Cleveland Rowing Foundation Presents the 29th Annual Head of the Cuyahoga Regatta- September 27th.

Unique features: Standout National Scholastic Programs, The “DreamBoat” a competitive team of local 70+ year old women, a Mom’s team from St. Edward High School and a competitive veterans category of competition.

CLEVELAND, OH — On Saturday, September 27, the Cuyahoga River will come alive with one of the nation’s largest single-day rowing events — the 29th Annual Head of the Cuyahoga (HOTC) Regatta. From 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Rivergate Park, thousands of athletes, families, and spectators will celebrate rowing in Cleveland.

Head of the Cuyahoga Regatta Promotional Video.

Top teams from across the country and international crews from Mexico will take to the Cuyahoga, challenging Cleveland’s hometown favorites on their home course. This year’s field features unique community and competition storylines:

● The Dream Boat — a Cleveland-based women’s crew of athletes ages 70 and over, showcasing lifetime fitness and competitive spirit.

● St. Edward High School Moms Boat — a team of St. Ed’s mothers taking on the same demanding course their sons row, turning the sidelines into the starting line.

● Scholastic Standouts — Cleveland Saint Ignatius High School Crew, winners of four consecutive Midwest Championship boys rowing titles, along with girls rowing national runners up Saint Joseph Academy.

● Veterans-Only Racing — Freedom Rows veterans return in dedicated events honoring service on and off the water.

The 4,770-meter technical course tests precision and power: crews launch from the Cleveland Rowing Foundation and Merwin’s Wharf docks, row upriver to the start near the steel mills, then race back against the clock in classic head-race format. Boats range from single sculls to coxed eights.

Last year, HOTC hosted 61 clubs and 492 entries from 15 states. Local programs include Saint Joseph Academy, Saint Ignatius, St. Edward, Shaker Heights, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, John Carroll University, and adult athletes from Western Reserve Rowing Association and Freedom Rows.

“The Head of the Cuyahoga is more than a regatta — it’s a celebration of our community and our river,” said Nikki Jaworski, Cleveland Rowing Foundation’s Regatta Director. “We are proud to welcome athletes from across North America while also showcasing Cleveland’s thriving rowing community. This event embodies our mission of opening access to the Cuyahoga River and inspiring the next generation of rowers.”

As one of Cleveland’s premier sporting events, HOTC delivers meaningful economic impact. With athletes, coaches, and families traveling nationwide, the regatta is projected to generate more than $1.3 million in direct local spending; over 29 years, HOTC has contributed $26 million+ to the region.

Spectators

Admission is free. Food trucks and vendors will be on site. Parking in the Flats is limited—please plan ahead and use nearby paid commercial lots. Best viewing locations and event details are available at hotcregatta.com.

About the Cleveland Rowing Foundation

The Cleveland Rowing Foundation (CRF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that revitalized Rivergate Park and has helped make the Cuyahoga River a regional hub for outdoor recreation. CRF is home to a community of 1,500 rowers spanning Saint Joseph Academy, St. Ignatius High School, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, John Carroll University, Freedom Rows Veterans, and Western Reserve Rowing Association’s adult programs. Through Row Cleveland, CRF introduces hundreds of middle school students to rowing each summer in a safe, supportive

environment.