During the Fall, Mainland Crew usually competes in three or four “head” races, such as the Head of the Schuylkill regatta.  Head races are generally 2.5 to 4 miles long and are run against the clock.  As many as 80-90 boats may row in a single race.  They start one after another (usually ~ 15 seconds apart) and speed down an often winding river.  Their finishes are clocked and the boat with the fastest time wins.  For competitors, the most exciting moments often come as one crew overtakes another on turn, through a narrow stretch of river, and/or when three boats run neck-and-neck toward a bridge with room for only two!  Given all of the variables at play, although these races are hard-fought, the final outcomes are often determined by external factors (such as the speed of the boat in front of you).  Depending on the weather, we usually continue to practice on the water until end of October.