Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Named Premier Sponsor of the 54th Head Of The Charles® Regatta

September 25, 2018

Harvard Pilgrim will support first-aid stations along the race course and present City of Boston Trophy

Cambridge, MA – The Head Of The Charles Regatta today announced that Harvard Pilgrim Health Care will be a premier sponsor of the 54^th Regatta in October 2018.

Harvard Pilgrim, one of New England’s leading not-for-profit health services company, will be the Official Health Care Services Provider of the race weekend – scheduled for October 20 and 21.

“We are extremely pleased to have Harvard Pilgrim Health Care join the Head Of The Charles Regatta and share in the Regatta’s commitment to spirited competition, athleticism and wellness,” said Frederick Schoch, long-time Executive Director of the Head Of The Charles. “Our dedicated sponsors are what allow us to continue this important tradition. This partnership speaks to Harvard Pilgrim’s commitment to the event, the region, and the rowing community at large, and we are thankful for their generous support.”

The Head Of The Charles is one of the world’s most widely renowned rowing competitions. The 54^th Regatta weekend offers a variety of events for local and international rowers alike. The Regatta engages rowers with a wide range of experience, including Juniors, Olympians, Para, and Master athletes. The Regatta has become one of the most highly recognized signature events of New England, attracting tens of thousands of spectators and over 800 universities, colleges, schools, and clubs.  

“Harvard Pilgrim is proud to be a premier sponsor of the 54^th Head Of The Charles Regatta and support the thousands of exceptional athletes that will be competing, especially those representing New England area high schools and higher-education institutions,” said Michael Carson, president of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. “For close to half a century, Harvard Pilgrim has had deep roots in the Boston area and we are excited to be part of this iconic sporting event.”

During the weekend, Harvard Pilgrim officials will present the City of Boston Trophy to the winning Women’s Lightweight Eight. Harvard Pilgrim will also partner with the Head Of The Charles to support six first-aid stations along the race-course.

Additionally, Harvard Pilgrim will provide fresh squeezed apple cider at the Weld Boathouse location using their bicycle powered cider press.  Fans and spectators will revel in this tasty opportunity in the peak of the fall season.  

Harvard Pilgrim’s role will help preserve the event’s mission to provide a world-class competition to rowers of all abilities. The 54^th Regatta, scheduled this year for October 20 and 21, is expected to attract as many as 11,000 competitors and over 350,000 spectators. The event is free and is accessible to view from any bridge or along the shoreline of the three-mile course. 

For more information about the event, visit the Head Of The Charles at hocr.org.

ABOUT HARVARD PILGRIM HEALTH CARE

Harvard Pilgrim and its family of companies provide health benefit plans, programs and services to more than 3 million customers in New England and beyond. A leading not-for-profit health services company, we guide our members –  and the communities we serve – to better health.

Founded by doctors nearly 50 years ago, we’re building on our legacy. In partnership with our expansive network of doctors and hospitals, we’re improving health outcomes and lowering costs through clinical quality and innovative care management.  

Our commitment to the communities we serve is driven by the passion of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation. Through its work, low- and moderate-income families are gaining greater access to fresh, affordable food — a cornerstone to better health and well-being. 

To learn more about Harvard Pilgrim, visit harvardpilgrim.org.

ABOUT HEAD OF THE CHARLES REGATTA

Since its origin in 1965, the Head Of The Charles® Regatta has welcomed the world’s best crew teams to the banks of the Charles River for the ultimate two-day rowing competition. Preparing for an event that attracts over 11,000 athletes and thousands of spectators requires a great deal of planning. The HOCR consists of a 15-member Board of Directors, six of whom are in charge of race management and overseeing an eleven-member race committee (including two race co-chairs). The race committee meets year-round to discuss the operational and logistical details of the event. They are assisted by 115 leading volunteers on 30 separate committees that begin meeting weekly in the fall. A full-time, professional staff of four, headquartered in the Cambridge Boat Club, works year-round to plan the event, obtain sponsorship, and communicate with the rowing community. Head Of The Charles is a registered trademark of the Cambridge Boat Club, 2 Gerry’s Landing Road, Cambridge, MA. For more information, call Head Of The Charles at (617) 868-6200, email regatta@hocr.org