Head of the Ponds Regatta Report – Rowing Stories, Features & Interviews

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On Saturday, September 11th, the second annual Head of the Ponds regatta took place on the beautiful Mashpee-Wakeby Pond on Cape Cod. This year’s record turnout included rowers from 16 rowing clubs, including the most prestigious (and flooded) clubs along the Schuylkill River, north to Boston and east to the outer shores of Cape Cod.

The Head of the Ponds is considered to be one of the most demanding racetracks in the country and runs a full 7,500 meters, more than 50% longer than the typical head race. To increase the challenge, the participants at the Head of the Ponds have to cross two large bodies of water, which are connected by a narrow 400 meter long passage.

At the northern entrance of Wakeby Pond, the course circles three islands and an ominous land point before the final run leads to the goal. Given the challenging nature of the circuit, participants must have sufficient head racing experience in singles or in the bow of a doubles or quad. In the reserved words of racetrack designer and three-time Olympic participant Jim Dietz: “This racetrack is not for the faint of heart!”

Head of the Ponds Racecourse

This year’s entrants included an all-star cast of famous Olympians who represented the United States in both sweep and scull at the 1972, 1976, 1992, 2000, 2012, 2016, and 2021 Olympics. Their supremacy on the water has been skillfully challenged by almost equal numbers of men and women, ages 13 to 82.

Three-time Olympic and silver medalist Gevvie Stone led all competitors from start to finish with a lightning-fast time of 31:29, which had the distinction of quickly overtaking her father Gregg Stone between Jefferson and Cleveland Islands. It came as no surprise to anyone that Gevvie had the fastest overall time of any singles, doubles, and two triples.

First place in the men’s singles: three-time Olympic champion and silver medalist in the men’s eight, Boston-born Tom Darling, who crossed the finish line in 33:33.

And then the sovereign performance of the young Teagan Farley, who set a world record with 7:24 2 km on the Erg at the age of 12, put a smile on all faces, including a very proud dad, and who had the pleasure of doing a whole Row to be overtaken by elite rowers who remain in denial.

Teagan holds four world records on the erg, including 7:24 2 km at the age of 12! Teagan finished fourth in the women with 38:09.

When asked if she was nervous about rowing on her very first individual race, Teagan said, “I’m more nervous about meeting Gevvie Stone!” How cute is that ??

The medal winners proudly present their championship trophies: Ponds Cold Cream.

The medal winners proudly present their championship trophies: Ponds Cold Cream.

Olympians and competitors, Jim Dietz, Gevvie Stone, Gregg Stone and Tom Darling

Olympians and competitors, Jim Dietz, Gevvie Stone, Gregg Stone and Tom Darling

A wonderful shot from the female single winner, Gevvie Stone.

A wonderful shot from the female single winner, Gevvie Stone.

Another shot of Gevvie Stone sprinting to the finish line!

Another shot of Gevvie Stone sprinting to the finish line!

Warm up with Gevvie, our youngest and hottest competitor, Teagan Farley, who is rowing her first race ever at the age of 13.

Warm up with Gevvie, our youngest and hottest competitor, Teagan Farley, who is rowing her first race ever at the age of 13.

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