On October 17 and 18, Boston will be hosting the 51st Head of the Charles, one of the most prestigious regattas in the world. According to the official Head of the Charles website, over 11,000 athletes compete and over 400,000 spectators attend the regatta. Whether you’re in the boat rowing with all your might or sitting on land cheering crews on, the Head of the Charles is one of this month’s most exciting happenings.
This year, Trinity’s women’s crew team has again qualified to compete in the regatta. Anyone who makes the top 50% per category are offered a bid for the following year. Those in the bottom 50% are put into a lottery and invited back at random. In 2014, Trinity’s women’s four (a boat with four rowers) placed a respectable fourth place overall, and the women’s eight (a boat with eight rowers) took an amazing second. Under the coaching of Renee Jones, Mitz Carr, and David Vogel, the women’s team has high hopes to place just as well as last year, if not better, this weekend.
Even if you’ve never seen or heard of a regatta, the Head of the Charles is a must-see. From Trinity, Boston is a quick and affordable trip away, so why wouldn’t you go? For spectators, there are food trucks selling New England clam chowder bread bowls, hot apple cider, and much more all along the Charles River. Private tents offer champagne and an excellent view of the race. Clothing tents ranging from Head of the Charles bargain gear to Brooks Brothers latest fall collection are present. The latest ergs (translation: rowing machines) are exhibited for anyone to test and stickers are given away for free. The scenery around the river is beautiful, and watching boats race down is exciting.
If you’ve been sold to attend this year’s Head of the Charles, be on the lookout for Trinity’s crew team. The women’s oars are white with a diagonal gold stripe and the men’s oars are dark blue with a diagonal gold stripe. Take advantage of going to a New England college and experience one of the region’s most popular events.