Rowing: Head of the Charles Regatta

Held in Boston, Massachusetts, The Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR) is the world’s largest rowing event, annually hosting more than 11,000 international athletes. 

Every two years, sixth form students from King’s School Rowing Club (KSRC) are given the opportunity to travel to Boston to race in the event. On 20 October, this year’s trip saw 28 rowers depart Manchester for an unforgettable seven days. 

On the first full day in Boston, all four crews had the opportunity to practice on the historic HOCR course before their race on Sunday.

Following their training session, the students were given a tour of Harvard University campus and were able to explore the surrounding area of Harvard Square.  The American university sport system is popular with UK students and many aspire to study in the USA.

Several King’s alumni have attended American universities on rowing scholarships, most recently Lilly Wood (KSRC Captain and OKS 2022) who attends Rutgers, the state university of New Jersey. 

On Friday evening, students enjoyed the all-American experience of college football and college ice hockey as Harvard took on Dartmouth in the stadium, and Princeton on the ice.

Saturday saw students awake to a beautiful fall morning, perfect for a Parkrun. Whilst showing great respect for those participating from the local community, all 28 athletes completed the 5km route around Jamaica Park which was followed by some free time to relax and watch the racing on the river.  

Sunday was race day, an opportunity for the team to give it their best and set a benchmark for the season ahead. All crews competed well and learned some lessons to put into practice back on the River Dee.  

On Monday morning, despite their tired legs from racing the day before, the students took on the Harvard steps challenge. Tasked with running, jogging, walking or climbing up and down the 37 flights of steps at the Harvard Stadium, the students showed great tenacity and resilience and every member of the team successfully completed the challenge.

Tuesday was an opportunity to immediately put some of the lessons learned on race day into practice on the water and in the gym. KSRC was hosted by Riverside Boat Club, founded in 1869 and in the perfect location for the students to train on the Charles River.

After lunch, the trip concluded with a tour of the historic Fenway Park, home of the world-famous Boston Red Socks.    

George Munday, KSRC Rowing Captain 22-23 took part in the trip. He said. “The highlights of the trip for me were the team challenges such as the Harvard steps challenge.

“They really brought the team together and it was great to see everyone encouraging each other. We all raced well with everyone showing great determination and support for each other.

“We would like to thank our friends in America, including Cornell University, Boston College High School Boat Club and Riverside Boat Club who all helped to support our trip.” 

Click on the image below to browse a gallery of images from the trip: