Making the trip from as far as Thailand and as near as Tufts, throngs of maritime fans will flock to the banks of the Charles River this weekend for the famed New England sports tradition--the Head of the Charles.

A crowd of families and college students from all over the world, which last year numbered 280,000 strong, will line the river, watching races, enjoying the fall day or scoping out the party scene. Harvard will become a crash-pad for many students in the latter category this weekend.

Harvard will attempt to squash this fast-growing "hotel reputation" by locking the gates of Harvard Yard Saturday night at 6 p.m., and the main gate to the Houses on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., restricting entrance to Harvard members with I.D.

Each student "may be accompanied by a guest," according to Archie C. Epps' "Important Notice" ciculated last week.

Harvard also insist that students get permission from their proctors for any guests.

But the festivities will go on despite the restrictions. As one Matthews Hall resident said about her dorm room. "There are three people living here normally, and I think there are going to be like 12 this weekend."

Another student, from Stoughton Hall, said she was hosting an impromptu reunion for many of her high school friends. Unaware of any pending parties, she said," We'll just get together and make a lot of noise."

In any case, the Head of the Charles Regatta Committee and the Metropolitan District Committee maintain a staunch no-drinking policy on the banks and the river. Three hundred police members will be on hand to confiscate or destroy any alcohol.

Last year parties and festivities went on despite the serve restrictions placed upon them by police and school officials.