The Blackburn Challenge

Blackburn Challenge Rules

Rowed Boats:

•  Banks Dories: Boats entered as Traditional Banks Dories will be screened by the International Dory Racing Committee.

•  Fixed Seat: Oar-on-gunwale boats only.  Fixed seat boats with outriggers are in the Open Class division.

•  Sliding Seat Touring: Singles and doubles with overall length to overall beam ratio less than or equal to 9:1 or overall length less than or equal to 19' (singles) or 23' (doubles).

•  Sliding Seat Racing: Singles and doubles longer and narrower than Sliding Seat Touring boats.

Paddled Boats:

Kayaks:

Starting in 2008, Blackburn kayak classification will be based on a system originated by the Sound Rowers, a consortium of race organizers in the Puget Sound area.  In this system, kayaks are classified into one of three categories “based on waterline length to width ratio. Those boats with a L:W ratio less than 9.25:1 are in the Sea Kayak class (SK); between 9.25:1 to 10.99:1 are in the Fast Sea Kayak class (FSK); greater than 10.99:1 are in the High Performance Kayak class (HPK)”.

You will be placed in an appropriate category by the race committee based on the information you provide about your boat during registration.  We ask that when you register, you provide exact information about the manufacturer and model of your boat, so that we can reference our copy of the Sound Rowers’ classification list for known boats.  (I.E.: please don’t enter an “Epic Kayak”, rather, enter “Epic 16X Sport”, or “Epic V10 Surf Ski”).

All boats of similar dimensions will end up in the same classes:

• The Sea Kayak (SK) class includes familiar boats such as Aquaterra’s Chinook, Chesapeake Light Craft’s Chesapeake 16 and Chesapeake 17, Current Designs’ Caribou,  Eddyline’s Falcon 16’, Necky’s Looksha IV, P&H’s Capella, and Wilderness System’s Tempest 165 Pro

• The Fast Sea Kayak (FSK) class includes models such as the Epic Endurance 18, the Impex Force Category 4, the QFC 600x and 700x, and the Seda Glider and Impulse.

• The Unlimited or High Performance class (HPK) includes virtually all surf skis, the Valley Rapier 20, the Van Dusen Mohican, and virtually all Westside Boat models.

Unlike in past years, there are no kayak class distinctions based on paddle type.  All paddle types (wing or straight blade) of any material (composite or wood) are acceptable in all classes.  We encourage you to choose all of your equipment (boat, paddle, pfd, etc.) based on your own skills and capabilities, and with your main consideration towards personal safety and comfort.  (Note that the breadth of boat profiles in each category allows most individuals the option to change boats the day of the race while staying in the same class – for example, a person who registered in the Unlimited class on a Mako Millenium surf ski can change to a Futura II on race day and remain in the same class.) 

For more detailed information on the Sound Rowers system, go to http://www.soundrowers.org/kayakClassText.htm.  All classification questions / concerns must be addressed prior to race date.  For more information on measuring waterline length go to http://www.seakayakermag.com/PDFs/Kayak_Reviews_Info.pdf

Sportsmanship:

The Cape Ann Rowing Club hopes sportsmanlike conduct will in every instance prevail.  Sportsmanlike conduct precludes any attempt to block an overtaking boat.  Sportsmanship also requires that competitors find within themselves the mettle to complete the course, and refrain from drafting off of any other participant or power craft.

Equipment: 

Each participant must carry or wear a USCG-approved PFD (life jacket) and must
also carry an attention-getting noisemaker, such as a whistle on a lanyard. Those of you planning to remain in the race in fog must have a chart, compass/GPS, and whistle/noise maker.
                 

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