The Blackburn Challenge is a 20 mile rowing race around Cape Ann. About 400 contestants in rowing craft of all shapes and sizes enjoyed a great weather day. Though it was hazy the sea conditions couldn't have been better. This was my second year as a "chase boat" operator,actually a "station boat". My area of responsibility was from Salt Island to Milk Island. The race did have some moments as far as I was concerned. A single outrigger capsized about 20 yards from my position but the contestant quickly righted his craft and was on his way. A two man dory appeared to loose their way. After passing me I noticed about 30 minutes later they were about 2 miles southeast of me! They had trouble keeping a straight course and "crabbed" their way out to sea. After the last rowers passed I decided to see if things were ok so I headed towards the wayward dory. After I asked if they were allright I joked that they were heading towards Cape Cod and this was a Cape Ann race! One replied by telling me in a sense.... where to go! A short time later I got a message from Race Control that there was a rower in a Banks Dory between Milk Island and Thacher Island who injured his back. I raced to his position and found him tied up to a lobster buoy. He was ok but his back stiffened up and couldn't continue. While towing him in I realized I towed him in during the 2009 race!
Paddleboarders appear out in the haze.
Approaching nun buoy #4.
Joe Sanfillipo and Jeff Muise
"Siren Song"
Capsized!
Climbing aboard.
Getting a good hold.
Back onboard ready to go.
Break time!
A canoe with oarlocks!
Concentration!
Damon Cummings' boat "Glass Slipper" carries a kayak!
Digging in!
Pulling hard!
Outrigger pulls away.
Happy kayakers!
Kayaks and a canoe.
Kayaks near and far.
Mix dory team.
Outrigger and Thacher Island.
Hand paddle power!
Pair of kayaks.
Side by side.
That sinking feeling!
Wayward rowers!
Timing is the key for a straight course!
Heading out to sea....This image is zoomed in!
Towing the dory "Puritan".
Rowing craft on Pavillion Beach.
Colorful craft at the finish.
I hope the guy was okay! To bad he couldn't appreciate your sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great summer it's been for boats. I hope you're enjoying it Jay and getting out there often!
Sharon
I wish I had the time to get out on the boat more often. It was my 2nd day off since May 1st when I started my current job! Going from dock to dock 7 days a week is not too bad....at least in this weather.
ReplyDeletewonderful images from the day - enjoyed being out on the water for my 1st Blackburn!
ReplyDeleteCheers
So great to see & what stories! My brother and sister-in-law were in the race, and you actually captured my sis-in-law in your "Outrigger and Thatcher Island" photo! Thanks for posting.
ReplyDelete