{{Short description|Annual boat race and charity event}} {{Primary sources|date=June 2022}} '''The Figawi''' or '''Figawi Race Weekend''' is an annual charity event and regatta from Hyannis to Nantucket on the Memorial Day weekend hosted by Figawi, Inc.
==History== The Figawi originated in 1972 as an informal race between friends Bob Luby, Joe Horan, and Bob Horan that quickly organized into an annual event.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20080523%2FSPORTS%2F805230312%2F-1%2FNEWS |title=Figawi race: Fleet ready to set sail | CapeCodOnline.com |access-date=2019-12-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708115016/http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20080523%2FSPORTS%2F805230312%2F-1%2FNEWS |archive-date=2011-07-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The 1978 addition of a lay day and race back to Hyannis turned the race into a three-day event. By the 1980s, the Figawi was drawing entrants from throughout the New England region. In 1987, Figawi organizers established a black tie charity ball to raise money for local charities.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=http://www.figawi.com/page/about |title=Figawi - About Us |website=www.figawi.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070520071530/http://www.figawi.com/page/about |archive-date=2007-05-20}}</ref>
==The Race== The 2012 race expected over 240 boats and 3,000 participants in 13 classes. The race began in Hyannisport, and the use of the Performance Handicap Racing Fleet system staggered starting times between 10 a.m. and noon. The race ended at the entrance to Nantucket Harbor and proceeded as a parade into Nantucket Boat Basin.<ref name=":1" /> The race totaled approximately 25 miles.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20080523%2FSPORTS%2F805230312%2F-1%2FNEWS |title=Figawi race: Fleet ready to set sail | CapeCodOnline.com |access-date=2019-12-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708115016/http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20080523%2FSPORTS%2F805230312%2F-1%2FNEWS |archive-date=2011-07-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Charity Ball== The Charity Ball is a Saturday night event that raises money exclusively for charities local to Hyannis, such as 2012's beneficiary, the Hyannis Youth and Community Center. Events include dinner provided by local restaurants, charity casino, silent auction, and raffle.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.figawi.com/page/ball |title=Figawi - the Charity Ball |access-date=2012-05-26 |archive-date=2012-07-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709122846/http://www.figawi.com/page/ball |url-status=dead }}</ref> 1,200 attendees are expected to generate $200,000.<ref name=":0" />
==Other events== Besides the regatta and the charity ball, Figawi, Inc hosts several other events:
*Competitor party on Saturday night and traditional clambake on Sunday.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=http://www.figawi.com/page/race |title=Figawi - The Race |website=www.figawi.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070520063216/http://www.figawi.com/page/race |archive-date=2007-05-20}}</ref> *The Figawi Invitational, an invitational regatta for high school sailing teams from Cape Cod and the Islands.<ref name=":1" /> *Awards ceremony, which awards 97 trophies, including formal and informal categories ranging from race winners to spirit awards.<ref name=":1" /> *"Redux" Monday race, beginning on Nantucket and ending at a neutral point so that participants can sail north or south easily to return home.<ref name=":1" />
==References== {{reflist}}
== External links == * [http://figawi.com/ Official Website]
Category:1972 establishments in Massachusetts Category:Annual sporting events in the United States Category:Barnstable, Massachusetts Category:Charity events in the United States Category:Recurring sporting events established in 1972 Category:Sailing competitions in the United States Category:Sailing in Massachusetts Category:Tourist attractions in Barnstable County, Massachusetts Category:Tourist attractions in Nantucket, Massachusetts