Blackburn Challenge 2022 - Saturday July 23rd

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.  Visit CapeAnnRowingClub.com for all race details, rules, boat classes, etc.

Important Information for 2022 Blackburn Challenge - Full Race Event and Festivities are back!

• Price Increase Saturday July 9th - Midnight - Price goes up from $90 per registrant to $115.  Please register early, we have a lot of planning to do for food and tee-shirts.
• Registration Closes on Wednesday, July 20th, 6pm.  NO Registration at the Race on race day 
• Parking Information  - Parking is only allowed in town lots, not in the Beauport hotel lot, and NOT in the lot at 33 Commercial Street (this is the finish line lot - no parking). It will be challenging taking your boats out at the finish line. There is a public boat ramp on Western Ave at the end of Pavilion beach. Getting your car from the high school and taking out there may be the best option for take-out until the party ends at the beach. There will be a parking attendant managing our lot. Trailered boats or OC6 are allowed to pass through the cut. 
• Time Limit - 6 Hour limit to complete course. Chase Boats and Timing will finish after 6 hours. Racers are paddling at their own risk after 6 hours on the course. Please plan appropriately if you believe you can not complete in 6 hours.
• Schedule: Gloucester High School - 32 Leslie O Johnson Road, Gloucester, MA 01930 
  • 5:45 am - 6:45 am Safety Check: Each vessel must pass inspection before registering. Get your sign-off at central safety booth by the tennis courts or find a roaming safety volunteer with orange vest
  • 6:00 am - 7:00 am Check In
  • 7:00 am Captains Meeting - All Participants
  • 7:45 am - 8:30 am Staggered Start by Boat Classes
  • 12:00 Noon Pavilion Beach Finish Line Facilities Open
  • 2:00 pm Award Ceremony & Festivities
• Electronic Waivers - New for 2022 - All waivers will be include online as part of the registration process for both captains and crew
• Registration & Check In: Registration & check in is from 6:00 am to 7:00 am at the Gloucester High School. Registration tables will be located in the cafeteria. Access is from behind the tennis courts.
• Race Course & Charts:   Please visit Blackburn Challenge Race Course page for full details
• Rest Rooms:  Rest rooms are available in the Gloucester High School for the start, and porta potties at the finish at Pavilion Beach
• Race numbers: Should be taped to both sides of your bow. Call your number to the timers at the finish line when crossing at the Greasy Pole. - Pay attention at Captains Meeting for specific finish line instructions

Important Registration Process!!

All Single Vessels and Captains of Multi Crew vessels - register here below, click on blue "Register Here" button below. 
Captains will pay for the full vessel registration fee, provide all the vessel information, and select the crew.
*** All crew register on a separate location: Crew Registration Page ***

Important for Captains of multi person vessels - Crew must have a Paddle Guru account before you can register yourself and the vessel.  If the crew member does not have a Paddle Guru account, one will be created automatically as part of the crew registration page:  Crew Registration Page.  

Crew registration is required to electronically sign the waiver, provide contact information, select tee shirt size and allow you to purchase additional meal tickets.  All you need is your Captains name and size of vessel (total number including captain and crew).  No money is collected from the crew - Captain is responsible for paying for the vessel registration. Crew Registration Page