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40th Windermere Cup kicks off boating season
The tradition dating back to 1920 continues as the Seattle Yacht Club hosts the 40th Windermere Cup. International crew teams will battle the University of Washington starting at 10:15 a.m. tomorrow, followed by a massive boat parade at noon.
SEATTLE - The Seattle Yacht Club is hosting the nation’s largest maritime celebration Saturday to welcome the start of the regional boating season.
Seattle's Opening Day traditions
The backstory:
Seattle’s Opening Day tradition dates back to 1920 and brings together mariners and spectators from around the world! The 40th Windermere Cup crew races are scheduled to begin at 10:15 Saturday morning.
Spectators can park at the University of Washington and line the shores of the Lake Washington Ship Canal to watch the competition. This year's races feature the University of Washington taking on the Great Britain National Team, the Canadian National Team, and Northeastern University.
While the boat parade is scheduled for noon, the specific number of local vessels that have registered to participate in this year’s "World Regatta" themed procession has not been released.
The celebration begins with the Windermere Cup crew races at 10:15 a.m. Following the races, a boat parade is scheduled for noon. On Friday afternoon between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., the public can access free rides in classic vessels and view decorated yachts at the Seattle Yacht Club Mainstation on East Hamlin Street.
Celebrating maritime culture
The event serves as the official kickoff for the spring boating season. A highlight of the 2026 parade will be a fleet of classic wooden boats, each celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
Spectators can watch the parade and races from the shores of the Montlake Cut. Those interested in getting on the water can find free rides in classic vessels provided by the Antique and Classic Boat Society on Friday afternoon.
The Source: FOX 13 staff visited the Seattle Yacht Club on May 1 for a tour of decorated boats and interviewed Commodore Kip Cramer and Admiral Mark Holden. Additional information was provided by a press release from the Seattle Yacht Club and Windermere Real Estate.
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