UW to host Great Britain, Canada in 2026 Windermere Cup

Name: Opening day for boating season starts Saturday
Uploaded: 2026-02-27T21:03:27-08:00
Description: Seattle's boating season begins Saturday with exciting festivities planned for the weekend.

SEATTLE - It's nearly time for the 40th annual Windermere Cup.

The featured rowing races on Seattle's Montlake Cut are happening on May 2, 2026, with the University of Washington hosting some fierce competition.

Washington Rowing will take on crews from men's and women's crews from the Great Britain National Team, the women's Canadian National Team and the Northeastern University men's team.

The British men are making their second appearance since winning back in 2014, with the women's Canadian National Team competing for the first time. The British women are rowing for the fifth time, having won in 1998 and 2022.

The Opening Day Regatta signifies the start of Seattle's boating season, and typically draws big crowds for the parade that comes after the race, held by the Seattle Yacht Club.

Opening day for boating season starts Saturday

Seattle's boating season begins Saturday with exciting festivities planned for the weekend.

The Windermere Cup began back in 1987, made to showcase the excellence of the UW Rowing Program. Since its introduction, the event has become a cherished tradition, attracting teams from across the U.S. and world.

Last year, Washington’s men and women both won the Windermere Cup against New Zealand.

More details about the 2026 Windermere Cup can be found online.