The Beloved Figawi Race 2024: Where the “fog” are we!?

Nothing kicks off New England’s sailing season quite like Figawi Race weekend. Typically, the sailing race spans a little under 30 miles from Hyannis to Nantucket. Beyond just the race, the whole weekend is filled with the same revelry, fun, and friendly competition that was present at the first race, 52 years ago.

History of the Figawi Race

As the legend goes, Bob Horan, Joe Horan, and Bob Luby, three friends and self-taught sailors spent the winter of 1972 ribbing one another about whose sailboat was fastest. After a few drinks at Baxter’s Boathouse, the men decided to race from Hyannis to Nantucket on Memorial Day weekend. They set out and soon were surrounded by thick fog, and in the days before radar one of them yelled to the others with that distinctive Cape Cod accent, “Where the f*ck are we?!” Their race needed a name- one that could be printed in the papers- thus Figawi was born.

From that first competition, described by Figawi Charities Inc as, “a benign grudge match between friends,” the race has grown into a beloved annual tradition on Cape Cod and Nantucket. Now Figawi Race weekend welcomes upwards of 200 boats racing their way across Nantucket Sound, as well as thousands of sailors and spectators. Notable participants have included world-renowned America’s Cup Boats, Ted Kennedy, and more.

The Race Beginnings

The Figawi Race itself begins at the Hyannis Port Jetty, with staggered starts in a pursuit style race. Boats are arranged based on their size, speed, and a number of other factors, with the faster boats starting last. The race takes a few hours, and the stagger means that most boats reach the Nantucket Boat Basin around the same time. A high school invitational sailing race on Sunday and race back to Hyannis on Monday are also part of the festivities.

While the race has grown larger over the years, it’s maintained the feeling of a lively family reunion for the New England sailing community. It draws boats from all over, and sailors of all abilities.

Hold On To Your Hats!

In addition to the sailing, the Figawi weekend has come to be characterized by raucous parties on both sides of the Sound. Even if you’re not a sailor, the Figawi weekend still offers fun crowds and much revelry. There’s the Kickoff party at the Hyannis Yacht Club, and in Nantucket a series of exclusive tent parties for skippers, crew, and sponsors, attended a few years ago by former Patriots player Rob Gronkowski. Bars on Nantucket like Straight Wharf and the Gazebo are packed with long lines stretching out the doors.

While the trophies have gotten a bit spiffier since the original paper plates decorated with markers, the red Figawi Race hats are the real sought-after item. Each boat only gets three, which function as a ticket into the party and bragging rights. Hold onto your hats, as island teens have taken to snagging them off the heads of unsuspecting sailors in town!

The Sunday morning joke tent is a great spot to nurse a hangover with a bloody mary or mimosa, though salty jokes abound, so it’s not for those easily offended!

For a Good Cause

In addition to the revelry, Figawi Charities Inc has worked to raise nearly two million dollars for local groups, aiming to foster camaraderie and support the local community. They’ve hosted a Charity Ball in Hyannis the week before the race since 1987.

Memorial Day Figawi Race 2024

The event kicks off with registration and welcome party for skippers at the Hyannis Yacht Club at 3 pm on Friday, May 24th, with live music.

On Saturday, May 25th, the 53rd Figawi Race kicks off at 9:55 am, leaving from the Hyannisport Jetty. The style will again be a Long-distance PHRF Pursuit Race.

Spectators can watch from Kalmus Beach as the boats make their way out to the start line between 8-10am, or catch the finish line at the entrance to Nantucket Habor.

While this year’s Figawi Race will once again include sponsor engagements on the Nantucket Boat Basin Docks, details for the traditional Figawi Tent events will be posted in advance of the race weekend.

Check out other beloved annual events on Cape Cod and the Islands.