More than 300 entrants turned out for Saturday’s 38th Blackburn Challenge, a popular 20-mile boat race around Cape Ann featuring competitors from a number of different classes.
Just so happens the event also coincided with the 125th anniversary of Gloucester’s Howard Blackburn’s historical sailing journey from Gloucester, Massachusetts, to Gloucester, England, making for a special day for all involved.
“There was correspondence between the mayor’s office and folks in Gloucester, England over the anniversary, and the Mayor (Greg Verga) came down to the early morning gathering — we call it the Captain’s Meeting — and welcomed everyone,” said Bob Blair, president of the Cape Ann Rowing Club.
“He read a letter from the Mayor of Gloucester, England and issued a proclamation … it was a Howard Blackburn day and celebration for sure.”
Blair referred to the Blackburn Challenge as “the Boston Marathon of the Water,” with competitors challenged even more so on the grueling track this year due to foggy conditions at sea. Fortunately, the safety precautions taken for the event allowed things to run as smoothly as ever.
“We got some fog on the second half of the race course which made it a little extra challenging for a lot of people,” admitted Blair. “It really put us on our toes safety wise, but it all worked out. We had great work from the Coast Guard and Harbor Masters office and our own safety boat network. All in all a great day.”
Saturday’s race featured entrants from 35 different divisions and about 18 different classes of “paddle seaworthy watercraft.”
“Dory’s, kayaks, surf skis, paddleboards, canoes, rowing shells … you name it,” Blair said. “It’s a full mix.”
Awards are handed out to the top three finishers in each division. Taking the overall title in a time of 2:45:23 was the crew of Joel Pekosz and Chris Weaver in the HP kayak double division. Those two edged out overall runner-up Patrick Johnson in the slid seat racing single division (2:45:51) and third-place finisher Ian Black in a kayak single.
There was also one entrant donning the surname “Blackburn,” although it was unknown if there was any true relation to Howard Blackburn. An interesting factoid nonetheless.
In addition, the Cape Ann Rowing Club raised $3,000 for the Addison Gilbert Hospital and its cancer center, something Blair and Co. plan to continue to do for years to come.
“It’s about not only the race part, but what the race does,” Blair said. “We presented a check to the hospital at yesterday’s race, and we’ll present another check next year, too. If we can do more besides have a fun and great event that further gives tribute to the memory of Howard Blackburn we’re doing our job.
“And one of the great things that makes the Blackburn a very different race is that everyone who can appreciate being on the water and testing yourself for 20 miles around Cape Ann is welcome.”
For complete results of the 2024 Blackburn Challenge, including a breakdown by division, please visit CapeAnnRowingclub.com or Blackburnchallenge.com.
Sports Editor Nick Giannino may be contacted at 978-675-2712 or ngiannino@northofboston.com.