Head of The Charles Regatta

The Head of The Charles is an iconic rowing race, and the biggest one in the world, attracting up to 12,000 athletes and thousands more spectators. Originating on October 16, 1965 , the regatta has welcomed the worlds best crew teams to the banks of the Charles River for the ultimate three-day rowing competition. Cambridge Boat Club founded this race on the advice of Harvard University’s sculling instructor, Ernest Arlett, as he proposed a “head of the river” race similar in tradition to races held in his native England.

Head races are a class of regattas generally three miles in length and the winning boat will be deemed the “Head of the River” until the race takes place the following year. The Head of the Charles has grown enormously popular in both the eyes of a the spectators and athletes alike making it a fierce and respected competition. This regatta winds down the scenic Charles River, along Cambridges waterfront and past Harvard University allowing amble room for viewing the race. Boston this time of year is also at its peak foliage creating a stunning backdrop for this iconic New England race.