Head of the Charles Regatta Brings Anticipation and Economic Opportunities

The Head of the Charles Regatta, the world’s largest three-day rowing event, kicks off on Friday morning. This prestigious event is set to welcome thousands of rowers from across the globe, including over 100 Olympians who participated in the recent Paris games. Boston is preparing for a weekend filled with excitement as the event unfolds along the Charles River.

Kristi Wagner, a two-time Olympian and native of Weston, Massachusetts, is among the competitors. “In the U.S., there’s nothing like this,” Wagner commented. “It’s so awesome that there are people cheering the whole time. It really is a festival of rowing, not just a race.”

The regatta is renowned for its challenging course, full of twists, turns, and bridges. Wagner highlighted the difficulties rowers face, stating, “Normally, I have to control the steering myself, so we’re going backward. You have to turn around, don’t know where you’re going, and steer through all these bridges, so it really is pretty complicated.”

The race has been unique since its inception in 1965, allowing non-elite athletes to participate. Brendan Mulvey, the Head of the Charles race director, noted, “We’ve got 12,000 athletes coming into town this weekend, ranging from high school athletes to our oldest competitor, who is 90 years old.”

The influx of participants and spectators is anticipated to boost local businesses. The event, described as vibrant and energetic, promises significant foot traffic. Ryan Pratt, general manager of Rail Stop Restaurant and Bar in Brighton, shared his expectations: “It gets anywhere from 100 to 200 extra people each day, and it’s a lot of extra foot traffic.” He added, “We saw temperatures in the 70s forecasted, so we’re keeping the patio furniture out for people to enjoy the nice weather at least one last time this season.”

The Head of the Charles Regatta is more than a competition; it is an annual celebration that brings together community and culture, contributing to the local economy while providing entertainment and sporting excitement. As Boston braces for the festivities, businesses and participants alike are preparing to make the most of the weekend.