Sure – we’ll do the same as we did last time (i.e. host families). We’ll assign a point person for that and let y’all know who it is.

The Blackburn Challenge, to be held on July 23 this year, is the premier human-powered open-water event on the east coast of North America. In 2011 the event will be especially exciting. Not only is it the silver anniversary running of the event, but is also the 6^th annual North American Open Water Rowing Championship (NAOWRC).

One of the reasons why this event has been recognized as one of the best open water races in America is due to the venue – a 20 mile circumnavigation of Cape Ann Massachusetts – a course that inevitably serves up a wide variety of conditions on the water. The first three or so miles of the race are along the protected and tidal Annisquam River, resulting in something akin to a head race, but with plenty more interesting obstacles to avoid (mooring and navigation buoys, boats, docks, etc.) and a 17 mile open water race after it. Once the river empties into the open waters of Ipswich Bay, the wind strength and direction play a decisive role in determining the conditions of the day, which range from relative calm (it’s never a flat water event) to very rough (staying upright and afloat trump the idea of competition). The last couple of miles from the Dogbar Breakwater at the entrance of Gloucester Harbor to Pavillion Beach, are usually plagued by confused boat wakes from numerous fishing, whale watch and pleasure boats going in all directions. Each year at the Blackburn brings us a very different story, making the event so interesting for open-water aficionados. One thing that thankfully remains the same each year is the fun time after finishing – cold beer, massages, good music and food and the inevitable harrowing stories from the event. This is an event not to be missed!

All event information may be found at the event website: www.blackburnchallenge.com

Rich Klajnscek

President, Cape Ann Rowing Club

rich@seafoxconsulting.com

978.239.7321

http://oarnorthwest.com/2010/06/221/#more-221

part I

part II

There may be some duplicates between the two pages which we will get cleaned up, but wanted to get them posted.  Enjoy!

Here’s what Joel has told us about getting copies of his pictures: “Should any rowers request images used or displayed by Sound Rowers and the NAOWRC sites that right is granted for the 700 pixel across jpgs that I have sent. Should the same rowers desire a larger file image or a print, they can contact me for purchase using my e-mail: joel@joelrogers.com.  As stated at the event I’ll charge $15 for sending a larger file size to them. If they want me to do prints, mailings etc the price has to be negotiated.”

http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?SectionID=28&SubSectionID=690

Michael is the official photographer for Sound Rowers and Paddlers. Michael competes in a recumbent bike-powered craft of his own design (see Open Water Cycling), and this allows his hands to be free to also take pictures from the race course. For this race, we hired Joel Rogers to take pictures, and we encouraged Michael to focus on racing. So, Michael’s pictures are solely from the post-race festivities.