World’s Largest Rowing Competition to be held October 17-18, 2015,
and will feature a commemorative 50th Anniversary book

Cambridge, MA – The Head Of The Charles Regatta® (HOCR), the world’s largest two-day rowing competition, will celebrate its 50th anniversary this October, a milestone that the Regatta will recognize with the introduction of an HOCR commemorative book titled The Head Of The Charles Regatta First 50, which chronicles the first half-century of the race. The Regatta will also debut a new trophy in honor of Board Chairman and longtime volunteer and competitor, Edward J. Smith.

One of the world’s preeminent rowing competitions, the 2015 Head Of The Charles Regatta will feature a variety of races for U.S. and international rowers of all ages and abilities. The Regatta’s 50th anniversary and 51st race, scheduled for October 17 and 18, is expected to attract close to 11,000 competitors and more than 400,000 spectators.

The historic and celebratory 2015 Regatta is set to feature its strongest and most diverse rowing field in event history. Local, international, and Olympic rowing legends are expected to compete, as well as teams from nations that have never before participated in HOCR – exciting additions to an already-deep field of international entrants.

BNY Mellon, a global leader in investment management and investment services, returns for the third year of a five-year commitment as Presenting Sponsor of HOCR. The BNY Mellon Championship Trophy will be presented to the winning collegiate competitors in the Regatta’s Men’s and Women’s Championship Eights.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary, HOCR organizers are inviting fans and competitors to commemorate the milestone in a variety of ways:

  • Visit retail licensed Regatta merchandise locations throughout the weekend to get The Head of the Charles Regatta First 50book written by Boston Globe reporter John Powers chronicling the first fifty years of the race. The book will be released the week ahead of the Regatta and will be made available for purchase during the race weekend.
  • Share a favorite HOCR memory on the Head Of The Charles Regatta’s official Facebook and Twitter pages, making sure to include the hashtag for this year, #HOCR51

The Regatta’s 50th anniversary is not the only milestone to be celebrated this fall. Executive Director Frederick Schoch will be celebrating his 25th year organizing and directing the Regatta, a position he has held since 1991. Schoch also serves on the National Rowing Foundation’s Board of Directors, as well as on for FISA – the international governing body of the sport of rowing – on the Events Commission. He also worked as an NBC Sports analyst for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.

“This is a year of celebration and new beginnings for the Regatta as we reflect on the past five decades of incredible teamwork, athleticism and tradition, while also looking ahead at the fifty years to come,” said Head Of The Charles Executive Director Fredrick Schoch. “I have been honored to have had a part of one of the most anticipated fall traditions in New England for the past twenty-five years, and look forward to celebrating our 50th Anniversary with everyone in October.”

In addition to Presenting Sponsor BNY Mellon, HOCR returns an impressive lineup of corporate partners, including Brooks Brothers (Official Premium Apparel Sponsor) and New Balance (Official Athletic Footwear and Apparel Sponsor). Additionally, Sperry Top-Sider, the Lenox Hotel, Sierra Nevada, Gentle Giant Moving Co., and the Shell Fuel Rewards Network return to sponsor this year’s event.

The Head Of The Charles Regatta will be free and open to the public. In addition to exhilarating rowing action on the challenging three-mile course – beginning at Boston University’s DeWolfe Boathouse and finishing at Artesani Park in Brighton – the Regatta offers a number of family-friendly activities for all ages, including a rowing and fitness expo; food vendors serving delicacies from all over the world; and Reunion Village – the half-way point between the race offering clubs, schools, alumni groups, parents, boosters and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends in a fun and relaxed environment.

For more information on HOCR visit www.hocr.org

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About the Head Of The Charles Regatta
Celebrating its 50th anniversary and 51st race, the Head Of The Charles Regatta is the world’s largest two-day regatta, attracting more than 11,000 rowers and 400,000 spectators to the banks of the Charles River. The Regatta will also release an HOCR commemorative book for sale, titled The Head Of The Charles Regatta First 50, which chronicles the first half-century of the race. Racing takes place on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The Regatta attracts youth, collegiate, masters, para-rowing, international, world champion, and Olympic athletes competing in 61 events. Follow HOCR on Facebook and Twitter.

Media Contact
Kevin Flight, Elevate Communications: kflight@elevatecom.com