Head of the Charles 2013 preview
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Head down to the Charles River Oct. 19-20 for the 49th annual Head of the Charles Regatta. <br>
<br>More than 8,000 rowers from 19 different countries are slated to compete in the three-mile race — the largest two-day rowing event in the world. -

Held annually in late October, this year’s Head of the Charles is expected to attract 300,000 spectators to the 55 different race events — the first at 8 a.m. Saturday.<br>
<br>Check out the full schedule of events. -

The name of the event is derived from European regatta races where race winners were called “Head of the River.’’<br>
<br>Since 1965, winning rowers have earned the title “Head of the Charles,’’ updated for the name of the locale. -

The races are a series of time trials — competitors race against the clock rather than in head-to-head contests.<br>
<br>Boats, ranging from one, two, four, and eight rowers, start in single file near the Boston University boathouse. -

Watching a race from start to finish is difficult, if not impossible.<br>
<br>Instead of following a boat, most spectators stake a spot and watch the race from a stationary point. -

To gauge how a boat is doing, pay attention to the bow number — a placard on the front of each boat. Rowers are set off sequentially every 15 seconds. Since rowers are allowed to pass, if a higher number boat passes a lower numbered one, it means that it is roughly 15 seconds or so faster.
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The official winners of a particular event are not determined until a couple minutes after the race.<br>
<br>Results are then posted on one of the race boards along the course. -

During the event, nearby Harvard Square in Cambridge is abuzz in activity.<br>
<br>Only a half-mile walk away from the river, taking the Red Line to the Harvard stop tends to be one of the most popular ways to reach the event. -

The river’s banks are packed with onlookers, but because different races pique various spectators’ interests, turnover at viewing locations is fairly regular and finding a good vantage point is not hard.
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Most spectators gather around a mile-long swath of shore on the Cambridge side of the Charles River near Harvard University.
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A brave few will take to the banisters of the bridges for a seat above the water on Weeks Footbridge in Cambridge.
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Spectators line the Eliot Bridge to get a good view of the action on the river below them. Eliot Bridge is one of seven bridges that span the river along the race course, providing excellent vantage points.
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But there’s more to do at the Head of the Charles than just watch the rowers.<br>
<br>Spectators can check out a Rowing & Fitness expo where outdoor-apparel makers show off their latest gear. In addition, there’s also a Reunion Village that draws former rowers and local alumni to the Boston side of the river.<br>
<br>Check out more information about these activities and more events at www.hocr.org.
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