The regatta takes place on the Charles River in Boston, between the Harvard, MIT, and Boston College campuses. Schools, clubs, and individuals from all over the world participate in the 40 or so racing events over the 2-day period. Each event has up to 50 boats participating.
"Head" races are apparently a British tradition. Narrow river channels did not allow numerous boats to start at the same time, so they were started sequentially... every 15 seconds. The boat with the shortest time claims the title of "Head" of the river. Since passing is a dangerous affair, boats are "seeded", with those expected to be fastest going first and those expected to be slowest, going last.
While these pages have the same content as the photo booklet which was auctioned at the Spring Crew Dinner, the resolution of the printed photo pages cannot be conveyed over the web... you should've bid at the auction!
This was truly a wonderful event. The weather was absolutely perfect. The excitement of the races and the serenity of the setting proved a stunning and unexpected contrast. The bustling bridges and crowded riverbanks in the photos of pages 5, 6, and 7 directly conflict with the images of tranquility on the last page.
How did the JCU Lady Streaks fare? In numbers, they were 42 out of 44. Now you might think that was disappointing but first... consider that these racers are among the best in the world. Also consider that the JCU teams (up to this point) have had no outside financial assistance, so they must raise money for equipment and travel, besides taking time for their practices and hopefully, their schoolwork.
Finally, consider that this racecourse is one of the most difficult, with very sharp turns and bridges as obstacles in the course. The orange buoys on pages 19, 20, and 21mark the center of the course. Obviously the best strategy, and best controlled boats would cut these turns as closely as possible, with blades extending up to the buoys.
