Behind the Scenes at BU’s DeWolfe Boathouse
Behind the Scenes at BU’s DeWolfe Boathouse
Behind the Scenes at BU’s DeWolfe Boathouse
When you look across the Charles River from the BU Beach, you cannot help but notice the elegant DeWolfe Boathouse, home to BU’s varsity rowing teams. The building has been a fixture on the north bank of the Charles since it was formally dedicated in fall 1999. A gift from Richard DeWolfe (MET’71), a longtime BU trustee, named DeWolfe Boathouse for DeWolfe’s grandparents; it is one of nearly 20 boathouses dotting the banks of the Charles, some dating back to the 19th century. The DeWolfe is alone among Boston’s boathouses though, in that one of its features is the more than 20 Boston terriers (BU’s mascot) etched into its exterior—next time you walk past, see if you can find them all.
The DeWolfe Boathouse has five boat bays, which currently house more than 100 rowing shells. There are facilities for athletic training as well as conference rooms, coaches offices, study lounges, locker rooms, a trophy room, a repair shop, and interior and exterior balconies, which both offer spectacular views of the downtown Boston skyline and the BU campus. The boathouse also hosts community rowing groups and rowing and sculling classes through BU’s Physical Education, Recreation & Dance program.
This weekend, thousands of people will have their eyes fixed on the DeWolfe Boathouse during the 57th annual Head of the Charles Regatta (HORC), the world’s largest event of its kind: the boathouse is the race’s starting line. (It’s also located just 500 meters downstream from the finish line of the 2,000-meter race course used by local colleges and universities). During the regatta, HORC officials will be stationed on DeWolfe’s exterior balcony, using camera technology to mark when rowers officially start downriver. Traditionally, spectators line up along the BU Bridge to watch the festivities, so be sure to head down early if you want to get a good spot.
The Head of the Charles Regatta begins Friday, October 22, and concludes Sunday, October 24. Find the racing schedule here.
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