Hull Lifesaving Museum’s 40th annual Head of the Weir River Race is a celebration of the estuary at the height of its fall beauty and the fabulous array of the region’s open water rowers. As many as 60 boats jockey for position racing out of the narrow estuary and onto open water, traveling from the headwaters of the Weir River downstream, past Bumpkin Island, across Hull Bay, to the museum’s Windmill Point Boathouse at Hull Gut.

This year’s Head of the Weir race will be Saturday, October 24 (poor weather date is October 25). The race begins at 11:30 a.m.; check-in is from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Steamboat Wharf, 48 George Washington Boulevard. Entry fee is $45 per person. There is no day-of-event registration: Online registration is at https://hulllifesavingmuseum.org/open-water-rowing/#weir.

A highly contested five-and-a-half miler, the Weir draws coxed youth and adult rowers in gigs, single and double livery and workboats, currachs, and ocean shells, as well as experienced kayakers. In the “head of the river” format, boats kick off the starting line at closely timed intervals, and times are collated at the finish to determine the race winners. The Weir is an exceptionally exciting race and a great spectator event, featuring more than 200 of the region’s finest rowers from all over New England and New York.

Please remember that due to worsening erosion of the marsh, the traditional starting line has been moved. All vessels must now launch at Steamboat Wharf and row to the starting line, 1-3/4 miles. High tide is scheduled for 10:21 a.m. on that date.

The traditional after-race party will be held at the boathouse, and all race competitors are welcome to nourishing chow and refreshments at the Windmill Point Boathouse. After competitors have gone through the line, friends, family, and spectators are welcome to enjoy the offerings for a suggested donation of $5.

Visit www.hulllifesavingmuseum.org for all the details regarding registration, launching, and parking. The museum also has three cedar‑planked boats available and looking for good homes. If you’re interested in adopting one, please contact the museum at info@hulllifesavingmuseum.org or call 781-925-5433.

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