Seattle Yacht Club Presents
⚓
Opening Day 2026
Welcome Aboard
World Regatta
APRIL 26 — MAY 2, 2026 • SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Your Home Base
Serenity
Michael & Susan •
Jon & Dre •
West & Katherine
⚓ Crew of Six
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Weekend at a Glance
Seven days of tradition, competition & celebration
🏆
40th Windermere Cup
A milestone year! Olympic gold medalists from Great Britain headline the international crews racing on the Montlake Cut.
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The Log Boom
Front-row seats from Serenity, moored on the legendary UW log boom — the best vantage on Lake Washington.
🎈
World Regatta
Decorated boats, international flair & century-old wooden yachts leading the parade through the Cut.
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Sun
26
Apr
Dock One GreenBox
The week kicks off — casual & delicious
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Thu
30
Apr
Canadian Reception
Live music, dancing & international camaraderie
🎶
Canadian Reception — Live Music & Dancing
7:30 PM – 11:30 PM • Fireside Lounge
A signature Opening Day tradition honoring our Canadian guests from Royal Vancouver and Royal Victoria Yacht Clubs. An elegant evening of live music, dancing, and celebrating the bonds between boating communities. No RSVP required.
Cocktail Attire / Uniform of the Day
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Fri
1
May
Race Day & Revelry
From quirky races to dock parties to dancing the night away
🚽
The Commode Cup
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM • Dock 2
The annual sailboat race between the commodores of Seattle YC, Royal Vancouver YC, and Royal Victoria YC. The trophy? Let's just say it lives up to the name. No RSVP needed.
Don't miss the trophy!
🍴
Opening Day Friday Buffet
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM • Marine Room
Fuel up for the evening in the Marine Room. A hearty buffet to keep us going from the dock parties straight into the night.
🎷
Friday Night Live Band & Dance
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM • Marine Room
The party escalates! Live band, dancing, and the full energy of Opening Day weekend in the Marine Room. This is where Friday night finds its groove.
Party night!
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⛵
The Log Boom — Aboard Serenity
We'll be moored on the iconic UW log boom on Lake Washington — the same spot where tens of thousands have gathered since the very first Windermere Cup in 1987. From Serenity's deck, we'll have unbeatable views of the crew races and the decorated parade flotilla.
⚓ Monitor VHF Channel 68 starting at 11:00 AM for parade updates
🏳
Commissioning Ceremony
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM • SYC Lawn
The grand opening celebration of Opening Day with the NROTC Color Guard and RVYC Gunnery Crew. Participants are by invitation, but everyone is welcome to watch from the lawn.
🏋
40th Windermere Cup Crew Races
10:15 AM – 12:00 PM • Montlake Cut / Log Boom
The milestone 40th running! Watch from Serenity as world-class crews battle on the Cut.
Women: Great Britain (Olympic silver & bronze) • Canada
Men: Great Britain (Olympic gold!) • Northeastern — Huskies vs. Huskies
40th Anniversary — From the Log Boom!
Men: Great Britain (Olympic gold!) • Northeastern — Huskies vs. Huskies
🚢
Opening Day Boat Parade
12:00 PM – ~3:00 PM • Montlake Cut to Webster Point
A cannon fires, the Montlake Bridge rises, and the parade begins! A spectacular procession of decorated boats celebrating "World Regatta." Leading the fleet: classic wooden boats each marking their 100th anniversary.
Cannon & Bridge — From the Log Boom!
🍴
Ward Room Dinner
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM • Ward Room, SYC
A proper sit-down dinner back at the club. Flank steak with peppercorn bordelaise, ling cod with citrus beurre blanc, roasted pork loin, strawberry arugula & Caesar salads, and German chocolate or berry Chantilly cake.
Full dinner service
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Closing Ceremony
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM • SYC Lawn
The official end of Opening Day. Open to all for viewing on the lawn — a fitting bookend to a magnificent day on the water.
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👔
Uniform of the Day
For the Canadian Reception (Thursday) and ceremonies (Saturday). Ladies: cocktail attire.
Blue Blazer
White Shirt
White Pants / Skirt
White Shoes
Blue or Club Tie