The world’s largest three-day rowing competition is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, bringing together some of the world’s fastest university and international crews. For the first time since the IRA Championships four months ago, collegiate 1V8+ powerhouses such as Dartmouth, Harvard, and Washington will line up against one another, joined by renowned international and elite training crews.
Harvard University
Last year’s second-place finish at the Head of the Charles made Harvard the top collegiate crew for the third year in a row, trailing only Cambridge University. This year, six members of the varsity eight that captured silver at the IRA Championships will return. This crew put on an intense race, finishing just under a second behind Washington’s winning boat. The Crimson continue to stand out as one of the most consistent early-season performers in collegiate rowing. Harvard will be looking to “four-peat” and once again set the standard for the US university crews.
Dartmouth College
It has been a significant rise for Dartmouth. After finishing ninth in this category in 2023, the Big Green surged to third at last year’s Head of the Charles and followed that up with a near-upset over Harvard in the 1V8+ at IRA Championships, missing silver by just 0.15 seconds.
With over half of that standout crew having gone, the looming question in my mind is whether they can keep their momentum going after the loss of several crucial seniors. Was their 2024-2025 performance the beginning of a new era for Dartmouth, or was it merely a flash in the pan?
University of Washington
The Huskies return to Boston following their 21st IRA Championship, making it clear of their status as one of collegiate rowing’s dynasties. Their results at this regatta have shown a clear upward trajectory, eighth in 2023, and fifth just last year. They could very well be the top American university crew this time around. It’s obvious that Washington tends to peak when it matters most, finding their top-end speed in the spring. With six members of their 1V8+ national championship boat returning, can Washington finally translate that championship form to the unpredictable turns of the Charles?
Koven Training Center
The Koven Training Center returns with an international lineup of former Olympians. With only two lineup changes within the past year, they could have their sights set on breaking into the top ten. The Sinkovic and Loncaric brothers head the stern four; they are fresh off a silver medal in the men’s coxless four at the 2025 European Rowing Championships.
Cambridge University
Crossing the pond once again, Cambridge will look to continue growing their momentum after defeating Oxford in The Boat Race just six months ago. They definitely impressed many last year by outpacing several top American university crews on their home turf, and they appear strong once again heading into this year’s Head of the Charles. They are likely to have a full lineup of experienced international athletes with their sights set on championing this category once again.
USRowing Training Center, Sarasota
Adding another layer of intrigue, the USRowing Training Center, Sarasota will field a crew full of national and Olympic team hopefuls, though the exact lineup remains under wraps. With that level of talent and speed expected throughout the eight, they will most likely be a good contender for all crews racing.
Prediction
We expect Harvard to remain the safest bet among American universities, as they are consistent and have a home-water advantage. Dartmouth turned heads last year with their breakout performance in the 1V8+, but losing five from that lineup could slow their ascent to the top. Washington’s depth and amount of returning talent make them strong contenders once again, while Cambridge will be aiming to replicate their victory over the U.S. crews from last season.
