Considered the “Boston Marathon” of the open water racing world, the Blackburn Challenge is a 20-mile open water circumnavigation of Cape Ann, Massachusetts. “Challengers” row or paddle seaworthy watercraft in a range of classes including Banks dories, fixed seat singles and doubles, multi-oars with/without coxswains, sliding seat tour/race rowing singles & doubles, SUP and prone paddle boards, single & double touring kayaks, single & double racing kayaks, single & double surfskis, and OC-1 through OC-6 outrigger canoes.
Over the years the event has grown in scale and stature from a small local competition between a group of Gloucester-based Banks Dory rowers to an international-caliber endurance event. Challengers travel from as far away as Africa and Australia to participate each year. Some arrive with record-breaking ambitions, and some arrive to simply test their mettle in one of the most grueling open water endurance competitions on the planet.
The Blackburn has no rain date — there’s always a race. Occasionally the water can be very rough, with strong winds and large waves. Alternative courses may be employed for certain weather conditions, such as heavy fog. While CARC has safety boats present on the course to monitor checkpoints, racer escorts are not provided — it is a “challenge”, after all. You should expect to be out of 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, you must head to shore and call the race committee. The orderly, safe and sportsmanlike conduct of this event is your personal responsibility, and is essential to guaranteeing the future of the Blackburn Challenge.
Similar to the Boston Marathon, each section of the Blackburn Challenge course features its own particular characteristics and considerations. The Annisquam, Lobster Pot Alley, Halibut Point, Sandy Bay, the Back Shore, Eastern Point, and the final push across Gloucester Harbor each require unique strategies and tactics to succeed. Can you meet the challenge and cross the finish line at Pavilion Beach? Row it, paddle it…if you can!!!
