Photo by AJ Canaria
About the Regatta
The University of Washington and Windermere Real Estate are proud to present the 39th annual Windermere Cup on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, on Seattle’s iconic Montlake Cut. This prestigious rowing regatta will welcome nearly 750 athletes, showcasing the talent of local, national, and international crews in an exhilarating day of competition.
In 2025, we’re excited to welcome crews from the University of Washington, the New Zealand National Team, and Indiana University, setting the stage for an epic showdown for the coveted Windermere Cup trophy. Fans can catch the action from the North and South shores of the Montlake Cut or from boats anchored along the log boom in Lake Washington.
The celebration doesn’t stop at the finish line—stick around for the awards ceremony, where champions will raise their trophies in front of an electric crowd. Admission is free, making this a can’t-miss event for families, rowing fans, and anyone ready to experience one of Seattle’s favorite spring traditions.
Windermere Cup Competitors
New Zealand National Team: The New Zealand National Team, known for their formidable presence on the international rowing stage, will bring both men's and women's crews to the competition. New Zealand has a rich rowing heritage, with their athletes frequently achieving podium finishes at World Rowing Championships and Olympic Games.
Indiana University Hoosiers: Representing the Midwest, the Indiana University women's rowing team has been making significant strides in the collegiate rowing scene. The Hoosiers have demonstrated consistent improvement and competitiveness, earning spots in NCAA Championships and challenging traditional powerhouses.
University of Washington Huskies: As the host team, the University of Washington (UW) will field both men's and women's crews. UW's rowing program is renowned for its depth and competitive spirit, consistently producing top-tier athletes and memorable performances.
Race Schedule
The race schedule for 2025 will be released mid-April.
Following the Regatta, a cannon will sound and the Montlake Bridge will open, signaling the beginning of the Seattle Yacht Club’s Boat Parade.
Seattle Yacht Club’s 2025 Opening Day Trio, Admiral Christian Lockwood, Admiralette Christine Fraser, and Vice Admiral Mark Holden, announced the Opening Day Theme for 2025: Back to the 80's
All Time Results
Windermere Cup Merchandise
Limited Edition Apparel & More: We have posters, tumblers, hats, clothing, backpacks and more you can purchase directly from Windermere.
Check back throughout the year for new items. Merchandise will also be available to purchase on the shores during Windermere Cup.
FAQ
The viewing areas along the north and south shores of the Montlake Cut on race day are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You may also watch from the Montlake Bridge. The bridge closes to car traffic from 9:40 AM - 3:00 PM and you can watch the races from the bridge from 9:40 AM -11:45 AM, but you need to be off the bridge by noon when the cannon blast signals the beginning of the Boat Parade. That is when the bridge goes up to let the boats through.
Yes, there are a select group of food and beverage vendors on the north side of the Cut west of the Montlake Bridge.
The area around the Montlake Cut gets very congested on the morning of the races. Consider taking Metro, Light Rail, or rideshare.
The Windermere Cup races begin at 10:00 a.m. but the Montlake Bridge closes to car traffic at 9:40 a.m. It is best to arrive between 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. to get a spot on the Cut to watch the races.
After the races, all of the competing crews, with the exception of the teams competing in the Windermere Cup and Erickson Cascade Cup, will wait at the west end of the Montlake Cut in Portage Bay until all the races are over and then they will row back through the Cut to the Conibear Shellhouse to put their boats away. This creates quite a spectacle every year. Afterward there is an awards ceremony on the JumboTron Stage on the North side of the Montlake Cut, west of the Montlake Bridge, approximately between 12:30 - 2:00 PM. Many of the athletes gather there after the races.
Have questions?
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