Tag: Rowing

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.