Local
Marin rowers in their 80s bring decades of teamwork to Head of the Charles
A California crew with an average age in its 80s is set to become the oldest eight-person team to race in Boston’s Head of the Charles Regatta. The rowers say their decades-long partnership is as important as the competition.
BOSTON — A team of women from California, all in their 80s on average, is preparing to make Head of the Charles Regatta history this weekend as the oldest eight-person crew to compete in the race.
The Marin Rowing Association team has trained and rowed together for decades. Its members traveled to Boston for the annual regatta, which begins Friday and draws competitors from around the world to race a three-mile course upstream on the Charles River between Boston and Cambridge.
“We never thought we’d be back here at 80 years old, and we are just so excited that we are,” rower Barbara Berling said.
For the crew, the achievement extends beyond the race. Carol Keller described the relationships built in the boat — through both difficult and joyful stretches — as a source of sisterhood and empowerment.
The rowers also hope their participation challenges the idea that people should leave competitive sports behind as they age. Corrie Sias said the team wants women to know they can keep participating after 60 or 70, adding that rowing is a sport many women can do.
Lindy Edward said the crew takes pride in finding its rhythm together and continuing to row as its members get older.
The regatta’s opening weekend could bring rain and wind, adding difficult conditions to a course crowded with boats. Organizers and local officials advise spectators that parking is limited; people who live nearby are encouraged to walk or take the T.