Head of the Charles 2026
Head of the Charles 2026
This weekend marks the 61st annual Head of the Charles Regatta, bringing thousands of rowers and spectators to the banks of the Charles River. Below, The Crimson previews Harvard’s crews, profiles the athletes and coaches behind the competition, and explores the traditions that make the regatta a fixture of the fall.
The Brothers of the Boats: Mason and Owen Cruz-Abrams
Brothers Mason and Owen Cruz-Abrams have spent years pushing each other to success. Now reunited on Harvard’s men’s heavyweight rowing team, the duo is continuing their family's legacy in Crimson uniforms while making the most of their first and only collegiate season together.
The Blades, Boathouses, and Beasts of the Charles
Some sports teams differentiate themselves with memorable mascots. Others set themselves apart with their jerseys, colors, or quirky traditions. Meanwhile, crew teams pull oars painted with historic designs passed down through generations.
Stomach of the Charles: A Guide to the Food Booths
Looking for a yummy bite to eat? This guide tells you exactly where to go to satisfy all your cravings during the Head of the Charles Regatta.
Joe Baker: Model, Influencer, and Harvard Heavyweight Rower
Junior Joe Baker was propelled into his modeling career by a chance encounter at Newell Boathouse. Now, the Gatlinburg, Tenn., native juggles rowing, modeling, and influencing along with his classes.
Caitlyn Kukulowicz Trades In Her Skates For Oars
Senior rower Caitlyn Kukulowicz was a figure skater before she joined the Harvard-Radcliffe lightweight crew team. She has found that some of her figure skating skills have helped her excel on the Charles River.
From the Charles to the Thames: Harvard Alums Take on the Boat Race
While rowing fans from around the world flock to the Charles River every fall, the rowing world centers across the pond in the spring for The Boat Race on the River Thames.
‘It’s Like Rower Christmas’: Generations of Harvard and Radcliffe Rowers Reunite in Alumni Boats for the Head of the Charles
Finding water to row on and the time to get out there can be difficult for many former rowers. For Harvard and Harvard-Radcliffe alumni, the Head of the Charles provides the joy of a holiday and an opportunity to once again do the thing they love.
Sweat, Pride, and Shirts: Inside Harvard Rowing’s Betting Tradition
Harvard's lightweight rowers are no strangers to collecting trophies. However, after winning races, the athletes sometimes collect other prizes, including the other team's shirts.
Harvard Men’s Heavyweight Crew Head Coach Charley Butt Begins Year 42 on the Charles
On the docks of Newell Boathouse, Charley Butt, the renowned head coach of Harvard’s heavyweight crew team, will be face-to-face with his crews. However, he will not be giving his rowers a pep talk. Instead, drawing on his wisdom acquired during his 41 years of coaching at Harvard and on the Charles River, Butt will be realistic.
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