Overview

The Head of the Charles Regatta is the world’s largest three-day rowing event, attracting rowers from across the globe—from local clubs to Olympians. Held annually in October, the race takes place on the Charles River, known for its sharp turns and iconic bridges that challenge even the most experienced crews.

Who Competes

Athletes aged 14–85
Competitors from nearly every U.S. state & dozens of countries
Events for high schools, colleges, clubs, and national teams
10% of athletes are international (e.g., China, Ireland, South Africa)

Premier Events

Championship Eights & Fours (Men & Women) – Sunday
Championship Sculling (Singles & Doubles) – Saturday
Often includes U.S. and international national team athletes.

“To the rowing world, the Head of the Charles is what the Boston Marathon is to running.”
— Susan Saint Sing, author of The Eight

Race Format

Start Interval: 15 seconds between boats
Start Order: Based on previous year’s results
Course Highlights:
- Starts near BU’s DeWolfe Boathouse
- Ends just past Eliot Bridge
- Six bridges including tight turns at Weeks & Eliot (collision hotspots)
Passing Rules: Strict yield and penalty system to avoid collisions

History

Founded in 1965 by Cambridge Boat Club, HOCR started as a local race to break up fall training. Despite modest expectations, it grew quickly:

1997: Expanded to two days
2021: Became a full three-day regatta
Director: Frederick V. Schoch since 1991
Founder Inspiration: Ernest Arlett, a British coach fighting class barriers in rowing

Awards & Medals

Placement Medals

1st place: 2.5” bronze
2nd/3rd place: 1.75” bronze
Number of medals awarded scales with entries per event

Special Medals
Awarded to fastest:

College Championship crews
Lightweight and Club entries
Under-17 and JV Championship Eights
Grand-Veteran and Veteran categories
Special 2021 medal for 2020 grads due to COVID cancellation

Charity Program

Since 1998, HOCR has raised over $1M for community causes including:

Cambridge Community Foundation
Community Rowing, Inc.
Participants can gain automatic entry by fundraising $1,250 per rower.

Cancellations

1996: Weather-related
2020: COVID-19 pandemic (virtual event held instead)

Head of the Charles

About This Event

Event Details

Event Details