Autumn leaves on the ground. A myriad of boats slicing through pristine water. A massive influx of visitors from far and wide. Lockdown of Harvard Yard. Fried dough by the ton.
It can only mean one thing: The Head of the Charles is upon us yet again.
This Saturday and Sunday, thousands of athletes and spectators from all over the world will gather along the banks of the Charles River to take in the 36th Annual Head of the Charles Regatta.
Last year, well over 300,000 spectators watched approximately 5,000 athletes compete in 19 events over the two-day regatta. With such numbers, the Head of the Charles is now considered the largest two-day rowing event in the world.
"Every year, this regatta becomes bigger and more international," said Harvard women's lightweight Coach Cecile Tucker.
The primary reason so many people turn out along the Charles is to witness the procession of boats from all over the world along the three-mile course that winds its way from the Boston University boathouse to just before the Northeastern boathouse.
The bulk of the competition will occur on Sunday, with the men's and women's heavyweight and lightweight crews racing in the afternoon.
For the Harvard men's heavyweight crew, its race will provide a good indication as to what steps it will need to take to remain competitive.
Read more in Sports
Cornell's Loss at Brown Locks Five Ivy Teams in Tie for FirstRecommended Articles
-
Henley Record-Holders Return HomeWhile rowers and tourists from around the world swarm the banks of the Charles River and add to the congestion
-
Old Rivals To Meet Once MoreThe Head of the Charles rolls into town today, and when it does, Radcliffe lightweight crew will not settle for
-
Sculls, Eights and Funnel Cake-A PlentyAs inhabitants of river houses were roused from their hangovers last Saturday morning by the band warm-up for the Head
-
Underdogs With BiteBoth the heavyweight and lightweight men’s varsity crew teams open this season in an unfamiliar position as underdogs. In years
-
BRIEF: Radcliffe Races Strong Despite Weather Challenges at Head of the CharlesIn the 52nd iteration of the Head of the Charles Regatta, the black and white of Radcliffe Crew topped previous performances facing some of the toughest conditions in regatta history. With tens of thousands of spectators weathering the elements, the crews benefitted strongly from the home field advantage.
