Figawi: Difference between revisions
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The name "Figawi" is said to to originate from the race's tendency to be foggy. The New England sailor's pronunciation of "Where the F*** ah we?" during a foggy passage became lore and was shortened to the more politically correct "Figawi". |
The name "Figawi" is said to to originate from the race's tendency to be foggy. The New England sailor's pronunciation of "Where the F*** ah we?" during a foggy passage became lore and was shortened to the more politically correct "Figawi". |
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A more elaborate explanation, in part based on the preceding origin, is the tale of a legendary band of nomad Indians that would wander from town to town. They were noted for always emphatically announcing themselves upon their arrival in Pidgin English, "We're the Figawi!" Sadly, this poor band was actually lost. Wandering from settlement to settlement, they kept asking where they were, but would only receive blank stares from the stupid townspeople. They are probably still out there… The Race founders, attempting to traverse Nantucket Sound with its infamous fog and shoals, felt great kinship with these unhappy souls. The official race emblem for many years sported an Indian looking through a spyglass backwards. Today, it too has become more politically correct. |
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==Trivia== |
==Trivia== |
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Revision as of 15:49, 24 May 2007
The Figawi or Figawi Race Weekend is an annual sailing race from Hyannis, MA to Nantucket. It is a relatively prominent race and attracts boats from all around New England, not just Cape Cod. While it is a race, its primary aim is to be a fun event.
History
The event began under informal circumstances in 1972 when, according to Figawi legend, a few friends simply 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. 2006 marked the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Figawi Race Weekend. Figawi is now recognized as a sort of Spring Break for the well-heeled 30+ crowd.
The name "Figawi" is said to to originate from the race's tendency to be foggy. The New England sailor's pronunciation of "Where the F*** ah we?" during a foggy passage became lore and was shortened to the more politically correct "Figawi".
A more elaborate explanation, in part based on the preceding origin, is the tale of a legendary band of nomad Indians that would wander from town to town. They were noted for always emphatically announcing themselves upon their arrival in Pidgin English, "We're the Figawi!" Sadly, this poor band was actually lost. Wandering from settlement to settlement, they kept asking where they were, but would only receive blank stares from the stupid townspeople. They are probably still out there… The Race founders, attempting to traverse Nantucket Sound with its infamous fog and shoals, felt great kinship with these unhappy souls. The official race emblem for many years sported an Indian looking through a spyglass backwards. Today, it too has become more politically correct.
Trivia
Senator Ted Kennedy races his schooner, Mya, in the event.
External links
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