organization destination to wrap up the year ’ s racing calendar under less distressing conditions .
This year we are excited to host one of the most competitive fields in Regatta history . We have an impressive list of foreign and domestic entries in all events — in particular , the Men ’ s and Women ’ s Championship Eights fields stand out . In addition to the impressive 2009 World Championship Men ’ s Eight from Germany will be a “ composite ” crew comprised of the top scullers from around the world . This “ Great Eight ” was first organized in March 2009 by coach Bill Barry from Tideway Scullers , UK . Simply put , this is an historic lineup . You will not find a more decorated crew anywhere
This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Cambridge Boat Club .
in the world . See the center section of this program book for more details on this unique crew .
In the marquee Championship Men ’ s Singles event , returning HOCR champion Nathan Cohen from New Zealand will take on all challengers as well as fellow countryman , Mahé Drysdale , who just won the 2009 World 1x title in Poland . A host of other fast US scullers from the California Rowing Club , NYAC , Penn AC and Vesper Boat Club ( to name a few ) will test their speed against the world ’ s best . In the Women ’ s Championship Singles , an assortment of skilled scullers from across the US and Canada will challenge last year ’ s winner and local favorite from Cambridge Boat Club , Gevvie Stone . A second year medical student at Tufts University , Gevvie will have her work cut out for her against a very strong field .
The backbone of the Regatta is our volunteer Race Committee . Thanks to the thoughtful leadership of senior Race Director Cindy Ryder-Matthes and Co- Director Alan Day , innovation and precise planning has steadily been measured throughout the year . Working alongside them has been a committed group of nine Co-Chairs who manage the Race Operations team . Congratulations to this lively and professional band of Regatta enthusiasts for all their hard work !
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our talented and energetic rank and file volunteers who make the Head Of The Charles a success . More than 1,400 volunteers sign up for work shifts to cover important operation areas of the Regatta . There are countless “ moving parts ” involved in the execution
of the events ; the very fabric of the Regatta truly is the steady commitment of thousands of volunteers who freely give service and energy to the Regatta .
Finally , I want to recognize and give thanks to the full Board of Directors of the Head Of The Charles for their continued guidance and counsel in plotting the course of this amazing weekend . The Regatta holds a unique position in the world of rowing , and it is in no small part due to the sagacious leadership of the entire board .
We hope you enjoy the fruits of our labor this regatta . Spectators , competitors and families alike will cherish all aspects of what has become one of Boston ’ s signature special events .
Thanks again for being a part of America ’ s Fall Rowing Festival .
Row well ,
EDWARD J . SMITH , JR . IS A LONGTIME REGATTA VI- SIONARY , CURRENT SECRETARY , AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS , AND FERVENT MASTER SCULLER .
HEAD OF THE CHARLES REGATTA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS William R . Becklean Roger Borrgaard Blair Crawford Timothy Fulham Wycliffe Grousbeck Marcia Hooper Katherine R . Kirk John M . Lambert Edward G . MacMahon Mary C . Mazzio Charles Pieper Jim Pierce Christopher Richards Richard Sampson Edward J . Smith , Jr . [ CHAIR ]
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Frederick V . Schoch
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Mason D . Cox
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Elizabeth M . Diamond
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Thomas H . Martin
PUBLICITY TEAM
Elevate Communications , Inc . Keith Gainsboro Jim Connelly Bill Fleming
HOCR INTERNS Kate Broderick Kate Harney
Head Of The Charles ® is a registered trademark of the Cambridge Boat Club , 2 Gerry ’ s Landing Road , Cambridge , MA .
2009 REGATTA RACE COMMITTEE
RACE DIRECTORS Cindy Ryder-Matthes Alan Day
RACE COMMITTEE Ed Englander Nigel Gallaher Dennis Hickey Steve James Maureen Keefe Tracey Neret Vern Shrauger Joy Stark Vancs Matt Wagner
The 2010 Head Of The Charles Regatta will take place on Saturday and Sunday , October 23-24 , 2010 . For more information call the Head Of The Charles general information number , 617 868-6200 , visit www . hocr . org or email regatta @ hocr . org
2009 PROGRAM PRODUCTION
DESIGN Carlos Ridruejo | Caridossa . com
PHOTOGRAPHY Carlos Ridruejo Igor Meijer
© Copyright 2009 by Head Of The Charles No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the Regatta staff .
8 FORTY-FIFTH HEAD OF THE CHARLES REGATTA CELEBRATING FORTY-FIVE YEARS OF AMERICA ’ S FALL ROWING FESTIVAL . 1965-2009