Head of the Charles showcases human and commercial success

Last weekend’s Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR) proved – once again – to be an amazing weekend for the sport of rowing. The HOCR has always been one of the top events in the international rowing calendar. I had not been to the race for 15 years, but it has grown significantly as a competitive event and also as a successful commercial activity.

Once again, the best athletes in the world wanted to race there. Top schools, clubs, and colleges from around the world were represented.

The Great eights brought interest as usual. Racing in the Great eights at the HOCR provides an opportunity for these great athletes to spend a week together as crewmates (rather than being opponents), and also for the spectators to see them race together. The Women’s Great eight crew was truly outstanding: demonstrating skill and power, they became the first women’s boat to go under 15 minutes.

Cal Berkeley Men’s crew training on saturday

The race also provides the opportunity for universities and national training centres to race against the best athletes in the world. Cal Berkeley’s Men’s crew produced a fantastic row to beat the Men’s Great eight.

The weather helped boost the event. Race conditions were fantastic, with warm water and a fair wind setting the weekend up for record-breaking conditions. There were spectators – parents, alumni, and teammates – everywhere.



Crowds on a sunny near Eliot Bridge

Hordes of people cheered their crews as they raced past, with the odd comment aimed at friends onboard the same crews as they paddled back after racing. At 8.30 on the Saturday morning, a more senior athlete in his single capsized as he passed under Eliot Bridge: within three minutes he was back in his boat, determined to finish the race. True testimony to human desire to succeed, and an inspiring sight to see him – at his age – turn his boat over whilst still in the water, climb back in, and carry on.

Around the Rowe.rs trade stand, all the stand holders seemed to be having a fantastic weekend. People were learning about and buying the new products that are out there, and were giving feedback on other products they use. People were buying T-shirts they did not need, but were also just dropping by to say hello and to chat about rowing. It was great.

Winning Wallingford, UK men’s 50+ crew

The days of running events in a field in the middle of nowhere just for hardcore competitors are fading. In order for rowing to remain relevant and sustainable in the wider athletic world, and not just based around funding for elite programmes, the international rowing community needs to make racing and other events as interesting and appealing as possible.

In the HOCR, it is fantastic to see a rowing event become so commercially successful. Not only does this make the event sustainable, but it gives the organisers the ability to run what is a truly world-class event. The rowing world needs more events like this: perhaps the HOCR organising committee could offer workshops demonstrating to others how they do it!