Last night, the world witnessed a truly epic ball game. Not since 1986 have the Red Sox been a part of World Series play. At that time, the Head Of The Charles was less than half its current size and scope. Since 1986, the Regatta has nearly doubled the number of rowers who compete.
Today, America's Fall Rowing Festival brings the best that rowing has to offer. Seven thousand competitors are now arriving in Boston from fifteen foreign countries in order to compete for the title of "Head Of The Charles," the fastest boat in each of 48 different events for men, women, collegiate, club and high school rowers.
The Regatta has experienced growth in many areas:
First, competitors can contact the Regatta year-round, as it no longer operates as a seasonal organization. Professional support for competitors ensures consistency and a high level of service. Yet, for the 7,000 rowers on the water, another 7,000 applicants were unable to secure a bow number due to the limitations on daylight and safety concerns.
Additionally, the Regatta venue has expanded to support the needs of competitors by providing a central staging area and support site. The HOCR Rowing and Fitness Expo, debuted in 1990, now brings together Registration, Weigh-In and a hundred product and service providers introducing the latest innovations in rowing, sport, nutrition and exercise science.
Regatta sponsors are providing help in many ways. Polaroid is bringing its latest instant camera technology to help the Regatta Umpires capture racing infractions as they occur in order to support more accurate results. Fueling and feeding the 1000+ volunteers is no small matter, either. Dunkin Donuts is bringing hundreds of gallons of coffee to keep the Regatta support group caffeine charged all weekend long. Finally, predictions are that it's going to be a breezy weekend in Boston. Nautica Competition is providing fleece jackets, vests and hats to help keep volunteers dry, warm & kickin' all weekend long.
The Regatta is a cherished, annual meeting site for college friends to gather, reminisce and cheer on their schools' current rowers. At the race's halfway mark – Weeks Footbridge, in its second year, the HOCR Reunion Village is hosting nearly 30 alumni clubs, providing hot food and cold beverages all weekend long.
It gets better: Boston is long known for having an active music scene. The Boston Symphony, the July 4th POPS and now "Row – a – Palooza" on the banks of the Charles. Live rock entertainment on Saturday and Sunday from Noon 'til dusk headlined by emerging sensation Gavin DeGraw, is playing at 2 p.m. on Sunday. This new feature of the Rowing Festival expands the event appeal farther and wider than ever before.
This weekend, Boston will be rockin' to the Red Sox World Series efforts on Saturday night in historic Fenway Park. In nearby Foxboro, the Patriots are taking on the New York Jets in another round of Boston/New York toe-to-toe competition. Go Pats!
The Regatta weekend weather forecast is for partly sunny skies with temperatures in the 50’s. The ground area at the EXPO is a bit soggy underfoot due to recent rains. Competitors and spectators are ENCOURAGED to wear their rubber-soled duck shoes or boots!
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