Figawi Race Weekend

Figawi Race Weekend is a Memorial Day sailing tradition in Massachusetts, linking Cape Cod to Nantucket in a pursuit race across Nantucket Sound. We recommend starting in Hyannis on Friday afternoon for registration and the kickoff at the Hyannis Yacht Club, then positioning yourself on the shoreline early Saturday to watch the offshore start. When the fleet clears the harbor, you get a clean view of more than 200 boats building speed toward the horizon.

Saturday’s race is the main event, but the weekend is designed as much for shore life as for the results sheet. After the finish, the focus shifts to the Nantucket Boat Basin, where docks, restaurants, and waterfront walkways become the center of activity for crews and spectators. You can round out the night with ticketed events such as the Figawi Charity Ball and the weekend tent parties.

Plan for the elements and the crowds. Arrive by about 9:00 AM on Saturday if you want a strong viewing spot for the departure, and pack layers, a windbreaker, and waterproof gear since the Sound often runs cooler and windier than the mainland. Polarized sunglasses help at the start, and comfortable boat shoes make it easier to move between docks and cobblestone streets.

The race is free to watch from shore, but official tents and many private events require tickets or credentials, so confirm access in advance. Ferries between Hyannis and Nantucket sell out well ahead of Memorial Day weekend, so book early through the Steamship Authority or the Hyannis Fast Ferry. If Nantucket lodging is limited or priced at a premium, consider staying in Hyannis or Yarmouth and commuting for the day, or look for inns near town if you want to stay close to the harbor.