Cape Ann Rowing Club
Home of the Historic Blackburn Challenge
2026 BLACKBURN CHALLENGE: SATURDAY, JULY 11th - REGISTRATION INFO
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 the past 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.
Do you have what it takes to reach the beach? Row it, paddle it, if you can!
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!
Follow Us on Social Media
CARC Annual Meeting - Zoom Virtual
CARC Annual Meeting is Saturday, February 20th - 10am
The Zoom link is attached below:
Agenda:
2020 Year in Review (Bob, et.al.)
Financial Review (Donna)
The Year Ahead (events, races)
Election of Officers
Other Business, and Reflections
Bob Blair is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Bob Blair's Zoom Meeting
Time: Feb 20, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88005560553?pwd=VHZpbHE4ODU1VVhreks4VHhRekVaZz09
Meeting ID: 880 0556 0553
Passcode: 676901
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,88005560553#,,,,*676901# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,88005560553#,,,,*676901# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 880 0556 0553
Passcode: 676901
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbVxFGtsOL
Essex River Race 2020 Registration Closes
2020 Essex River Online registration closes. No race day walk ons with pre-arranged permission by race committee.
Essex River Race 2020 Registration Opens TBD
Online Registration for the Essex River Race Opens TBD. (Add link to registration once open)