Head of the Charles 2025

Ian, Mark, Hannah, David and Nick collecting their winner's medals

Monmouth Rowing Club Triumphs at the Head of the Charles

The banks of the Charles River in Boston were buzzing this October for the 60ᵗʰ Anniversary of the Head of the Charles River Race, one of the most famous rowing events in the world — and Monmouth Rowing Club made sure to mark the milestone in style.

In a thrilling display of grit, teamwork, and Welsh determination, the Veteran’s Coxed Four of Nick H, Mark W, David B, Ian T, and cox Hannah LD stormed to victory, beating 25 other crews to take the top spot in the Men’s Veteran Fours category — and by a stunning 10 seconds!

The Mens Coxed Four in action

The win was especially sweet after the crew’s near miss two years ago, when they broke the course record but still finished second. This time, there were no “what ifs.” Even with a last-minute crew change — as David B heroically stepped in for Simon L — the Monmouth boat powered down the course with precision, confidence, and a fair bit of Welsh fire to take the gold.

Ian, Mark, David, Nick and Hannah (Cox)

The Head of the Charles, with its twisting course, legendary bridges, and roaring crowds, is the largest two-day race in the world — and winning there is no small feat. To triumph on the 60ᵗʰ anniversary makes this victory even more special, putting Monmouth firmly on the international rowing map once again.

But the club’s presence didn’t stop there!

Alex B and Jamie C were also flying the Monmouth flag, teaming up with ex-Monmouth School coach David Blackham in a Kings Chester Alumni crew (Rex BC) for the Men’s Masters Fours (30+) event. Despite being a scratch crew (and no doubt running mostly on adrenaline and jet lag), they rowed brilliantly to finish 5ᵗʰ, just 30 seconds behind the winners.

Alex (bow) and Jamie (stroke) in the crew with the white tops, rowing for Rex BC

And finally, Bill D added another chapter to the Monmouth international story, rowing with Upper Yarra  in the Men’s Veteran Eights  also won a medal — a fantastic example of the club’s ongoing success and connections across the global rowing community.

A huge thank you goes to Tim M for his expert coaching of the winning four, and to MIT for kindly loaning the crew their boat and blades.

From the Wye to the Charles, Monmouth Rowing Club continues to punch well above its weight — proving once again that hard work, teamwork, and a little bit of Welsh magic can take you all the way to the top.

See you on the water.