The Seattle Yacht Club is host to the Annual Opening Day of Boating Season, which takes place on Portage Bay between Lake Union and Lake Washington. This annual event, unique to Seattle, draws a big crowd of spectators and boaters alike. The event includes the popular Windermere Cup competitive crew races, which precedes the themed decorated Boat Parade.
2026 Schedule. The Montlake Cut (between Portage Bay and Lake Washington) closes at 9:30 am to all boat traffic, including bridge operations for the start of the Windermere Cup Crew races, which begin at 10:15 am.
After the crew races, the official Boat Parade starts at Noon, with boats from various yacht clubs and individual participating boats decorated in this year’s theme, “Welcoming the World,” featuring nods to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 40th Windermere Cup, and the 50th anniversary of the Seahawks. The Montlake Bridge will be in the open position during the parade and closed to vehicle traffic.
Around 4 pm, the Montlake Cut reopens to general marine traffic and the Montlake Bridge resumes normal operations. Trophy presentations and closing ceremonies begin at 6 pm on the lawn at the Seattle Yacht Club (1807 E. Hamline St).
Crew Races. Rowing competition hosted by the University of Washington has been a part of Opening Day celebrations since 1970. International crews come to compete among the best. The program includes Junior and Collegiate events coordinated by the University of Washington; and Masters events coordinated by the Seattle Yacht Club’s Rowing Committee. Masters’ events include separate men and women teams.
Boat Parade. Vessels and Yacht Clubs participating in the Opening Day Parade register with the Seattle Yacht Club, using the club’s online registration forms. Each boat is provided an Opening Day Boat Number. The boat parade passes through Montlake Cut (west to east) in a pre-designated order according to boat classification and boat club group. Members of yacht clubs can register for reciprocal guest moorage at SYC for Opening Day and should check in upon arrival.
Viewing the Races and Parade. Spectators line the Montlake Cut on blankets and lawn chairs to watch rowing crews work their oars in those narrow shells as they slide past the crowd of cheering spectators. Everyone enjoys the party atmosphere and viewing the uniquely decorated Parade of Boats, with yacht club members in uniform, competing for the Wilson Opening Day Seamanship Trophy.
Log Boom for Boaters. Recreational boaters can watch the start of the Crew Races and the termination of the Boat Parade by reserving space on the Log Boom, located on the east side of Montlake Cut in Union Bay, north side of the Union Bay Reach channel. Tie-up for the Log Boom begins Thursday, April 30 at noon. SYC Marshall boats will be on hand to direct tie-up. To reserve space on the Log Boom, fill out the form HERE. Location along the boom is first-come, first-served. Log Boom Permits are mailed out April 15. Log Boom moorage is provided by SYC and the University of Washington to be used by boaters at their own risk.
Opening Day Celebrations originated on May 1, 1909, and the first SYC Opening Day Parade began May 1, 1920. Opening Day continues to draw boating enthusiasts and remains a part of the boating culture in Washington State.
For more details about Opening Day, go to www.seattleyachtclub.org/opening-day-2026
Header Photo: The Serious Charterer
Crew Photo: Christopher Mast
