Cape Ann Rowing Club

Home of the Historic Blackburn Challenge

Considered the “Boston Marathon” of the ocean racing world, the Blackburn Challenge is a 20-mile open water circumnavigation of the vacation destination of Cape Ann, Massachusetts.

For more than 40 years the Blackburn has challenged rowers and paddlers hailing from as far away as Africa and Australia to test their mettle in one of the most grueling open water endurance competitions the United States has to offer.

The Blackburn Challenge has also served as host for several high-profile rowing and paddling championships, most recently the American Canoe Association’s USA Canoe Ocean Racing / Surfski National Championships.

Do you have what it takes to reach the beach? Row it, paddle it, if you can!

2027 BLACKBURN CHALLENGE: SATURDAY, JULY 24th - REGISTRATION INFO

We were the official host of the
2026 USA Canoe Ocean Racing / Surfski National Championships!

Capt. Douglas Fifield filmed and edited this amazing aerial video of the Blackburn Challenge 2018, run annually by the Cape Ann Rowing Club. The video features Gloucester Gig Rowers' Blue Swans women's crew, along with many other gigs and sliding seat boats. It captures the expanse and breathtaking beauty of the 20+ mile course around Cape Ann, Massachusetts, and is a great tribute the hundreds of rowers and paddlers who participate.

The Blackburn Challenge 2026 fundraising initiative is being planned. In the meantime, continue to join us in the fight against cancer! Check out our sponsorship page to learn more about how you can help the Cape Ann Rowing Club and the Jimmy Fund to make a difference!