By Tara Lanahan
Four South students competed last weekend in one of the biggest regattas of the year, the Head of The Charles.
Senior Abby Polk rowed in the 2V 8+ in five seat. In that same boat, senior Grace Smith rowed in six seat, and senior Caitlain McDonald in seven seat. Their boat came in 30th out of 85.
Sophomore Joseph Carleo also participated in regatta in the 1V 8+ at stroke seat. His boat came in ninth out of 85. All of these athletes row for Community Rowing Inc.
This annual regatta took place on the Charles River in Boston. Being one of the only races on the Charles, the athletes felt as though they had the advantage of knowing the area.
“Earning the opportunity to compete in the HOCR makes me feel proud,” Smith said. “It’s always a blast to race on our home course.”
HOTC is different than standard regattas, because it has been going on since 1965, attracting rowers from all over the world.
“To race the Head of the Charles is a great honor, because I was able to compete the course alongside Olympians present, past, and future,” McDonald said.
Head of the Charles is more than just a regatta, though. It is a celebration where people of all different kinds come together for a day of rowing and enjoying Boston’s fall weather, Carleo said.
“HOCR is less of a usual competition, and more of a festival of rowing,” Carleo said.
Being one of the most prestigious regattas, several rowers feel it is a privilege to be exposed to such culture in the rowing world.
“I was proud of not only me and my teammates but also my city, Boston,” Polk said. “Racing against rowing teams from across the country and around the world on the river that I practice on every day is such an incredible experience.”
