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 2nd, 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.
Teams for the 2026 Windermere Cup will be announced at the beginning of January, but fans can expect another thrilling showdown featuring top-tier rowing talent vying for the coveted Windermere Cup trophy. Spectators 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.
2026 Windermere Cup Competitors
Canada
Great Britain
Northeastern
Washington
Race Schedule
The full lineup of competing crews for the 2026 Windermere Cup will be announced at the beginning of January. Each year, the regatta welcomes a mix of elite national and international teams, creating thrilling matchups and unforgettable races. Stay tuned for this year’s roster—it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet!
Parade Details
Start Time
The University of Washington and Windermere Real Estate are proud to present the 40th annual Windermere Cup on Saturday, May 2nd, 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.
Teams for the 2026 Windermere Cup will be announced at the beginning of January, but fans can expect another thrilling showdown featuring top-tier rowing talent vying for the coveted Windermere Cup trophy. Spectators 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.
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.
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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