FIGAWI Weekend on Nantucket
Ack Natural Cannabis Dispensary is a proud sponsor of the Figawi race.
FRIDAY, MAY 26
HYANNIS YACHT CLUB, LOWER LEVEL, 490 OCEAN ST., HYANNIS
- 9 AM – FIGAWI MERCH SHOP
- 3 PM – REGISTRATION
- Skipper Bag, Scratch Sheets, Sailing Instructions, Nantucket Boat Basin Slip Assignments, and Sponsor Swag
- 3 PM – WELCOME PARTY
- Sponsored by Mt Gay & Budweiser
- Live music
SATURDAY, MAY 27
52ND ANNUAL FIGAWI RACE
- 0955 – Warning Signal for 52nd Annual Hyannis to Nantucket Pursuit Race
- Start Location off the Hyannisport Jetty
- Finish Location off the Entrance to Nantucket Harbor
- Skippers: refer to Figawi Scratch Sheets for Individual Sharing Times
- Spectators: Watch from Kalmus Beach as the boats make their way out to the start line (8-10 AM)
NANTUCKET SHORESIDE EVENTS
- Sponsor Engagements – Nantucket Boat Basin Docks
- Exact Times and Locations TBD
- Enjoy the evening at one of the many restaurants Nantucket has to offer. Some Options:
- Cru- Seafood inspired. Located on Straight Wharf
- The Gazebo- Great for Mudslides and people watching.
- Straight Wharf Restaurant- Coastal cuisine
- The Pearl- Asian Fusion seafood
- The Gaslight- Downtown music spot with fantastic food
- The Sandbar- Casual restaurant on the beach
- The Chicken Box- Great Live music venue.
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- Make reservations early!
SUNDAY, MAY 28
LAY DAY
- Sponsor Engagements – Nantucket Boat Basin Docks
- Exact Times and Locations TBD
- Awards Presentation
- Time and Location TBD
*Figawi is working on creating a shoreside schedule; however, due to logistic circumstances we cannot control, there is no plan for the traditional “Figawi Tent” events.
- Suncrafted Cannabis Pop up at Ack Natural Cannabis Dispensary
Figawi Weekend on Nantucket: A Maritime Tradition and Island Extravaganza
For decades, sailing enthusiasts and island lovers have flocked to Nantucket Island for the annual Figawi Race, a beloved spectacle that marks the beginning of the summer season. This thrilling and anticipated event is not just a sailing competition. It is a festive gathering, a visual spectacle, and an island-wide celebration that draws thousands of visitors to Nantucket over Memorial Day weekend.
The Legend of Figawi
The Figawi Race began in 1972 as a friendly challenge between friends to race from Hyannis to Nantucket. Today, it has evolved into a premier sailing event, attracting more than 200 boats and thousands of sailors, spectators, and celebrants from all over the world. The race’s peculiar name, “Figawi,” comes from a salty sailor’s lament over the dense fog conditions in Nantucket Sound: “Where the figawi?” It encapsulates the camaraderie, humor, and tenacity inherent in this historic sailing event.
The Race to Nantucket
The Figawi Race officially begins in Hyannis, with boats of all shapes and sizes setting sail on Saturday morning. The 25-mile course is a challenging one, filled with shifting winds, strong currents, and, quite often, a thick fog that makes navigation tricky. But the challenge is part of the appeal, as sailors pit their skills against the elements in a thrilling race to reach Nantucket Harbor.
Spectators line the beaches and the shores, cheering the boats as they emerge from the fog and cross the finish line. There is a special excitement in the air, a mix of salt spray, anticipation, and the shared joy of welcoming the summer season on Nantucket.
An Island-wide Celebration
But Figawi Weekend on Nantucket is about more than just the race. It’s a full-blown island celebration that brings the entire community together.
The weekend kicks off with a pre-race party on Friday, where attendees can mingle with the crews, enjoy live music, and savor local cuisine.
Sunday is reserved for relaxation and leisurely exploration. Attendees often spend the day visiting local galleries, shopping in the boutiques, or simply enjoying the island’s natural beauty. A highlight of Sunday is the Figawi Invitational, a shorter, more relaxed race that offers everyone a chance to get out on the water.
Leaving with Memories
As the weekend draws to a close, the island starts to quiet down, but the energy of Figawi lingers. Attendees depart with sun-kissed faces, a sense of camaraderie, and a shared appreciation for this special island tradition.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, an enthusiastic spectator, or simply looking for a unique way to kick off the summer, Figawi Weekend on Nantucket offers a blend of maritime tradition, community spirit, and festive celebration. So, mark your calendars and join us on Nantucket for a memorable start to the summer season!
