Tag: “Gloucester Rowing”

THE 25th BLACKBURN CHALLENGE Coming July 23

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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The Blackburn Challenge, to be held on July 23 this year, is the premier human-powered open-water event on the east coast of North America. In 2011 the event will be especially exciting. Not only is it the silver anniversary running of the event, but is also the 6th annual North American Open Water Rowing Championship (NAOWRC).

One of the reasons why this event has been recognized as one of the best open water races in America is due to the venue – a 20 mile circumnavigation of Cape Ann Massachusetts – a course that inevitably serves up a wide variety of conditions on the water. The first three or so miles of the race are along the protected and tidal Annisquam River, resulting in something akin to a head race, but with plenty more interesting obstacles to avoid (mooring and navigation buoys, boats, docks, etc.) and a 17 mile open water race after it. Once the river empties into the open waters of Ipswich Bay, the wind strength and direction play a decisive role in determining the conditions of the day, which range from relative calm (it’s never a flat water event) to very rough (staying upright and afloat trump the idea of competition). The last couple of miles from the Dogbar Breakwater at the entrance of Gloucester Harbor to Pavillion Beach, are usually plagued by confused boat wakes from numerous fishing, whale watch and pleasure boats going in all directions. Each year at the Blackburn brings us a very different story, making the event so interesting for open-water aficionados. One thing that thankfully remains the same each year is the fun time after finishing – cold beer, massages, good music and food and the inevitable harrowing stories from the event. This is an event not to be missed!

All event information may be found at the event website: www.blackburnchallenge.com

Rich Klajnscek

President, Cape Ann Rowing Club

Click here for our links to Good Morning Gloucester’s year round coverage of The Blackburn Challenge

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Photos from last year’s Blackburn Challenge from David Cox

GMG’s PAUL MORRISON ON HIS QUEST FOR BEER!

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Geno Mondello’s Works On Handline Dory For Gloucester International Dory Benefit Raffle

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

For all the details on how you can win this dory, click this text to go to The International Dory Site

Geno Mondello’s Dory Shop, originally uploaded by captjoe06.

 

2009- The Year We Bring Dory Rowing To The Masses

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Enough Is Enough!!!!!!

I’m dedicating this year to educating the masses of how awesome and accessible Dory Racing and rowing are to everyone.   There simply is no better deal around to get you onto Gloucester Harbor, get exersize, feel like a part of a great Gloucester tradition than rowing.

From the Gloucester International Dory website-

 

Membership is $50 for 1 year, and runs January to January. Membership includes use of committee dories, loaner equipment, and race and committee event invitations. To become a member, download the membership form here.

All year long you will see Dory Racing news, race results,pictures and video here.  I want people to get it, to see just how easy it is to get on Gloucester Harbor for a measly $50.

Get involved, it’s a blast.  Learn more at the Gloucester International Dory Website by clicking this text

To View The Dory Slide Show Click The Picture Below

Winter Races Fundraiser-

Posted on by Sharon
Jimmy T and his Dory Girls at the beginning of the night. He was giving his welcome speech and introducing the Dory Girls
Jimmy T and his Dory Girls at the beginning of the night. He was giving his welcome speech and introducing the Dory Girls

These photos are from Frank Ciolino (Thanks, Frank!) at the “Winter Races” fundraiser for Gloucester’s International Dory Races.

Committee President Jim Tarantino told me this morning that he’s estimating that the event raised $2000 towards the $30,000 needed for 4 new dories and the 2009 operating expenses.

Acknowledgment awards were presented to Sen. Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, the schooner Thomas E. Lannon and Gorton’s.

This is Joey Ciolino and Bill Edmonds trying their luck at the "DOLLAH HAULAH" Table ( Joey won $15 bucks) We lost count on how many Bill won!
This is Joey Ciolino and Bill Edmonds trying their luck at the "DOLLAH HAULAH" Table ( Joey won $15 bucks) We lost count on how many Bill won!

Jim also wants everyone to know that his group not only coordinates  races held throughout the summer, but also provides free lessons and other educational programs for the city’s middle school children and others interested in dory rowing.

katherine-richmond
Katherine Richmond selling chances to win a dory

The International Dory events calendar can be seen here.

So if you are interested in rowing (great exercise!) and would like to get out on the water with the experts, be sure to check this out!

Ringo Tarr accepting an Acknowledgment Award for Bruce
Ringo Tarr accepting an Acknowledgment Award for Sen. Bruce Tarr

Chickity Check It-Gloucester Gig Rowers Blog

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro
Gloucester Gig Rowing
Gloucester Gig Rowing

I was stumbling around the internet as I normally do with my down time here at the dock and came accross this blog with many pictures of Gloucester Gig Rowers.

It seems the blog is in it’s infancy and if they keep at it a while, I’ll probably add it to the blogroll, but there are some interesting pictures to share about just what gig rowing is all about.

Check it out and get involved. I bet you can find out more information at The Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center where the Gigs are docked.

Here’s the link- Gloucester Gig Rowing

Things To Do- The 22nd Annual Blackburn Challenge

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

The Blackburn Challenge Logo

The Cape Ann Rowing Club presents the 22nd Annual Blackburn Challenge

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Information Packet

6:00 am ……….… Registration & check-in, Gloucester High School
Each participant must register in person

7:00 am …………. Skipper’s Meeting for all participants

7:45–8:30 am …… Staggered starts by boat class

12:00 noon ……… Pavilion Beach Finish Line facilities open

3:00 pm …………. Award Ceremony & Festivities

The Blackburn Challenge is a 20+ mile open water circumnavigation of
Cape Ann. Participants row or paddle small boats in the open ocean waters around Cape Ann, and conditions can vary dramatically throughout the day. Occasionally the water can be very rough, with strong winds and high waves. While we have some powerboats on the course to monitor checkpoints, we do not provide boat escorts—you should expect to be out of their sight and fully independent most of the time. Unless you have solid experience in difficult conditions with the boat you plan to use, you should not enter this event. Always plan an “escape” path to safety, and if you encounter any problems along the way, pull out and call to let us know. The orderly, safe and sportsmanlike conduct of this event is your personal responsibility, and is essential to guaranteeing the future of the Blackburn Challenge.

We have no rain date; there’s always an event. Alternative courses will be in place for rough weather conditions, or fog. The Blackburn Challenge is open to all seaworthy oar or paddle powered craft. Classes include men’s and women’s Banks dories, fixed seat singles, doubles, multi-oars with cox, multi-oars without cox, sliding seat singles & doubles, single & double touring kayaks, single & double racing kayaks, surf skis, and outrigger canoes, in about that order. Refer to the enclosed sheet for anticipated start times. A final breakdown of heats and classes will be announced at the skipper’s meeting as well as changes to course if warranted. Though CARC attempts to recognize any class represented by several entries, we make no guarantees.

Registration & Check-in: 6:00 am

YOU MUST REGISTER IN PERSON! 6:00-7 am at Gloucester High School. See enclosed map for directions.
Registration tables will be located in the cafeteria. Access is from behind the tennis courts. Vehicles should be parked on paved areas in front of and to the side of the building. Do not leave vehicles near ramp. Rest rooms are available in the building.

Launching

LOGISTICS CAN DELAY YOU! Please allow plenty of time to park, register, attend the skipper’s meeting and launch. Smaller boats can use the unpaved areas for launching. Boats must be rowed or paddled up the Annisquam River to the starting line near the railroad bridge.

Check our website: Blackburnchallenge.com for further updates. Final race results will be posted approx. 2 weeks after the race.

Entry Information

The deadline for entry is 6/28/08. Entries postmarked later than 6/28/08 will not be accepted. Register as early as possible!

Entry Fee: $60 per participant post mark by 6/13/08
$70 per participant post mark after 6/13/08
$330 per boat maximum
50% discount for traditional banks dories

Fees include T-shirt, race management and pre/post food & beverages.
Meal tickets for non-racers must be ordered on Race Application form.
Extra T-shirts may be purchased at the finish line if available.

Dory Foot Board

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

This is a picture of a dory rower’s foot board. When rowing dorys much of the power is produced from your legs. Dory rowers customize their own foot boards to their liking for comfort and fit to produce the best brace to push off on.

Dory Foot Board, originally uploaded by captjoe06.

Come on down to The State Fish Pier Saturday morning at 9:30 AM to watch the Gloucester crews face off against the Canadians in The International Dory Races.