The “Head of the Hooch” rowing regatta returns to the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga this weekend. It’s one of the world’s largest rowing regattas, with 2,000-plus boats racing over two days.
More than 9,000 seats are rowed. Twelve hundred boats compete on Saturday alone, more in one day than any other regatta. Participants come from over 200 different organizations, and in 2012 the regatta welcomed crews from 27 different states and several foreign countries, including teams from Canada, Germany, Sweden and Australia.
The regatta is a head race—competitors row a 5,000-meter (3.1 mile) course on the Tennessee River ending at Ross’s Landing Park.
The Hooch is a unique event. It attracts athletes, family, alumni, local residents and those who travel to attend. It combines a rowing regatta and an arts market, with supporting events and activities at the Tennessee Aquarium and other downtown businesses.
Last year, the Chattanooga Sports & Events Committee estimated the economic impact of the Hooch at around $4.8 million dollars to the economy.
Head of the Hooch
Saturday 8:40 a.m. race start
Sunday 8:15 a.m. race start
Ross's Landing Park.