On October 21-22, 2006 the University of Georgia rowing team competing in some very unfamiliar waters. After traveling over 1,000 miles the team went up to Boston Massachusetts to compete in the 42nd Head of the Charles Regatta. This regatta, which is the largest in the world with over 7500 competitors, brings competition from such powerhouses as Harvard, Oxford, Yale, and even international crews. The UGA team took up a Men's Varsity 8+ as well as one Woman's Varsity 8+ boats to compete in the race.

The Head of the Charles, which has a selection process to enter and turns away 50% of the bids, was the toughest competition the team would see this year. Racing against many odds, including the men starting dead last in the 60th position and women starting 45th out of 58 there were still able to make an impressive showing. According to Head Coach Louie Kirchner, "The level of rowing displayed by the entire field in each race was incredible and defeating nearly half the field in each event is a great accomplishment for both crews."

In the end, both crews showed what southern rowing is all about. The men ended up with a finishing time of with a time of 16:24.54, putting them in 34th place. The women's collegiate 8+ boat also did impressively and a clocked a time of 18:21.01 which was good enough to place them 30th out of 58. Both the MV8+ and WV8+ managed to pass multiple other crews, mostly in part to the coxswain's ability to navigate and steer on the most difficult course raced on. Full results and times for all competitors can be found at www. hocr.org

Both crews will now return to practice at Ft. Yargo in Winder to prepare for the Head of the Hooch regatta, which takes place on November 4, 2006. All members of UGA Crew will be participating in this regatta, which is the largest and most competitive in the south.

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