In 2025, the Head of the Charles regatta celebrates 60 years - so we thought it was a perfect opportunity to reflect and look ahead at this event that brings together thousands of rowers and fans to the shores of the Charles River in Boston. We’re incredibly honored to talk with D’Arcy MacMahon, one of three original founders of the regatta AND Fred Schoch, whose tenure as regatta executive director stretched 33 years. We’ve paired these two legends together to explore the vision of the founders and the stewardship of that vision over the last six decades.
QUICK LOOK
00:00 - Episode intro and welcome 03:53 - Rowing Week 05:41 - The Huddle 08:22 - Hot Seat Q&A 13:24 - D’Arcy’s fun childhood racing at CBC was the inspiration for HOCR 16:44 - Fred’s youth was dominated by time at the Princeton boathouse where his Dad was coach 19:22 - D’Arcy and Fred are no strangers to racing at HOCR 22:46 - The true life (and death) story of a made up man: Charles Attager 25:14 - D’Arcy is dumbfounded by the longevity and growth of HOCR 30:23 - On carrying the legacy forward 32:30 - Setting the course in 1965 with D’Arcy’s mom’s bike odometer 36:36 - Volunteer spirit of service (starts with a great t-shirt) 39:12 - Support from the MDC, Massachusetts, and corporate sponsors 42:18 - Getting results: taking a cue from golf’s leaderboards 43:39 - HOCR and the community 45:40 - Growing the international field, and considering travel logistics for all crews 50:38 - Best place to watch the races 52:05 - Head of the Charles Charity 52:49 - Spirit of the regatta: fun! 54:24 - Steady State Network news and notes
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To see photos of D'Arcy, Fred, and the Head of the Charles, and get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.
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This episode was made possible in part by Breakwater Realty, RowSource, and our Supporters.
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Steady State Podcast is hosted and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering, books show guests, and is our sponsor and donor coordinator. Rachel writes our scripts and e-newsletter, and manages the website and social media. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.
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