Head of the Charles Regatta, Cambridge, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

The Head Of The Charles Regatta (HOCR), first held in 1965 in Boston/Cambridge, is the world’s largest two-day rowing event. “Head” races are a class of regattas generally three miles in length. Boats compete against one another and the clock, which starts sequentially, approximately fifteen seconds apart. Winners of each race receive the honorary title “Head of the River” or, in this case, “Head Of The Charles.” (Source: HOCR)



Over the past 51 years, the Head Of The Charles Regatta has grown through its success. Today, more than 11,000 rowers in more than 2,000 boats from 750 different organizations around the world representing 28 nations compete in 57 different race events. (Source: HOCR)



In 1997, the Regatta grew to a two-day event and now attracts up to 400,000 spectators during race weekend in October. Support from numerous boat clubs, colleges and universities, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), as well as 1,700 hardworking volunteers help make the Regatta a continued success year after year. (Source: HOCR)



The largest boats have eight rowers and one coxswain to oversee the coordinated effort.



It was a beautiful fall day this year, especially when compared to the rain, wind, and cold last year.



Some of the local universities enjoy the luxury of waterside boat houses to store their shells.......



...while out-of-towners must haul the ungainly vessels and all the supporting equipment as well - and a big truck pulling a big trailer is the best way to do it.



And somebody must painstakingly assemble all the parts into a functioning and competitive ship.



Some teams have been at this a long time over the history of the race.



And spectators by the tens of thousands lined the bridges and shorelines to cheer on their favorite competitors.



With so many teams and athletes, there was always something happening of interest on the river.



It was a spectacularly perfect fall day in Boston this year to hold the event.



Some of the buildings of the Harvard University campus are in the background in this view.



It wasn't just humans hanging out on the bridge watching either.



Knowing how popular this event, I took public transportation, the Red Line subway from Braintree into Harvard Square, and walked down to the Charles River. It's a great way to attend this event - no worrying about parking, no fuss, no muss, no stress - sit still and watch the humanity show as riders step on and step off the train cars.

Note: this event occurred in late October but I managed to overlook editing the images into a blog post until now.