Each year in July there is a race called †Blackburn Challenge †in Massachusetts. The race course circumnavigates Cape Ann. If you have google earth, or other earth viewing software , you can view the entire race course. The course is 24 miles or so long and almost circular , on protected river and open ocean. Since the course is circular, every wind and wave direction will be encountered during the event.
In recent months , here on this blog there has been a lot of discussion about boat performance , OC1s` in particular. Ive been thinking that maybe the Blackburn Challenge race would be a good place to gather usefull information to solve the question:
“Whats a good boat for east coast conditions".
Who wins the race wont necessarily settle the question because as we all know , it`s the motor that counts and the truth is, the real winner is he or she that is having the most fun.
However , I believe that if a large number of OC1 paddlers show up to race at the Blackburn this July , we will be able to glean at least some averages as to which boat/paddler combinations work well in east coast conditions.
Dont miss the Blackburn this year , its going to be a ton of fun, luau, beer , awards at the finish and Karel Tresnak Jr. to race with. It doesn`t get any better!
Here`s a link to the race website: http://www.blackburnchallenge.com/Blackburn.html
Aloha,
Eric McNett
Submitted by fuzerider on Sat, 03/17/2007 - 3:40am
Hurricane would be best all around there,too.
#1 Sat, 03/17/2007 - 4:39am
where is the vid link?
#2 Sun, 03/18/2007 - 5:45pm