One of these years, we’re going to have to schedule this race for early February if we want to get the rough seas of Howard Blackburn’s infamous adventure. The local weather is usually benign in July and August, and this year’s course conditions were pretty much like the last 3 or 4.

(there, I’ve jinxed us, next year will be 2000 all over again)

Which isn’t to say we had a particularly easy or fast course, to me it felt annoying and unhelpful – no tidal pull out of the Annisquam, a lot of confused junk just before Straitsmouth, an outgoing tide from Brace Cove to the finish, and no rides to be had anywhere. At least the cloud cover kept peope from dehydrating, and also seemed to cut down on power boat traffic, making the last 3 miles easier than usual.

Bill Kuklinski and Rich Klajnscek – CARC Committee and both 2012 Silver Medalist!

But, we had another large and enthusiastic turnout – over 235 boats and 340 participants, with a huge showing in surf skis and outriggers. The party on the beach was crowded right till the very end. And an encouraging sign – we decided to put the age of everyone in singles on the results, so a quick scan shows that there are far more 30 year olds entering than I previously thought – maybe not so good for those of us nearing retirement, but great for paddlesports and the future of the Blackburn in general.

As noted at the awards ceremony, a special thank you and acknowledgement to Skip Ciccarelli and Robert Wright for coming to the aid of a tandem paddler who needed medical attention. Every year, people perform unselfish acts to ensure the safety of others, and the race committee greatly appreciates these efforts.

We also want to thank everyone for co-operating with the logistics in the Chamber of Commerce building and parking lot. When you add in family and friends, we have over 400 people descending on a small piece of property, and we need to continue to be good neighbors to be allowed to use the area every year.

As for my own race, I definitely peaked at the right time for once. My 3:06:11 was my best time by over 11 minutes. Dana Gaines and I had a great battle the entire way, multiple lead swaps throughout, never farther apart than 40 or 50 yards until the better man (Dana) pulled away at the very end. We certainly didn’t leave any fuel in the tank!

As always, on behalf of the rest of the Cape Ann Rowing Club committee members, a sincere thank you to all of you who showed up to participate, volunteer, or just hang out. Whether you obliterated a course record as Dorian, Reid, Borys, Tim, and Eric did, or you just managed to finish in that new skinny boat that you didn’t think you could keep upright, you should display the Blackburn sticker you got at registration proudly – you’ve earned it! The event is as big, successful, and enjoyable as it is because everyone contributes to the spirit of sportsmanship, competition, and fun that is readily apparent every year on a Saturday in July.

Or maybe one of these years – February?