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 surf skis, 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.
More InformationContact Information Cape Ann Rowing Club
info@capeannrowingclub.com