In Photos: The 60th Head of the Charles Regatta
By Crimson Multimedia Staff
The Head of the Charles returned to the Charles River for its 60th anniversary, drawing thousands of athletes, alumni, and fans to Cambridge’s riverside. The regatta filled the river and Harvard Square with energy as more than 11,000 athletes and hundreds of thousands of spectators gathered for a weekend of racing. Crimson photographers captured moments of focus, strength, and celebration that marked this milestone year.
Members of the Harvard-Radcliffe women’s lightweight team steady their boat beside Weld Boathouse as they discuss race strategy before heading to the start line on Sunday morning.
Crowds filled the Anderson Memorial Bridge and the riverbanks as Memorial Drive closed for the festivities, turning Cambridge’s riverside into a sea of spectators.
A Wesleyan University crew glides down the Charles, one of almost 2,700 boats to race in the 60th Head of the Charles Regatta.
Competitors represented 852 different clubs from 26 nations, highlighting the regatta’s reputation as one of rowing’s most international and prestigious events.
Boats pass beneath a bridge adorned with a “Rowin’ on Dunkin’” banner, showcasing one of the event’s many sponsors.
An empty Weld boathouse is seen through its windows as spectators gather outside on the docks.
The Coast Guard and Trinity College women’s eights battle bow to bow through a tight stretch of the course, drawing cheers from fans on the bridges above.
More than 2,400 volunteers helped to staff the event, guiding boats, coordinating logistics, and keeping the regatta running smoothly.
Members of the Harvard-Radcliffe lightweight team jump into the Charles River after winning first place in the Women’s Lightweight 8+ race. The crew pushed past Princeton in the final stretch to secure a six-second win on their home course.
From left to right, Harvard’s winning crews – the Harvard men’s heavyweights, the Harvard-Radcliffe women’s lightweights, and the Harvard men’s lightweights – pose after sweeping their respective events. The victories capped a milestone weekend, with the men’s lightweights claiming their fourth straight Head of the Charles title.
As the regatta’s 60th year comes to a close, the Charles River quiets after a weekend of home victories, international racing, and packed riverbanks.