponsors not only enhances your experience but also helps ensure the continued success of Block Island Race Week for years to come.
Lastly, let’s remember to show appreciation for our dedicated volunteers. Their hard work and commitment are the backbone of this event, and they deserve our respect and gratitude.
Thank you for being a part of the Storm Trysail Club Block Island Race Week family and for joining us in this remarkable tradition. Let’s make the 2025 Block Island Race Week a week to remember, full of great racing and lasting memories!
Sail fast, sail safe.
Andrew Weiss
Commodore
Storm Trysail Club
What Keeps Them Coming Back
Celebrating the Spirit of Block Island Race Week
Every two years, sailors return to Block Island not just for the racing, but for the tradition, community, and memories that keep calling them back. This week, we’re celebrating what makes Block Island Race Week so special—through the voices of those who live it.
Each day, we’ll spotlight a different theme that captures the heart of this biennial gathering:
Monday – Family: Generations racing side-by-side and stories of crews that are truly family.
Tuesday – Heritage: Honoring the legacy of those who helped shape BIRW and the traditions that endure.
Wednesday – Evolution: How the race—and the sport—have changed, and how BIRW has stayed ahead of the breeze.
Thursday – Camaraderie: Lifelong friendships forged on the racecourse and over Mount Gay Rum and Mudslides
Friday – Celebration: A look at the unforgettable moments that make BIRW a highlight of the sailing calendar
Follow along each day as we dive into these themes and share the stories that answer one simple question: What keeps them coming back?
In the meantime, enjoy these stories we have been collecting of Block Island Race Week past.
Block Island Race Week Through the Years
In this 3-part series, we take a deep dive into past Race Weeks as we head into our 60th Anniversary
A big part of winning at BIRW is knowing the conditions you’ll face on the racecourse before you leave the dock. This year, McMichael is sponsoring expert weather briefings by SeaTactics’ Chelsea Freas every morning. Chelsea’s will share her latest forecast around 0800 every morning which can be viewed on the BIRW website, social media, and will be sent out via the WhatsApp to competitors as well as at mcmyacht.com. Know what to expect on Rhode Island Sound thanks to McMichael Yacht Yards & Brokers.
Check out this brief overview of the forecast for the week or download the PDF briefing.
America’s #1 choice for Yacht Charter Vacations, The Moorings is proud to sponsor Block Island Race Week for the first time. Meet us dockside to learn how to take your sailing skills to the best destinations worldwide. Your vacation awaits!
Block Island Race Week 2025 Kicks Off Tomorrow With 168 Boats and Five Days of Fierce Racing
With 163 boats all checked in and ready, the 31st edition of Block Island Race Week is set to begin. 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.
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, - we are hoping the later holds as predicted.
Big Boats, Big Fleets, Big Goals
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...”
Iconic Racing and Island Traditions
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.
Racing officially kicks off on Monday with North Sails Race Day, and sailors will receive daily weather briefings from Chelsea Freas of SeaTactics, sponsored by McMichael Yacht Yards & Brokers.
Giving Back to the Island
Each year during Race Week, the Storm Trysail Club aims to leave Block Island a little better than they found it—through a donation to a local organization that benefits the island’s residents or environment.
Since 2001, the BIRW Raffle has raised more than $130,000, supporting vital services and charities across the island. Past beneficiaries include the Block Island Rescue Squad, which has come to the aid of many a sailor; the Block Island Medical Center, which has patched up more injuries than we can count; and the Block Island Conservancy, dedicated to preserving the island’s open spaces.
Just before registration opened on Sunday, BIRW presented a check to Marguerite Donnelly of the Mary D Fund. The Fund's mission is to assist Block Islanders in need and promote community safety and wellness.
"I'm getting goosebumps thinking of all the good you do for our community," Donnelly said while accepting the contribution raised from 2023's raffle.
Racers are encouraged to buy raffle tickets throughout the week to help continue this tradition of giving back.
Explore the Island
Each competing boat received coupons from local businesses offering Race Week specials and discounts. Beyond the bars and boutiques, sailors are encouraged to explore the island’s natural beauty:
- 47% of Block Island is preserved or conserved as open space
- More than 300 freshwater ponds and lakes dot the island
- It’s a key migration stop for hundreds of bird species
- And original stone walls stretch for miles across the landscape
Check out our Local Directory for more info on local vendors.
Stay Connected
Follow the action all week via the Storm Trysail Club website, social media, and the Race Week WhatsApp group. Daily updates, weather briefings, and race reports will keep sailors and fans in the loop.
Let the racing begin!
At Ørsted, we’re committed to helping all mariners navigate safely in and around our offshore wind farms. To view our latest Mariners Briefing and access our navigational resources, visit us.orsted.com/mariners.
Support Block Island and Win Big!
Each year during Race Week, the Storm Trysail Club aims to leave Block Island a little better than we found it—through a donation to a local organization that benefits the island’s residents or environment.
Since 2001, the BIRW Raffle has raised more than $120,000, supporting vital services and charities across the island. Past beneficiaries include the Block Island Rescue Squad, which has come to the aid of many a sailor; the Block Island Medical Center, which has patched up more injuries than we can count; and the Block Island Conservancy, dedicated to preserving the island’s open spaces.
In recent years, proceeds have supported the Mary D. Fund, which helps islanders of all ages—from educational scholarships to emergency aid for seniors hoping to stay in their homes. Other recipients have included the Lions Club of Block Island and the Block Island Club, which used funds for a new dock.
This year, we’ll once again choose a deserving organization whose impact on the island community will be felt and appreciated. Raffle tickets are on sale now for $10 a peice, and for every 10 you buy, you get 1 free! Grand Prize: A BVI Yacht Charter from The Moorings — valued at $6,000!
You do not need to be present to win. So get your tickets, support a great cause, and you just might sail away with the adventure of a lifetime!
Grand Prize: A BVI Yacht Charter from The Moorings — valued at $10,000!
Mary Donnelly, daughter of the long-time Block Island Nurse who started the Mary D Fund many years ago, accepts the check with Rear Commodore Matt Gallagher, Vice Commodore Ty Anderson, and Commodore Andrew Weiss in 2025.
Introducing McMichael Mobile Marine Services
McMichael, with sales offices in Mamaroneck, NY, Newport, RI, and Huntington, Long Island has been servicing the sailing community from their two Mamaroneck yards since 1938.
Now they are offering many of the same quality, professional service and repairs McMichael has provided sailors for over 85 years. Covering both sides of Long Island Sound and Rhode Island, McMichael Mobile Marine Services is the convenient way to have your boat maintained.
North Sails is Here for you with Regatta Repair
Exciting day on the water? Your North Sails team is onsite and ready to help. Bring your sails to our pop-up loft, which is located at the Block Island Maritime Institute near Dead Eye Dick’s. We’ll have them ready for pick up the next morning before dock call.
More Resources from Local Organizations
The Committee for the Great Salt Pond Boater's Directory
Dedicated to keeping the waters in the Great Salt Pond pristine, it’s shorelines scenic, and always open to boating, recreation and aquaculture for all, this group has assembled some boater friendly links for download.
Champlin's Marina and Resort Block Island Directory
From "B" is for Babysitter to "W" is for Walking & Hiking Trails, this is a great place to find things to do for the whole family while on Block.
Block Island Tourism Council's What To Do Directory
This comprehensive lists has all of the businesses on the island organized by topic with addresses.
Why We Sponsor Block Island Race Week
UK Sailmakers has been around as long as Block Island Race Week and the loft has been involved as a sponsor and sailmaker for most of that time. Recognizing the financial needs of a regatta comprised of almost 200 boats, UK Sailmakers | Northeast is more than happy to help underwrite the event. However, even more than that, we work with our customers from year-to-year making sure they have the well designed, fast, and most durable sails.
After years under Butch Ulmer and now under the ownership of Conny Baris, UK Sailmakers | Northeast is at BIRW with you. If you see Conny aboard his J/122 DIRE WOLF or in the tent, say hello and thanks for helping make BIRW possible.
UK Sailmakers – Sail with Confidence
Regatta Craft Mixers knows that the best cocktails use high-quality mixers, so they take their quality very seriously.
We are excited to showcase their mixers at Block Island Race Week. If you want to make the best drinks, you need @regattacraftmixers!
Casa Mexico Tequila welcomes back the 2025 Block Island Race Week participants and competitors.
Casa Mexico is a premium tequila made using traditional techniques in Jalisco, Mexico, delivering a pure and natural product with a smooth taste. Casa Mexico will be pouring tastes in the Sponsor Village, and Casa Mexico Margaritas will be available at all four bars during BIRW. Salud!!
Carbon-Fiber Spars – the best thing you can do for your boat.
GMT Composites has been building carbon-fiber masts, booms, spinnaker poles, and more, longer than any other builder in the world. GMT carbon-fiber spars have sailed in every ocean and have produced winning results in many of the world’s most prestigious races and regattas. We are proud to continue our sponsorship of Block Island Race Week and we wish all competitors a fast and safe regatta. To learn more about GMT Composites and why carbon-fiber spars are the best thing you can do for your boat, contact Michael Tamulaites, director of sales and marketing, 401.253.8802, [email protected], or visit gmtcomposites.com.
Black Rock Boat Works is on station at Block Island Race Week to provide emergency service and to plan future projects. We will be located at the "top of the hill" near Race Week HQ, providing rigging support and fully stocked resources with rope and hardware from the leading manufacturers and partners.
Our Bridgeport, CT, location offers extensive cordage and hardware inventory along with in-house rod and wire rigging fabrication. Stop by Black Rock Boat Works for all your rigging needs!