Boston welcomed the 2023 Head of the Charles Regatta with great enthusiasm despite the heavy rain that drenched the city on Saturday.
The world’s largest three-day rowing event commenced its 58th edition on Friday, Oct. 20, and concluded on Sunday, Oct. 22, boasting hundreds of thousands of spectators flocking to the city and lining the banks in anticipation of the thrilling races. This year, more than 11,000 athletes from various divisions, including youth, alumni, and masters, competed in Boston from across the globe, vying for a sought-after spot in the top rankings of more than 55 races.
Rowers took on a three-mile course along the Charles River starting at Boston University’s Dewolfe boathouse and completing at the finish line at Herter Park. For the first time, the regatta offered a total of $35,000 cash prize to the first three finishers of the men’s and women’s championship singles races.
Crews from the Brock Rowing Club compete in the women’s lightweight fours on Sunday, Oct.21, 2023. (Arthur Mansavage/Beacon Staff)
Rowers on the Charles River. (Arthur Mansavage/Beacon Staff)
Spectators line the banks of the Charles River and watch races. (Annie Zhou for The Beacon)
Rowers prepare to pass under the Eliot Bridge on their way to the start line. (Ashlyn Wang/Beacon Staff)
Rowers on the race course after the starting line head towards the Boston University Bridge. (Arthur Mansavage/Beacon Staff)
Anita Verheul from the Riverside Boat Club, competing in the women’s grand master/veteran singles, rows in the travel lane on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. (Ashlyn Wang/Beacon Staff)
Tufts Rowing’s Meagan Matt, left, and Astrid Larson, right, row in the women’s alumnae eights on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Ashlyn Wang/Beacon Staff)
Tyrian Club crews compete in the men’s master fours [40+] on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Ashlyn Wang/Beacon Staff)
Texas Rowing crews compete in the women’s alumnae eights on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Arthur Mansavage/Beacon Staff)
Frances Dingivan, representing Community Rowing Inc., competes in the women’s club singles on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Arthur Mansavage/Beacon Staff)
People walk through the regatta venue. (Arthur Mansavage/Beacon Staff)
Spectators watch and photograph the regatta on a bridge along the course. (Arthur Mansavage/Beacon Staff)
Rowers from the Pacific Rowing Club carry their boat before launching it into the Charles River for a race. (Ashlyn Wang/Beacon Staff)
Long Beach Junior Crew (behind) and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Crew, competing in the men’s youth fours, arrive at the finish line on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (Ashlyn Wang/Beacon Staff)
Todd Vogt, right, and his boat mate Carey Connell, left, representing the Portland Boat Club, win the gold medal in the Para inclusion double sculls. (Ashlyn Wang/Beacon Staff)
Athletes work out in a tent on the side of the road as people pass by. (Annie Zhou for The Beacon)
Spectators queue up outside the Vineyard Vines shop at the venue. (Annie Zhou for The Beacon)
The oars touch the river, causing splashes in the water. (Ashlyn Wang/Beacon Staff)
