Head of the Charles 2014 is right around the corner, returning to the river on October 18 and 19. The annual regatta is expected to draw 11,000 rowers and 400,000 spectators this year from all over the world for the two-day event, but for many Bostonians, the weekend festivities can seem overwhelming, crowded and downright confusing (it’s impossible to keep track of all of those boats rowing at once, after all). It is the biggest two-day regatta in the world, after all, and the Head of the Charles schedule, events and more can be mystifying to a casual spectator.

But if you’re not a former rower or an avid fan, you don’t need to miss out on everything happening along the banks of the Charles River. Still want to get in on the action? Here’s what you need to know to ensure you make the most of this year’s 50th Head of the Charles Regatta, as well as make it out alive.

Know why you’re going to the Head of the Charles

First, you must decide what you want to get out of the race. Some might want to post up on a bridge for prime race viewing, but others might want to just get a glimpse of the rowers before heading off on a hunt for funnel cake. Depending on what type of day you plan on having on the Charles, you’ll need to leave at different times of day (the best bridges fill up fast) or head to different parts of the course (a lot of the best places for spectators are gathered around university boathouses, for instance). By planning ahead, you won’t miss out on the best spot to watch, or end up lost in a thick crowd while you’re just looking for the vendor booths.

To help make a plan of attack, reference our Head of the Charles interactive map.

Know how to get there

Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Don’t drive your car to the Head of the Charles. But, if walking to the Charles is out of the question, you have to get imaginative in avoiding crowds. If you plan to bike, bring a lock, but be wary. Although it might seem efficient, you won’t want to push your bike along through hoards of pedestrians, and a safe place to lock it up might not be immediately available. If you’re taking public transportation, try taking the 86 or 66 bus lines to Lower Allston, then walking from there, or the Green Line to BU West and crossing the BU Bridge from Commonwealth Ave. These routes will be less crowded than taking the Red Line to Harvard Square.

There is a shuttle that makes stops along the course, but navigating the stops, getting through the crowds and tracking the departure times seems to be for the truly dedicated. If that’s you, you’re probably a competing rower’s parent and not somebody reading this guide.

Know which boats to watch for

With 11,000 competitors expected to race down the Charles River this weekend, it’s going to be crowded out on the water. Since it’s a head race, rowers are competing for the best time from start to finish, rather than direct races against other boats. If you want to be there for the best races of the weekend, you’ll likely want to be there for the collegiate Men’s and Women’s 8 and 4 boats, for starters. Here’s when they’ll be heading out from the starting line:

  • Men’s Collegiate Fours: Saturday, October 18 at 4 p.m.
  • Women’s Collegiate Fours: Saturday, October 18 at 4:14 p.m.
  • Men’s Collegiate Eights: Sunday, October 19 at 2:52 p.m.
  • Women’s Collegiate Eights: Sunday, October 19 at 3:08 p.m.

While those are the boats fulfill the collegiate air of Head of the Charles, they might not hold the best rowers. To spot the fastest and the strongest – these are the rowers who will likely move on to the Olympics – you’ll want to look out for the Men’s and Women’s Championship boats Here’s when they’ll be starting off:

  • Men’s Championship Doubles: Saturday, October 18 at 3:34 p.m.
  • Women’s Championship Doubles: Saturday, October 18 at 3:46 p.m. 
  • Men’s Championship Fours: Sunday, October 19 at 1:43 p.m.
  • Women’s Championship Fours: Sunday, October 19 at 1:51 p.m.
  • Men’s Championship Eights: Sunday, October 19 at 2:03 p.m.
  • Women’s Championship Eights: Sunday, October 19 at 2:18 p.m.
For the complete 2014 Head of the Charles schedule, click here.

Know which day to go

The regatta takes place on both Saturday and Sunday, and each day provides a slightly different experience. Let’s just rule out attending both days, unless you have to because a blood-related family member is rowing in the race. Go on Saturday if you want to multitask: the Harvard football team will be taking on Lafayette at the university’s stadium, located on the Allston side of the Charles River. The game begins at 1 p.m., so many (presumably rowdy) football fans will likely flood the regatta before and after. And, we’ll remind you, Saturday is the much better choice for day drinking at one of the nearby bars. Another bonus? You get the best selection in the merchandise tent, with exclusive items from vendors like New Balance and Sperry up for sale. The top items generally sell out by Sunday.

If you want a more laid back experience, Sunday is the day to go. It’s more family-oriented overall, and spectators who want to watch the races with a slightly (slightly) smaller crowd.

Image courtesy of Igor Mejier

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