Head of the Peacock

Each year Spring Weekend begins with one of Wheaton’s most cherished traditions—the Head of the Peacock Regatta, when intrepid Wheaton sailors attempt to propel their homemade vessels across the college pond.

The 26th annual Head of the Peacock was on full display as members from all over campus flocked to the event in anticipation of seeing a great display of craftsmanship and school spirit while also having a few laughs.

In preparation for the Head of the Peacock Regatta, students team together to build and design their own homemade water vessels. Some made from twigs, and others from inflatable rafts, the boats must be capable of holding all of the team members throughout the entire race without falling apart. Like in previous years, the 2015 regatta did not fail to entertain the crowd with an entertaining array of impressive concoctions and precipitous failures.

Of course some designs are more successful than others. While some boats could not manage to make it off the starting line, others turned in impressive performances on the pond.

The event ended with Wheaton president Dennis Hanno taking a victory lap around the pond aboard the winning boat from Outdoor House!

Photos by Keith Nordstrom