Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The annual Boston rowing event Head Of The Charles Regatta kicked off its 60th year Friday morning.
The three-day competition brings together thousands of rowers from all over the world.
“A little over 12,000 athletes, there are 42 U.S. states represented, 25 countries,” co-chair of the race committee Amanda Reilly said.
Reilly talked about the impact has on the sport, the observers, and the surrounding area.
“It brings a lot of people together who are not rowers to enjoy this event,” she said. “It does a lot for the bottom line for a lot of businesses in Boston and Cambridge, and it exposes people to this incredible sport.”
Competitors range from young kids all the way through 90+ years old. The more veteran rowers hit the water Friday morning, with the younger rower competitions happening as the weekend goes on.
Read More: Boston Hotel Landmark Hits 170 Years
Paul Gross, 74, spoke on the massive scale of the event.
“It’s a tricky course, and you have rowers from all over the world that you’re racing against, it’s the ultimate rowing event,” Gross said.
Andrew, rowing for Boston University, spoke about his final prep for his race on Saturday and his excitement to be competing again.
“Excited to be out on the water, excited to go race with the boys and see some friends and be able to experience the Charles for another year,” Andrew said.
The hundreds of thousands of spectators will be able to experience the races by watching from the sidelines on bridges and other dry land locations throughout the course, there will also be on-the-water camera livestreams, allowing people get close to the action wherever they are.
More information about the weekend-long event can be found here.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.