SUMMER SPORTS
From firecrackers to billfish to world championships
by Steve Sheppard Independent Sports Editor
Hard to believe, but summer's nearly two weeks old. As we all know, it doesn't really take hold in our psyches until July 4 which, holy cow!, is tomorrow. Time to get outside, talk a walk, ride a bike, or take part in some of the many sporting events scheduled for the rest of the summer.

Whether it's the Firecracker 5K (above), the Opera House Cup (center) or a visit from Red Sox legend Bill Lee, summer's the time to enjoy the outdoors.

Although there are regularly scheduled softball games, soccer matches, sailboat races and beach volleyball tournaments there are one-time sports events that are worth noting. What follows is some of what's happening this summer in the island world of sports.

+ July 4 - Firecracker 5K Road Race. Sponsored by the Nantucket Health Club under the watchful eye of Robert Laundry, this race remains a popular way to kick off the season. The 17th annual run/walk takes place tomorrow, but you can still register at the time of the race. Start time is 8 a.m., leaving plenty of time for beach, boating or watermelon eating on Main Street. The race begins and ends at the Nantucket Health Cub on Youngs Way.

The Independent file photos

+ July 14 - Atlantic Café Waiter/Waitress Race. If they're running, it's a sport, and this race continues its tradition of honoring Bastille Day with a romp over the cobblestones. Now in its third decade, the island's waiters and waitresses display their proficiency by balancing a tray that holds an unopened bottle of beer and a glass of water from the Atlantic Café, up Main Street, to Centre, to Broad and back to the A. C. It's one way for people to appreciate the island's hard-working restaurant staffers, and a great way for them to let off some steam. Donations benefit Nantucket Cottage Hospital. Come out and see if the reigning champ gets dethroned.

+ July 14 - Charity on Ice celebrity hockey game. The coolest spot on Nantucket these days is Nantucket Ice, and that's where Olympic gold medalist A. J. Mleczko hosts her 6th annual Charity on Ice celebrity hockey game this afternoon. Among those slated to appear are: Andy Brickley, Jim Craig, Ted Donato, Brian Leetch, Bob Lobel, Bob Sweeney, Don Sweeney and A. J., of course. Game time is 4 p.m., followed by a dinner at 6:30. Contact Nantucket Ice at 228-2516 for dinner reservations and more information, or visit nantucketice.org.

+ July 20 - Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin Cup. First instituted as a way for Nantucket Community Sailing students to taste the thrill of competition, the Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin Cup is co-hosted by NCS and the Egan Maritime Foundation. The Coffin Cup features two types of boats: Hunter 140s (for novice to intermediate racers) and Optimists (for more advanced racers). Sailed in Polpis Harbor, by participants in Nantucket Community Sailing's summer program..

+ July 21 - The Race for Open Space. Now in its sixth year, the 5K run/walk benefits island conservation efforts. The 3.2 mile course starts at the Westmoor Club, follows Cliff Road to Madaket Road to Crooked Lane and back. Participants can pre-register online at www.nantucketconservation.org, or register before 8 a.m. (when the run begins) at the Westmoor the day of the race.

Two ways islanders relax - kicking up dust at the Demo Derby (top) and cooling their heels beach side.

+ July 25 - The Celebrity Softball Game to benefit the Friends of Nantucket Public Schools is held at the Nantucket High School baseball diamond. Past participants have included Patriots Hall of Famer Steve Nelson, Red Sox legend Bill 'Spaceman' Lee and former Sox pitcher Dennis 'Oil Can' Boyd. Call 228-7285 ext. 1168 for more information.

+ July 29- August 3 - Nantucket Anglers' Club annual billfish tournament. Now in its 39th year. Stop by the docks near Old South Wharf to see the day's biggest catch.

+ August 4 - The Rock Run. Former lifeguard (and now a general manager for two Nantucket Island Resorts hotels) Jim Storey founded this race as a way to raise money for the public schools' special education programs. Storey conceived of the course and originally ran it alone in memory of his father. The 50-mile beach run - yes, that's right, 50 - begins on Coatue at 9 a.m. sharp. Both solo and team runners are welcomed, but solo runners should plan on 12 hours for this grueling event. Solo runner Lauren Sposito has won the last three years. For more information, visit www.therockrun.com.

The Independent file

+ August 4 - AccesSport biathlon. A fun run/walk at Jetties Beach, followed by an outrigger canoe race. Gets underway around 9 a.m. Supports Nantucket Community Sailing disabled athlete programs at Jetties Beach Sailing Center. Call NCS at 228-6600 for more info.

+ August 11-19 - Race Week. This is the fourth year for the island's revitalized major sailing event that is co-sponsored by the Nantucket Yacht Club, Nantucket Community Sailing and the Great Harbor Yacht Club. Race Week features a number of different sailing events and competitive regattas, including the International One Design pro-am, a 12- metre regatta and an around-the-harbor fun race.

The week is capped off by the 35th annual Opera House Cup, overseen for the tenth year by Nantucket Community Sailing.

+ August 19 - Rainbow Fleet Parade, 10 a.m. The traditional training vessels of the Nantucket Yacht Club lead the larger boats out around Brant Point to begin the Opera House Cup. Get to the Point early to see the brightly-colored sails of the Beetle boats that are indelibly linked to Nantucket, the only place in the world where they are called "Rainbows."

+ August 19 - The Opera House Cup. Begun in 1973 by young Nantucket sailors during a late night conversation at the old Opera House Restaurant, where they lamented that no race existed on Nantucket for their classic wooden boats, this race has grown into one of the largest and most anticipated regattas on the east coast. Thirteen boats were in the first race, while more than 80 now vie for the coveted trophy.

+ August 18 and 19 - The Demo Derby. Need we say more? One of the most popular events of the summer, the demo derby takes place out at Tom Nevers, where drivers try to dismantle the opposition. For spectators, it's unmatched vicarious pleasure.

+ September 9 - IOD world championships begin. With their red-striped spinnakers IODs, or International One Designs, are readily identifiable on the Nantucket shoreline. Embraced by a new generation of sailors, IODs are classics in every sense. This week-long event marks Nantucket's first world championship event since the Flying Dutchman world championships were held at Wauwinet nearly 50 years ago.

+ September 15 - Second annual Inshore Fishing Classic begins. Anglers vie for bass, blues, bonita and false albacore during the month-long fishing derby. Sponsored by the island's tackle shops in conjunction with the Nantucket Anglers' Club. Stop by your favorite tackle shop for more information.

+ September 15 - Build Your Own Boat Regatta at Jetties Beach. Once you build it, you have to sail it, and no pre-fab materials are allowed. Last year's first annual BYOB was so much fun they decided to do it again. Proceeds benefit the

NHS sailing team. I