Cape Ann Rowing Club/Blackburn Challenge

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Cape Ann Rowing Club/Blackburn Challenge The Cape Ann Rowing Club is the nonprofit organizer of the Blackburn Challenge and Essex River Race.

The Blackburn Challenge is a 20-mile open ocean race normally held in July, which circumnavigates the beautiful island of Cape Ann, Massachusetts. Known as the "Boston Marathon" of the ocean racing world, "Challengers" start in the relative safety of the Annisquam River and finish at Pavilion Beach after making a final push across Gloucester Harbor. Challengers must navigate the dynamic nature of the open ocean as they experience a variety of conditions including wind, waves, and weather. The Essex River Race is a 5.5 mile river run normally held in May, which travels through a marine estuarine environment and circumnavigates Cross Island in historic Essex, Massachusetts. The race is a celebration of maritime history and sees rowers and paddlers in all manner of human-powered watercraft.

Looking forward to 40 more years of spirited maritime competition. Volunteers needed to make it happen!
07/14/2026

Looking forward to 40 more years of spirited maritime competition. Volunteers needed to make it happen!

07/10/2026

To help us help the Addison Gilbert Hospital Cancer Center use this link to donate:

We are donating to Addison Gilbert again this year. Please help us reach our goal. Here is a link:
07/10/2026

We are donating to Addison Gilbert again this year. Please help us reach our goal. Here is a link:

Help Cape Ann Rowing Club reach their goal by donating or sharing with your friends.

Looking forward to seeing all those Blackburn shirts tonight from 6pm to 9pm at Cape Ann Marina / Mile Marker One! Weat...
07/09/2026

Looking forward to seeing all those Blackburn shirts tonight from 6pm to 9pm at Cape Ann Marina / Mile Marker One! Weather is looking spectacular!

07/08/2026

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!

160 boats, 242 challengers, 300+ total people -- WOW!!!

Looking for some intel ahead of Saturday? Check out this Relive track from Dana Gaines that shows the course and photos...
07/08/2026

Looking for some intel ahead of Saturday? Check out this Relive track from Dana Gaines that shows the course and photos of some key landmarks along the way.

Kayaking | Aug 11, 2020

Final day of registration for the 2026 Blackburn Challenge! Head on over to https://www.capeannrowingclub.com and get i...
07/08/2026

Final day of registration for the 2026 Blackburn Challenge! Head on over to https://www.capeannrowingclub.com and get in those last-minute entries!

And don't forget about our 40th Anniversary gathering at Cape Ann Marina / Mile Marker One on Thursday, July 9th from 6pm to 9pm. We are very much looking forward to seeing everyone, and we do mean everyone -- all are welcome! Wear a Blackburn shirt if you have one!

Cape Ann Rowing Club, Home to the Blackburn Challenge and Essex River Races.

Address

Gloucester, MA
01930

Telephone

+19787649407

Website

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