BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – If you’re frequenting the Bellingham waterfront this summer, you may notice hordes of large boats in the bay accompanied by onlookers cheering them on. It’s all part of an event that’s both the region’s largest sailboat regatta and a gathering affectionately called “Adult Summer Camp.” More simply put, it’s the return of a decades-old tradition called Race Week.

Race Week was created by Yachting magazine in 1983 as a group of several week-long regattas that were held across the country. The Race Week that’s returning to Bellingham this summer originated in Penn Cove on Whidbey Island. But since its inception 43 years ago, many of the original Race Weeks have drifted away.

“We’re the very last soldier standing in terms of a true, five-day race event,” said Schelleen Rathkopf, owner and producer of Race Week. “Most of the other events have gone down to a long weekend, or bookend weekends.”

Race Week involves two to three races per day – even up to five depending on the wind – that take place on boats with up to 20-person crews. Rathkopf says the event usually draws anywhere from 60 to 100 boats that range in size from 24 to 52 feet. Crews compete in races that are handicapped by boat size and adjusted on a second-per-mile basis. So even if a boat finishes first, it doesn’t necessarily win the race.

There’s plenty of fun and games that go on during the event week, but when it comes to the race itself, it’s all business. Race Week is one of five regional events where boaters can earn points that go into a Top 25 ranking of boats in the region, which is a big deal in racing circles. As a US Sailing endorsed official regatta, it involves a certified judge and a qualified jury who hear protests of any potential rule violations during the races.

Rich Sandeen with Bellingham Yacht Club was last year’s commodore during Race Week and has a lengthy history with the event. He was involved with it in the late 1980s and early 90s, and as a past winner of the overall regatta, he knows firsthand that the margins couldn’t be tighter.

“The difference between winning and losing might be one step going across the cabin top,” Sandeen said. “It’s an adrenaline sport at like eight miles an hour.”

2026 will be Race Week’s second year in Bellingham. After 36 years at Whidbey Island, the event transitioned to Anacortes in 2019, where it stayed for five years. But it made its way to the City of Subdued Excitement in 2025, which debuted to much intrigue. Race organizers got a stream of calls last year wondering what all the boats were doing.

Sandeen praised Bellingham for the visibility element it offers the event, with such spectator-friendly access. Onlookers can watch from Boulevard Park, Squalicum Harbor Marina, plenty of spots in Fairhaven or virtually anywhere they’re right on the water overlooking the bay. 

“Other places where you race the boats, you see them leave the harbor and they go where they can’t be seen, unless you have a boat to go watch them. In Bellingham, it’s like people can have front row seats,” Sandeen said.

Another benefit of its move to Bellingham is giving race fans a closer look than ever. Race Week is partnering with San Juan Cruises to create a spectator cruise boat that will bring onlookers up close and personal with the races for one morning of the week. Rathkopf says they’re testing the waters to possibly bring more spectator cruises for next year.

Along with the new spectator cruise is the return of Kids Camp. Race Week is partnering with Bellingham Yacht Club’s youth sailing program to bring the camp back, which offers sailing lessons, water safety training and other activities for the children of parents who are racing. 

The camp took a brief hiatus when the event went to Anacortes. Race organizers have expressed much excitement in its return, saying it can create lifelong bonds between the kids.

“I created it and to this day, will always take that as my most honorable achievement within the umbrella of Race Week,” Rathkopf said. “It has changed families’ lives and these kids have all grown up together.”

Still, one thing has stayed constant over the decades of Race Week’s existence: the playfulness and camaraderie that takes place over the course of the week. The event includes post-race parties for racers and their families each night, complete with themes and live music. This year’s festivities include Christmas in July, ABBA Night, “Anything But Clothes Night,” and even a Swinging Vintage Night featuring a 16-piece orchestra. 

The name “Adult Summer Camp” has caught on as a tagline that reflects the event’s ability to bring participants back to their youthful roots. Racers will take part in all kinds of pranks, like launching water balloons at each other if there’s no wind.

Emily Gosling is an 8th generation family member and brand ambassador with Goslings Rum, a third-year sponsor of Race Week. She’s ridden as a guest on one of the boats in years past and has first-hand experience with the kinship that comes with the event.

“It’s like seeing old family,” Gosling said. “They’re racing all day, the stakes are high, but at the end of the day, they’re all going out and doing something they’re all passionate about. I think being amongst that is pretty unique.”

Of course, no race is complete without a grand prize. Every year, Race Week commissions an artist to create an original piece of artwork that’s presented as a trophy to the overall winner of the event. The piece is also featured on event posters and merchandise. 

This year’s was done by Whatcom County’s own Jason LaClair, who draws from his Lummi and Nooksack heritage to create modern art featuring Indigenous traditions. Local residents may recognize one of his most visible works in downtown Bellingham, a 750-foot “Salmon Run” mural on North Forest Street.

The artwork, the parties, the pranks, the bragging rights and lifelong bonds; they’re all part of what’s made the decades-long event such a regional phenomenon. But at the end of the day, the races take center stage.

“Racing a sailboat is hard work,” Rathkopf said. “There are so many moving parts … it’s a team of people. It’s a well-oiled machine if they’re winning and it’s fascinating to watch that.”

Race Week Bellingham 2026 takes place from July 20-24 on Bellingham Bay.