Regatta & Parade - New - Windermere Cup

About the Windermere Cup Regatta

About the Regatta

The University of Washington and Windermere Real Estate are proud to present the 40th annual Windermere Cup on Saturday, May 2, 2025, on Seattle’s iconic Montlake Cut. With nearly 750 athletes from local, national, and international crews—and thousands of fans lining the North and South shores or cheering from boats along the legendary log boom—this year’s regatta promises an unforgettable celebration of speed, tradition, community, and world class competition. The featured Windermere Cup races will showcase an exciting international lineup, as Washington Rowing welcomes elite crews from Great Britain (men and women), Canada (women), and Northeastern University (men) for a thrilling showdown on Opening Day. And the celebration doesn’t stop at the finish line—stick around for the awards ceremony, where champions will hoist 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.

2026 Windermere Cup Competitors

Race Schedule

The 2026 race schedule will be released in April.

Parade Details

Start Time: 12:00pm

Following the regatta, a cannon will sound and the Montlake Bridge will rise, signaling the start of the Seattle Yacht Club’s Opening Day Boat Parade. For 2026, Seattle Yacht Club and Trio invite you to “Welcome the World” with this year’s theme: World Regatta. Expect a vibrant procession of decorated vessels celebrating global rowing and yachting culture as they make their way through the Montlake Cut—an unforgettable finale to Opening Day.

Shore Activities

Awards Stage

Starting at 12:30 p.m. there will be an award ceremony on the north side of the Montlake Cut, west of the Montlake Bridge.

Bouncy House for Kids

Children 10 and under can enjoy the bouncy house.

Build a Boat Station

Presented by The Home Depot, children can build their own souvenir boat to take home.

Dawg Pack Student Section

Current University of Washington students have access to prime seating for races and parade.

Food & Drink Vendors

There will be food and drink vendors on the north side of the Montlake Cut, west of the Montlake Bridge.

Photo Booth

Jump in the photo booth for lasting memories.

Merchandise

Windermere Cup gear and commemorative items will be for sale on the north side of the Montlake Cut, west of the Montlake Bridge.

Pink Rainbow Row

Meet the Pink Ribbon Row organization, dedicated to supporting local breast cancer patients through the healing power of rowing, community, and recovery programs. Their mission is to help survivors reclaim their strength and confidence on and off the water.

Food & Drink Vendors

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Log Boom

Saturday, May 2nd

Stretching along the west side of Lake Washington near the entrance to the Montlake Cut, the log boom is one of Opening Day’s most beloved traditions. In 2026, this iconic on the water grandstand celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of boaters gathering for unbeatable views of the regatta races and the Opening Day Boat Parade. Each year, hundreds of vessels tie up along the long floating line of logs, creating a vibrant, close to the action community of spectators—families, rowing fans, alumni, and longtime Opening Day regulars—cheering on crews from just feet away as they charge toward the finish line. It’s one of the most unique and spirited ways to experience the energy, tradition, and excitement of Opening Day in Seattle. If you have questions, email uwharbor@uw.edu. Download the log boom application now.