The next Atlantic Challenge International Contest of Seamanship will be in Belfast, Maine from July 21-29, 2024
“Our dream is to see traditional small craft in service in our inshore waters and as an educational bridge between many nations in our future.” –– Lance Lee, Co-Founder of the Atlantic Challenge Contest of Seamanship, September 1988
Atlantic Challenge International is a global network of community boating programs dedicated to the development of young adults through working together in traditional boats, primarily Bantry Bay gigs. Every two years, a number of nations, typically from Belgium, the Basque Country, Canada (Ontario and Quebec), Denmark, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Northern Ireland, Russia, and the USA –– meet to compete in the Atlantic Challenge International Contest of Seamanship. This is a weeklong friendly competition and cross cultural gathering where international crews compete in a series of rowing and sailing races, knot tying and navigation, and build friendly ties with the other crews.
The Contest events take place in Bantry Bay gigs, which are copies of 18th-century French Navy Captain's gigs. These vessels are 38ft long and are powered by three sails and ten oars. Each nation has their own vessel for the contest. Some crews will ship their gigs to the Contest location, others will borrow from other teams who are in closer proximity to the event. The US team in 2024 will be drawn from Maine, other parts of New England, and potentially other states. To keep the Contest a young adult event, all crew members must be over 15 at the time of the Contest and at least half will be under 21. No prior experience necessary to apply.
We are looking for crew members with a spirit of adventure and a desire to be part of a team who want to experience a new and unique challenge. Previous experience of sailing/rowing is useful but not necessary. The two week training leading up to the Contest will provide enough time to learn the essentials. It is very helpful to build up a relatively high level of physical of fitness before the training and Contest. The Contest happens every two years to give crews ample time to fundraise as needed, to get organized, to get fit, and to plan team seamanship trainings in between Contest years.
In preparation for the Contest, crew members are welcome to join our summer training week: July 24 - 30, 2023 to practice the Contest events. No prior experience needed.
Lance Lee, founder of the Apprenticeshop, formed the Atlantic Challenge International Contest of Seamanship in the mid 1980s as a way to bring young adults of different cultures together while also preserving traditional seamanship. The first two gigs Liberté and Egalité were built at the Rockport Apprenticeshop, in Rockport, Maine, and the first Contest was held in New York City in July 1986. More than 80 gigs have been built since by 16 nations for participation in Atlantic Challenge. Typically 12 nations gather for the biennial Contest of Seamanship. There has been a Contest every two years from 1986-2018. We're very pleased to be hosting the next Contest in 2024, after such a long break.
CONTEST OF SEAMANSHIP EVENTS
Contests for the Atlantic Challenge Trophy:
1. Rowing Race
Rowed over a straight course of about 2 nautical miles. This is a timed event, the fastest boat wins and it is a great test of endurance and technique under pressure.
2. Sailing Race
This race is on a triangular course with a reaching start, a jibe mark and a shorter upwind leg to test the ability of the crew to pilot their gigs to windward. The course is typically about 3 nautical miles in length, with two times around the course.
3. Oar & Sail Race
This race is run over a triangular course of about 3 miles. The crews must row one leg into the wind, typically a a half mile or three quarters of a mile, and then transition to sail, where the oars are shipped into the gig, the masts are raised, and sails set for the other two legs, typically a reach and a jibe mark rounding. Two times around the course is typical.
4. Crew Overboard
Crew must recover a crew overboard using any means possible. Penalties may be awarded for technical infringements. The course is typically run under oars, but under sail is possible. A crew member from another nation comes aboard and when the gig enters a specific zone, they can choose when to hop overboard. The team works quickly to stop the boat and recover the crew member and race to the finish. The fastest gig wins.
5. Slalom
Two gigs race under oars around a two parallel buoyed slalom courses without a rudder. The gig is steered with oars only and ‘faults’ are given for hitting the buoys. The event is decided on faults, followed by timings.
6. Jackstay Transfer
Crews transfer a package within a bag from shore to gig using heaving lines and jackstay. This replicates the original role of the gigs in the 18th century to service naval vessels with important messages. The event is decided on faults, followed by timings.
7. Navigation
Practical navigation exercise afloat in the gigs to test the crew in basic navigational skills. Crews are given a set of directions with two course headings and two distances to travel. The crews must determine their speed and time to determine the distance and drop a buoy at the final destination. From there, they must determine the latitude and longitude of the buoy. The event is decided on the accuracy of the crews in completing the allotted task.
8. Knots and Splices
Crew members will demonstrate their skill in knot tying, splicing, whipping and seizing ropes. These skills are still constantly drawn upon for use in the gig, tying up to a dock, or pier, and the ongoing maintenance and repair of the gig’s rigging.
Contests for the Lance Lee Trophy:
9. Captain’s Gig
This is a docking in style event. A person is picked up by each crew from a dock and put aboard another vessel moored offshore or to another dock or pier, and returned to shore again. Crews are marked on their skill and technique in handling the boat, themselves and the sea conditions confronted. This event recreates the day-to-day role of the gigs in providing transport for the Captains and Admirals commanding the fleet.
10. L'Esprit
Mixed international crews sail, row, and navigate together under sail. Language barriers are common. This event naturally tests the abilities, teamwork and adaptability of those taking part in the Atlantic Challenge. It's a great way to get to know other nation's crew members.
The Spirit of Atlantic Challenge Trophy
For the team that demonstrates the most Spirit of Atlantic Challenge. The spirit of AC is international friendship, and cooperation; not competition. This award is voted for by all the participating crews.
The John Kerr Award for Best Seamanship
Presented to the team showing the best practice in all aspects of seamanship, both during and outside events when the gigs are in general use.
The Contest events take place in Bantry Bay gigs, which are copies of 18th-century French Navy Captain's gigs. These vessels are 38ft long and are powered by three sails and ten oars. Each nation has their own vessel for the contest. Some crews will ship their gigs to the Contest location, others will borrow from other teams who are in closer proximity to the event. The US team in 2024 will be drawn from Maine, other parts of New England, and potentially other states. To keep the Contest a young adult event, all crew members must be over 15 at the time of the Contest and at least half will be under 21. No prior experience necessary to apply.
We are looking for crew members with a spirit of adventure and a desire to be part of a team who want to experience a new and unique challenge. Previous experience of sailing/rowing is useful but not necessary. The two week training leading up to the Contest will provide enough time to learn the essentials. It is very helpful to build up a relatively high level of physical of fitness before the training and Contest. The Contest happens every two years to give crews ample time to fundraise as needed, to get organized, to get fit, and to plan team seamanship trainings in between Contest years.
In preparation for the Contest, crew members are welcome to join our summer training week: July 24 - 30, 2023 to practice the Contest events. No prior experience needed.
Lance Lee, founder of the Apprenticeshop, formed the Atlantic Challenge International Contest of Seamanship in the mid 1980s as a way to bring young adults of different cultures together while also preserving traditional seamanship. The first two gigs Liberté and Egalité were built at the Rockport Apprenticeshop, in Rockport, Maine, and the first Contest was held in New York City in July 1986. More than 80 gigs have been built since by 16 nations for participation in Atlantic Challenge. Typically 12 nations gather for the biennial Contest of Seamanship. There has been a Contest every two years from 1986-2018. We're very pleased to be hosting the next Contest in 2024, after such a long break.
CONTEST OF SEAMANSHIP EVENTS
Contests for the Atlantic Challenge Trophy:
1. Rowing Race
Rowed over a straight course of about 2 nautical miles. This is a timed event, the fastest boat wins and it is a great test of endurance and technique under pressure.
2. Sailing Race
This race is on a triangular course with a reaching start, a jibe mark and a shorter upwind leg to test the ability of the crew to pilot their gigs to windward. The course is typically about 3 nautical miles in length, with two times around the course.
3. Oar & Sail Race
This race is run over a triangular course of about 3 miles. The crews must row one leg into the wind, typically a a half mile or three quarters of a mile, and then transition to sail, where the oars are shipped into the gig, the masts are raised, and sails set for the other two legs, typically a reach and a jibe mark rounding. Two times around the course is typical.
4. Crew Overboard
Crew must recover a crew overboard using any means possible. Penalties may be awarded for technical infringements. The course is typically run under oars, but under sail is possible. A crew member from another nation comes aboard and when the gig enters a specific zone, they can choose when to hop overboard. The team works quickly to stop the boat and recover the crew member and race to the finish. The fastest gig wins.
5. Slalom
Two gigs race under oars around a two parallel buoyed slalom courses without a rudder. The gig is steered with oars only and ‘faults’ are given for hitting the buoys. The event is decided on faults, followed by timings.
6. Jackstay Transfer
Crews transfer a package within a bag from shore to gig using heaving lines and jackstay. This replicates the original role of the gigs in the 18th century to service naval vessels with important messages. The event is decided on faults, followed by timings.
7. Navigation
Practical navigation exercise afloat in the gigs to test the crew in basic navigational skills. Crews are given a set of directions with two course headings and two distances to travel. The crews must determine their speed and time to determine the distance and drop a buoy at the final destination. From there, they must determine the latitude and longitude of the buoy. The event is decided on the accuracy of the crews in completing the allotted task.
8. Knots and Splices
Crew members will demonstrate their skill in knot tying, splicing, whipping and seizing ropes. These skills are still constantly drawn upon for use in the gig, tying up to a dock, or pier, and the ongoing maintenance and repair of the gig’s rigging.
Contests for the Lance Lee Trophy:
9. Captain’s Gig
This is a docking in style event. A person is picked up by each crew from a dock and put aboard another vessel moored offshore or to another dock or pier, and returned to shore again. Crews are marked on their skill and technique in handling the boat, themselves and the sea conditions confronted. This event recreates the day-to-day role of the gigs in providing transport for the Captains and Admirals commanding the fleet.
10. L'Esprit
Mixed international crews sail, row, and navigate together under sail. Language barriers are common. This event naturally tests the abilities, teamwork and adaptability of those taking part in the Atlantic Challenge. It's a great way to get to know other nation's crew members.
The Spirit of Atlantic Challenge Trophy
For the team that demonstrates the most Spirit of Atlantic Challenge. The spirit of AC is international friendship, and cooperation; not competition. This award is voted for by all the participating crews.
The John Kerr Award for Best Seamanship
Presented to the team showing the best practice in all aspects of seamanship, both during and outside events when the gigs are in general use.
A Typical Contest Day:
7:00––8:00am: Breakfast with all crews
8:30am: Coxswains meeting to learn race event details
9:30––11:30am: Contest Event
12:30–1:30pm: Lunch
2:00pm: Coxswains meeting to learn race event details
3:00––5:00pm: Contest Event
6:00––7:00pm: Dinner with all crews
8:00––10:00pm: All crews gather for socializing––often a crew talent show, group games, music and dancing.
11pm: Quiet hours.
The Provisional 2024 Contest Schedule:
Spectators are welcome and encouraged to observe and cheer the participants on!
7:00––8:00am: Breakfast with all crews
8:30am: Coxswains meeting to learn race event details
9:30––11:30am: Contest Event
12:30–1:30pm: Lunch
2:00pm: Coxswains meeting to learn race event details
3:00––5:00pm: Contest Event
6:00––7:00pm: Dinner with all crews
8:00––10:00pm: All crews gather for socializing––often a crew talent show, group games, music and dancing.
11pm: Quiet hours.
The Provisional 2024 Contest Schedule:
Spectators are welcome and encouraged to observe and cheer the participants on!
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AC Contest Locations:
1986––New York City, USA 1988––Douarnenez, France 1990––Roskilde, Denmark 1992––Brest, France 1994––Penetanguishene, Canada 1996––Bantry, Ireland 1998––Roskilde, Denmark 2000––Douarnenez, France 2002––Rockland, Maine, USA |
2004––Fishguard, UK
2006––Genova, Italy 2008––Jakobstad, Finland 2010––Midland, Canada 2012––Bantry, Ireland 2014––Sené, France 2016––Roskilde, Denmark 2018––Northern Ireland **2020 + 2022** ––Planned for St. Petersburg, Russia, but could not happen. 2024––Belfast, Maine, USA |
