Photos by Maya Mincak

by Elizabeth Barnes

Nov. 12, 2025: From October 17th to October 19th, hundreds of thousands of spectators, coaches, and athletes flocked to Boston for the renowned Head of the Charles Regatta. Featuring approximately 12,000 athletes, it is one of the largest rowing competitions to exist and attracts participants from all over the world. This year, five of them came from Bronxville High School.

BHS juniors Maya Mincak, Josie Leddy, Alex Tuck, Ava Bringle, and Elizabeth Barnes row for local club team City Island Rowing, based in City Island, the Bronx. They raced together at Head of the Charles in the highly competitive U17 4+ category (that is, for those unfamiliar with crew jargon, boats with one coxswain and four rowers under the age of 17) against teams from all across the country.

The girls deemed it an unforgettable experience racing on the illustrious Charles River—the same body of water that top Division I programs like Harvard and Northeastern practice on. “It’s unlike any other race,” said Tuck. “You’re exhausted, but as you pass under a bridge and hear the crowds screaming, you’re reenergized. It’s so exciting.”

Leddy was the only one of the five athletes who had previously attended the regatta. “Racing on the Charles was a rowing milestone for me,” she said. “I’m so happy I was able to experience it with some of my favorite people.”

Head of the Charles features head racing, meaning that crews are staggered and race against the clock for the fastest time rather than pushing alongside each other. While head races may not be as striking as the side-by-side sprint racing that takes place in the spring and summer seasons, they are nonetheless excruciatingly difficult. Head race courses tend to be significantly longer—Head of the Charles, for example, is approximately 4,800 meters—and require expert steering on behalf of the coxswain around tight corners and narrow bridges.

The regatta also celebrated sixty years since its inauguration this year, having originally been founded by a Harvard coach in 1965 as a one-day event. It has since grown to accommodate 2,500 boats and 74 events spanning three days of racing.

For high school, college, and “master” (over 27 years old) athletes alike, Head of the Charles is the pinnacle of the sport of rowing. It is inspiring to be surrounded by so many talented and like-minded individuals, and it truly reaffirms your love for the sport. Mincak encapsulated this sentiment perfectly:

“The Head of the Charles is a bucket list experience for any rower. Everywhere you look, athletes of all ages and abilities share the same passion for the sport we spend every day doing. From Olympians to high schoolers and even 90-year-old rowers, the dedication and energy are truly inspiring and remind me how much I love being part of this community.”