by Will
/ June, 15 2017 01:30
Block Island Race Week is a big event on the island. Taking place every two years, this year the action starts on June 18th and if you love boating it’s not one to miss. With over 150 sailboats participating the island really comes alive with racing all day and festivities each night.
I must admit, I don’t know a lot about sailboats. They are not my area of expertise. But I do know it’s still a ton of fun. Plus, right now is also Block Island Restaurant Week and the Block Island Music Festival is hitting the stage too.
Keep watch on our Discovering Block Island series for what to do on the Block and make sure to bring your sunscreen!
The Scoop
Block Island Race Week is a bi-annual event with races taking place over 6 days. It’s a series of sailboat races with the most well known being the “Around the Block” race. At the end of each race day a big outdoor party takes place on the island to celebrate the days winners.
Pretty simple huh. Well, it is and it isn’t. Organizing an event of this scale is challenging and watching the boats race is a thrill.
If you want to know more or see updates, here are few places to check
And if you want to go, check out our Discovering Block Island: How to Get There - Planes, Trains, (Ferries) & Automobiles post.
Here's a video from 2015 to give you a taste of the event and more videos can be found on the race week website.
The Dates
June 17th – June 23rd, 2017
The Schedule of Events
Available on the Block Island Race Week website in PDF form, here’s the schedule of events:
Saturday, June 17
- 12:00 – 4:00: Weigh-In – Narragansett Inn Bow Sticker pick up
Sunday, June 18
- 10:30 – 4:00: Weigh-In – Narragansett Inn
- 12:00 – 5:00: Registration - Race Week Tent
- 2:00 – 3:30: Practice Starts and Races
- 6:00 – 8:00: Welcoming Party - Race Week Tent - Official Party Sponsors: Heineken, Regatta Ginger Beer & Newport Vineyards
Monday, June 19
- 9:00: Morning Announcements
- 9:30: Harbor Signals
- 11:00: First Warning
- 6:00 – 8:00: Awards Presentation & Evening Party - Industry Partner Race Day Official Party Sponsor: Gill
Tuesday, June 20
- 9:00: Morning Announcements
- 9:30: Harbor Signals
- 11:00: First Warning
- 6:00 – 8:00: Awards Presentation & Evening Party - Industry Partner Day - NE Ropes, NEB, Landfall Navigation Official Party Sponsors
Wednesday, June 21
- 9:00: Morning Announcements we
- 9:30: Harbor Signals
- 11:00: First Warning
- 6:00 – 8:00 Awards Presentation & Evening Party - North Sails Race Day - Official Party Sponsors: Gowrie & Pantaenius
Thursday, June 22
- 9:00: Morning Announcements
- 9:30: Harbor Signals
- 11:00: First Warning
- 6:00 – 8:00 Awards Presentation & Evening Party 1930 Storm Trysail Raffle Drawing - Mount Gay Race Day & Official Party Sponsor
Friday, June 23
- 9:00: Morning Announcements
- 9:30: Harbor Signals
- 11:00: First Warning
- 5:30 – 8:00 Day & Week Awards Presentation & Evening Party - Deepwater Wind Race Day - Official Party Sponsor: Lila Delman Real Estate
A great event for Block Island, there’s also a ton more to do. Check out our Discovering Block Island series for insider tips.
