The 2026 Windermere Cup will feature crews from the University of Washington, Great Britain, Canada, and Northeastern University.

Yes — the event is free for all spectators.

The best viewing areas are along the north and south shores of the Montlake Cut, available on a first‑come, first‑served basis. You can also watch from the Montlake Bridge.

• The bridge closes to vehicle traffic from 9:40 AM–3:00 PM.

• Spectators may watch from the bridge from 9:40–11:45 AM, but must clear the bridge by noon when the cannon signals the start of the Boat Parade and the bridge lifts.

• You may also watch by boat if you reserve moorage on the log boom.

The area around the Montlake Cut becomes very congested on race morning. Consider taking buses, Light Rail, or rideshare. Parking is available at the University of Washington.

General public parking is available in lots E01, E12, E18, and E19, with prices ranging from $12–$20.25, depending on the lot and date.

Yes — overnight parking is available in E18 only, beginning Friday, May 1. Rates are $12 per day or $24 for two days.

The Montlake Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic from 9:20 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2.

Yes — spectators can anchor along the log boom. Reservations are required, please fill out the log boom application.

Races begin at 10:00 AM, and the Montlake Bridge closes to car traffic at 9:40 AM. To secure a good viewing spot along the Cut, plan to arrive between 9:00–9:30 AM.

Yes — after each race, crews gather at the west end of the Montlake Cut in Portage Bay until all races conclude. They then row back through the Cut to the Conibear Shellhouse. Athletes will gather for the Awards Ceremony at 12:30 PM on the north side of the Montlake Cut, west of the Montlake Bridge near the finish line.

Following the final Windermere Cup race, spectators can enjoy the Seattle Yacht Club’s Opening Day Boat Parade — one of the largest in the world,  featuring more than 300 boats across 23 categories.

There are many great hotel options throughout the Greater Seattle area. For Windermere Cup Weekend, we’ve secured special discounted rates at several nearby hotels to make your stay convenient and comfortable 

• Silver Cloud Lake Union 
• Silver Cloud University 
• The Graduate 
• Courtyard Seattle Downtown/Lake Union
• Courtyard Seattle Northgate