Numbers up

For the 'other Block Island Race Week' to be held next year

Early entries for "the other Block Island Race Week," at Block Island 20-25 June 20, 2004 are up sharply over the last event two years ago.

The even-year race week is managed by Zuse - the folks that produce the customised crew gear and Kevlar bags - and is organised by the Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association. Odd year race weeks are organised by the Storm Trysail Club which first ran a week-long regatta rendezvous on the unique little island off Point Judith, R.I.

"There has been an early surge of interest in next year's race week and we're expecting a bigger fleet than 2002 when we first took over the alternate-year regatta," said Ted Zuse, event manager. "We'll be posting the preliminary entry list on the event website before the end of 2003.

One-design classes, PHRF and IMS-rated boats are invited to the five day event, which kicks off on Sunday, June 20, at the event headquarters at Block Island Boat Basin.

There is strong early interest from the J/105 Class. "This will be the ninth consecutive year for the J/105 Class and it is a sure bet that we will exceed the 28 boats from 2002 when we were the only one-design class," said Class secretary Nelson Weiderman. "Many of the owners will consider this a tune-up for our North American Championship, which will be held on Buzzards Bay in September."

The J/105s won't be the only one-design class this year. There are already six commitments from owners in the Soverel 33 Class, with another six owners expressing interest.

"Good racing, fun and informality are the keynotes for our race week," said Zuse. "We are looking forward to some strong handicap racing plus some close one-design competition. I encourage one-design class organisers to contact us with an eye to a start for their class at Block Island next June.

Sponsors for Block Island Race Week 2004 include: Ockam Instruments Inc., Landfall Navigation, Zuse, Gill, Red Hook, Kappa Sails, Contender Sailcloth, J/Boats, Block Island Boat Basin, The Oar Restaurant, The 1661 Inn & Hotel Manisses, Block Island Club, Mount Gay Rum.