RegattaCentral

OVERVIEW

The Baird Head of the Rock Regatta is a rowing race of 5,000 meters (3.1 miles) on the Rock River, beginning at Martin Park and finishing at the YMCA. It is a sanctioned event of the United States Rowing Association, requiring the observance of USRA race protocol. The Head of the Rock has expanded over the past 28 years into one of the Midwest’s premier headrace rowing events with clubs competing from as far away as Alaska and Colorado. There are now 75 teams with 2,300 participants. The Rowing Club of the YMCA produces this annual event. 17 Collegiate teams are represented with 14 officials from the USRA. The event attracts over 10,000 spectators each year.

The Rockford Regatta began in 1985 as a challenge match between the University of Wisconsin and Northwestern University. With the support of the YMCA and local Rockford rowers, Rob Espeseth (3-time U.S. Olympian) and Dennis Kaderabek the original meet was conceived. The very next year 275 athletes and 14 clubs competed on the Rock River in the 1st Annual Head of the Regatta. The Rockford Regatta has grown over the past 28 years into one of the nations top 10 premier rowing events. Remember to mark on your calendar the second week of October each year for this event.

The Rockford Rowing Club, including over 40 member volunteers with support from the YMCA, produces this event. Robert W. Baird & Co. has been the official sponsor the last eight years of the event.