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The Blackburn Challenge |
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The Blackburn Challenge |
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Cape Ann Rowing Club reserves the right to refuse to register any individual
or boat. CARC may also expel or refuse any participant or boat before or during
the event for lack of required equipment, unsafe operation, disregard for event
rules, or unsporting behavior. See updated Race Rules (enclosed)
The spirit of the Blackburn Challenge holds that racing boats will not be entered
in touring or recreational boat classes.
Each participant must carry or wear a USCG-approved PFD (life jacket).
Each participant must also carry an attention-getting noisemaker, such as a
whistle on a lanyard. Participants may also find useful bailers, compasses,
and charts of the area. Remember to bring the fluids or food you plan to
consume during the event. Those of you planning to remain in the race in
fog must have a chart, compass/GPS, and whistle/noise maker.
Questions? contact, Rich Klajnscek at Rich <at> seafoxconsulting.com, or Donna Lind at Donna-Lind <at> comcast.net , 978-764-9407, or Tom Mailhot (978)852-0845