Figawi Race Weekend is almost here, and if you’ve never experienced it, here’s what you need to know: it’s part serious offshore sailing race, part legendary Nantucket party, and one of the most fun weekends on the island all year.
The 55th Annual Figawi Race runs May 22-25, 2026. It starts in Hyannis and finishes right here on Nantucket, with hundreds of boats making the crossing and thousands of sailors and spectators descending on the island for a Memorial Day weekend that has become a New England tradition.
What Is Figawi?
Figawi is one of the largest offshore sailing races on the East Coast. The race itself runs from Hyannis Yacht Club to Nantucket, covering about 25 nautical miles of open water. The name — which rhymes with “where are we” — comes from a sailor’s expression for getting turned around in the fog between Cape Cod and Nantucket. The race has been running for nearly 50 years and has grown into one of the most beloved sailing events in the country, drawing participants from across the globe.
Beyond the race itself, Figawi weekend is famous for its post-race festivities. The Nantucket Boat Basin fills with sailboats, the bars and restaurants fill with crews, and the whole island takes on a festive, celebratory energy that’s hard to find anywhere else.
How to Enjoy Figawi Weekend as a Spectator
You don’t need to be a sailor to have an incredible Figawi weekend. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Watch the boats come in at the Nantucket Boat Basin. Saturday afternoon is the prime time as finishers start arriving from Hyannis. Grab a spot along the dock, bring a cooler, and enjoy the scene as crews celebrate crossing the finish line.
Head downtown in the evening. Nantucket’s restaurants and bars are packed with Figawi energy all weekend. Easy Street, the waterfront, and the town center are all buzzing from Friday through Monday.
Get out on the water yourself. If sailing isn’t your thing, plenty of charter options are available for spectator cruising during the race window.
Stock Up Before the Weekend Rush
Here’s the practical tip that separates a great Figawi weekend from a frantic one: stock up early. By Friday afternoon, Nantucket is full. Lines everywhere, parking gone, and everyone is trying to do the same thing at once.
If cannabis is part of your weekend, Thursday or Friday morning is the move. Stop into ACK Natural at 19 Spearhead Drive, order online ahead of time, and have everything ready before the crowds hit. We’re Nantucket’s only locally grown cannabis dispensary — we grow our flower right here on the island, 30 feet below the shop. If you want something to keep the weekend mellow between the action, our Chill edibles are perfect. If you want to match the energy of a crew celebrating a finish, our sativa flower and live rosin vape pens will take care of you.
Order online at acknat.com and it’ll be ready when you arrive. No wait, no fuss, more time on the water.
Where to Eat and Drink During Figawi Weekend
Nantucket has no shortage of great spots, but a few are especially right for Figawi weekend energy:
Cru on Straight Wharf is one of the best waterfront spots on the island — raw bar, great drinks, and a view of the harbor that perfectly frames the incoming boats.
Sandbar at Jetties Beach is the classic Nantucket outdoor beach bar. Right on the water, casual, and the perfect vibe for a long Figawi afternoon.
The Chicken Box is the live music venue to hit after dark. If there’s a band worth seeing on Nantucket, they’re probably playing the Box on Figawi weekend.
Figawi 2026 Weekend at a Glance
- Race Start: Saturday, May 23 from Hyannis Yacht Club
- Finish: Nantucket, Saturday-Sunday
- Post-race festivities: All weekend on Nantucket
- Full schedule: figawi.com
Whether you’re racing, crewing, or just showing up for the party, Figawi is one of those Nantucket weekends that reminds you why this island is like nowhere else. Come see us before the weekend gets going — we’ll get you set up right.
ACK Natural is located at 19 Spearhead Drive, Nantucket, near the airport. Open daily 10AM-7PM, Friday and Saturday until 8PM. Order online at acknat.com.
