Today, many racing yachts mark the beginning of their northeast summer sailing season by participating in this challenging race. While seemingly an easy dash east round Block Island and back to the start/finish line, it's infinitely more challenging than what most people expect. The classic choices of going down the middle of the Sound or hugging either the CT or the Long Island shore is dependent on wind forecasts and tides. How to get through the notorious "Race", where the eastern part of Long Island Sound literally opens up to the sea over a large undersea cliff, is perhaps one of the most critical tactical and navigational challenges in the race. With enormous whirlpools and massive amounts of current running up to five knots creating some of the most treacherous, massive square waves in the world, it's the one part of the race where the race is won and lost fast. Whether to go inside Plum Island through Plum Gut or through the main channel inside Gull Island is a critical decision for the race for any navigator.
In the IRC 40 class, seven of the ten boats are J's in the 40-45 foot range. Two very well-sailed J/122s will be competing for line and handicap honors in this class, previous winner Andrew Weiss' CHRISTOPHER DRAGON and George Marks' GEORGETOWN III. For more Storm Trysail Block Island Race sailing information.
