The Head of the Charles Regatta is the biggest and most prominent rowing event in the world. In mid-October, the best rowing clubs, universities, and high school teams compete on the five-kilometer-long course on the scenic Charles River lined with colorful trees and historic colonial buildings belonging to Harvard University, Boston University, and MIT. This year, our own LM girls crew team sent two boats to compete at the race. The crew team left off on a great spring season last year, dominating City Championships and even sending boats to the national competition. This season, the team hopes to emulate that same success. At 6:30 a.m. on October 20, LM kicked off their journey. The team, led by eight seniors, was filled with excitement and nerves, hoping this trip would be one to remember.
After a long drive through multiple bridges, forests, and state lines, the girls made it to the race course: the Charles River. A city of tents with merchandise, rowing recruits, food vendors, and boat trailers gathered at the event. Due to the sheer amount of boats at the competition, the athletes had little time on the dock. Through the chaos, LM’s two boats managed to gain some practice time on the infamously hard course. Coxswain Vivian Orova ’24 even said, “It’s very difficult to manage. One wrong move and you could cut another boat or end up crashing.” After a stressful practice, the team rendezvoused at the hotel where they had a relaxing night watching and bonding over the Phillies.
Saturday was relaxing. With no practice or agenda, the team planned to take advantage. The team went to the crowded race course and split up to do their own activity. Some went to each merchandise stand at the regatta to find the most fashionable crewneck. Some went to explore Harvard Square and cozy up in a cafe. Some simply watched the exciting collegiate races that were happening all day. With the Sunday race looming, the team went back to the hotel and ended the night with a team dinner and an early bedtime, with the stakes of the next day’s race in mind.
Raceday suddenly arrived. At breakfast, the team discussed the intricacies of the course and possibilities of each race. The girls’ eight-person boat launched from the dock and made their way to the start line. The rowers, (from front to back) included Maria Reynolds ’24, Claire Edwards ’24, Greta Oberdik ’24, Esme Oxman ’24, Simone Reece ’24, Sasha McKenzie ’25, Sophia Maruo ’24 and Quinn Baker ’24. With 90 boats in the category, the staggered race style made for an anxious wait. As the boat was called to the start line, the girls were ready. Building up speed, the girls were flying by the time the referee said “Lower Merion, you are on the race course!” The girls pushed, maneuvering around other boats, making difficult turns, and competing against the best young women rowers in the world. After the race, University of San Diego rowing commit Oxman commented, “As a rower, this is a very challenging race, mentally and physically, but being able to push through the rough conditions is what sets apart the good from the great.” Next, filled with anticipation and nerves the Under-17 Women’s Four were up. But after what felt like forever, the four-person boat was off. Halfway through the race they encountered a problem; two boats in front of LM collided, causing the team to have to alter their course trajectory severely, adding unwanted time. Despite the setbacks, the girls persevered, showing true endurance and grit.
Unfortunately, both boats did not achieve automatic qualification for next year. Even so, the resilience and bonding the team showed will not be forgotten for races to come. The Head of the Charles Regatta is the “homecoming” of the rowing world, and it was a great experience for all of those on the team.
