For one weekend in October every year, the largest regatta in the world takes place in Boston on the Charles River. Over 1,900 boats come to compete from places as far away as Minnesota and Oregon. Tens of thousands of spectators watch the races and fuel the excitement. Regardless of knowing your bow from stern, this is great place to be for all ages.

1. The weather keeps you on your toes.

Always wear rain boots to the Charles is a lesson I wish I had known on Saturday. We experienced no light drizzle; there was a continuous, skin-soaking, shoe squelching downpour. Then, on Sunday, the skies were clear, too clear. Only my Patagonia under my Boathouse really blocked the wind. Layers are key

2. The food scene is delicious.

Seriously, I love food, and the food here was good. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Yes. My first purchase on Saturday was a Nutella and banana crepe drizzled with chocolate syrup. My second purchase was a mac n cheese bread bowl. Just thinking of biting into these makes my mouth drool a little.

3. Work your connections.

If you know someone working the Charles, you can look at a brochure without paying for it, take shelter under their tent, and, if you’re really good, get snuck into the Cambridge Boat Club. Real bathrooms, real shelter from the elements, and a really good view make this boathouse the place to be.

4. Be prepared to walk and stand around.

With 5km of territory to cover, there are quite a lot of good places to watch the races. The Eliot Bridge is the best place to watch for epic three boat collisions and some really interesting steering choices. Whether you prefer a more down to earth vantage point from the banks of the river or the view from one of the many bridges spanning the course, there is a place for you to watch.

5. Rowing is an amazing, beautiful, painful sport.

As a rower myself, I have a deep appreciation for this sport. Sculling, sweeping, 8s, 4s, 2s, 1s, I love them all. I got to see one of the women’s 8 gold medalists wearing her medal from Rio. I saw two of the boats from my team go out and absolutely crush it.

The Head of the Charles will never get old. The excitement, the spectators, the oars as unique as a fingerprint, and the rowers and coxswains of all shapes and sizes make this the can’t-miss event of the year.