What is the difference between “Regatta” and “Head” races?
Head races are held in the off season – September to March in the UK – and are effectively time-trials, i.e. one boat at a time races along a specified course and each crew is ranked according to how quickly they complete the distance (2 km or more, but often around 5 km). Regattas are shorter races (held from April to August) of up to 2,000 m where two or more crews race side-by-side along the course. This is the Olympic racing format, and is the most interesting to watch (and compete in).
