Head Of The Charles
The Head Of The Charles has become a rower’s rite of passage, known for its notoriously winding 3-mile course and 180-degree turn in front of the CBC dock. For two days each October, more than 11,000 athletes from around the world and 400,000 spectators gather on the banks of the Charles River to take part in one of the most challenging rowing events North America has to offer.
The world-famous regatta grew out of a meeting in 1964 between three Cambridge Boat Club members, D'Arcy MacMahon, Howard McIntyre, and Jack Vincent, along with British rowing fan Ernest Arlett. The first race took place in 1965 with nearly 100 boats.
Cambridge Boat Club is the founder and sole member of the regatta. Each year our members donate hundreds of hours to help organize every aspect of this showcase event. The Head Of The Charles is a registered trademark of Cambridge Boat Club and is headquartered at the club.