Over 2,500 entries from nearly 900 clubs around the world will flock to the banks of the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts, this weekend for the pinnacle of North American head racing. The Head of the Charles has a festival atmosphere, drawing hundreds of thousands of well-wishers, alumni, and spectators who come to enjoy the racing, food, drinks, and vendors, as well as the beautiful foliage that October in New England offers. The racing is always tight, with prior year’s placement, traffic, and coxing ability having as much to do with results as raw speed. The open youth eights event serves as the first litmus test for junior men looking ahead to the USRowing Youth National Championships, the Henley Royal Regatta, and other milestones.
St. Paul’s School
No stranger to the Charles, Bobby Thatcher’s boys will start with Bow 1 for the second year in a row as the defending champions. St Paul’s School fell a bit short of Henley Royal Regatta glory over the summer, but remain a consistently competitive and well-drilled outfit. This year’s crew has massive shoes to fill following the graduation of World U19 pair champions Alp Karadogan and Patrick Wild. Having Bow 1 means a clean course all the way—no obstacles to disrupt their exceptional technique—but also denies them the energy boost that comes with overtaking another crew.
Marin
The boys from Marin have continued to make progress under head coach Geordie Macleod, a GB transplant and Boat Race winner. Last year saw Marin announce their arrival with a massive second-place finish at the Head of the Charles, then a disappointing third at the USRowing Youth National Championships, and a Thursday run at Henley Royal Regatta. Starting Bow 2 is an excellent position to either latch onto St. Paul’s stern or press them early. With only the coxswain and one rower returning from last fall’s entry, however, this new lineup will be looking to impress.
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School
One of the perennial top schoolboy eights in the United States, John Fife’s St. Joe’s Prep are primed for a strong showing on the Charles. As the winner of the Head of the Housatonic over the likes of Greenwich, Saugatuck, PNRA/Mercer, and RowAmerica Rye, they’ve already planted an early marker for the rest of the fall. “The Prep” is a storied program known for its ferocity and intense training, with its weekly three-by-three-mile workout ensuring every crew is mentally and physically tough.
Greenwich
After finishing outside the top ten at the USRowing Youth National Championships, the crew from Greenwich will look to rebound with a strong performance in Boston. New faces from a national-champion U16 eight and high-performing lower boats appear to be stepping up, as they were only 13 seconds off Prep at the Housatonic. Greenwich crews rate high, row hard, and attack the racecourse. They are always well prepared to put their best foot forward and compete in any headrace.
Honorable Mentions
Saugatuck, RowAmerica Rye, King’s College School Wimbledon, and PNRA/Mercer will all be in a dogfight near the top of the field, jockeying for placement. St. Edward’s School and Radley both have the pedigree to contend, but will face a daunting challenge starting from Bows 84 and 85, respectively. Both could have strong showings, but the traffic may be too heavy for them to reach the podium.
Prediction
St. Joe’s Prep takes the win, followed by St. Paul’s, Greenwich, and Marin. The final spot in the top five will come down to Saugatuck, PNRA/Mercer, and RowAmerica Rye—decided by who gets the cleanest run down the course.
