Head Of The Charles 2016

It’s affectionately known as “Rowing Christmas”—the Head Of The Charles® Regatta in Boston, Massachusetts—and Concept2 CTS was there getting right into the fun and organized chaos of the ultimate 2-day rowing event. Seventeen thousand athletes of all ages and experience levels, from all around the world, raced in the regatta over the course of two days. It’s an event where a high school novice rower can rub elbows, literally, with an Olympic gold medalist. This year, there were seventy 2016 Rio Olympians on hand, many rowing in “Great Eights” sponsored by Concept2 CTS and HUDSON.

For the Women’s Great Eight, it was a perfect finish to 2016 with Captain Gevvie Stone rowing in stroke seat, leading her boat to a Women’s Championship Eight win. Stone, the hometown favorite and 2016 Rio Olympic silver medalist in the Women’s Single, also won the Head Of The Charles® Women’s Championship Single for the seventh time at this year’s regatta. The Women’s Great Eight spent time on Sunday with fans, signing posters and meeting with supporters.

The Men’s Great Eight athletes experienced better success in small boats this year. US collegiate powerhouses led the Men’s Championship Eight event, challenging the Olympians with strong performances. The Great Eights allow scullers, who usually compete against each other, to come together and row as one boat. The experience is as much a celebration of sportsmanship as it is results. It was an honor to have these Olympians join us.

As always, Concept CTS had a large presence on the river with full time stellar oar service, oar rentals and sales, and a marketing booth showcasing the latest products. This year, some of our not-so-latest oar prototypes were on display, showing the oar evolution that got us to where we are today. There was also a larger than life graphic timeline titled "40 Years of Innovation" that highlighted various milestones in our 40 year history. The Regatta Service Team serviced hundreds of oars over the course of the weekend, despite the unexpected heat (on Friday), the cold rain (on Saturday) and the incredible winds (on Sunday). The one sure thing about the Head Of The Charles® is that you can never be sure about the weather! Thank you for helping make our 40th year along the Charles in Boston another great one!