Jonathon Rosow Reflects on The Head of the Charles

The Head of the Charles is arguably one of the most difficult non-collegiate regattas for a single racer, senior Jonathon Rosow said, because over half are from other countries, bringing in high competition.

But in a way, that made it more relieving for him.

“I enjoyed it because I knew I wasn’t really racing for a medal so there wasn’t pressure,” said Rosow, who competed for his third time in The Head of the Charles the weekend of Oct. 22. “You row the best race you can…. It was never a really high stress environment.”

Since Rosow, 17, competed in the in Eton, England in August, he couldn’t compete in the high school bracket.

It was his first time rowing in the Championship Single after rowing the previous two years in a doubles boat. The category was made up of 32 competitors ages 17 to 38. There were only two other racers besides Rosow under 18.

“It’s a lot of self motivation. Basically, there’s no one else,” Rosow said of racing in a single-person boat. “After awhile, it’s nice to get into a team environment and row with someone else.”

Rosow finished in just under 20 minutes for the five-kilometer race, placing him about 25th overall.

Championship contenders came from as far as New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain and California.

Yet with so many people traveling far to get there, the Charles is a homecoming for many rowers.

“I like to see who else is out there,” Rosow said, noting that this race is often the only time he sees rowers he’s met from across the country and around the world. “It’s a reunion of sorts.”

Rosow did row his freshman fall season at Avon High School after starting the summer before. He is following in the paddle strokes of his father who was a member of the U.S. National Rowing Team.

“I think it opened doors to show you what it’s like,” Rosow said of his experience in the junior world championships. “The competition is as good as it’s going to get. It was very exciting.”

He met coach Yan Vengerovskiy the winter of his freshman year and joined the Maritime Rowing club, based in Norwalk. The team rows with the New Canaan High School team.

“The Charles has always been a reward race for us,” Rosow said. “You worked hard, had a good season. We’ll take you to the Charles.”

His New Canaan quad boat won Nationals last spring and another member of his crew competed with him in the junior world championships. 

When asked about why, Rosow found himself at a loss for words. For him, it’s a feeling.

“It’s a work-driven sport. The harder you work, the better you’re going to be,” Rosow said. “On the water, when you’re in the boat by yourself, there’s something about that.”

Three little words sum it all up for Rosow.

“I like rowing,” Rosow said.