The 38th Annual Figawi Race In Cape Cod - Great Success On And Off The Water

Eagerly awaiting the onset of summer, sailors in 230 competing yachts descended upon Cape Cod last weekend to take part in the 38th Annual Figawi Race Weekend. A relatively prominent race, "The Figawi" attracted sailors from all around New England.  The beloved fun race featured a Friday night kickoff ball at Hyannis Yacht Club and a 19-nautical-mile race from Hyannis, MA to Nantucket, MA on Saturday.

And, while he did not participate in the race, U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy did take his 50-foot-schooner Mya out for an afternoon sail with his family on Saturday.

The Figawi Race began under informal circumstances in 1972 when, according to Figawi legend, a few friends decided to race from Hyannis to Nantucket one day.  Over the years, more and more boats began to participate in the race until it began to be relatively formalized in 1978.  Participants range in age and skill, and boats vary from high tech speed racers to family cruising class boats.

The Calm Before The Storm

Clay Deutsch's Chippewa Powers Up To The Start

Hyannis Yacht Club Prepares to Start the Race

The Crew of Amerigo

Approaching the Finish Line

Kit Will's Esperanto as the Unofficial Figawi Party Barge

Before the Finish

After the Finish

Preppy Pirate Party

Boats Raft Up To Nantucket's Town Pier

Adolf Haffenreffer Swings From Esperanto's Masthead

Closing Ceremonies at The Chicken Box Sunday Night