Washington Rowing announced on Apr. 27 that it will welcome crews from the Great Britain National Team, the Canadian National Team (women), and Northeastern University (men) for the 40th annual Windermere Cup scheduled for Saturday, May 2.
The event is part of Seattle’s Opening Day Regatta and features races between Washington women’s crews and entries from both the British and Canadian national teams. The Husky men’s varsity eight will compete against Great Britain and Northeastern University’s varsity eight. According to organizers, this marks only the second appearance by the British men in the event, with their previous participation resulting in a win in 2014. The British women have raced four times before, winning twice.
OB Jacobi, president of Windermere Real Estate, said: “Windermere’s connection to the Windermere Cup has always been rooted in our commitment to community and our belief in the power of sport to bring people together. As we celebrate the 40th Windermere Cup, we’re proud of our longstanding partnership with the University of Washington and the Seattle Yacht Club, which together have shaped this into the largest free community event in Seattle and one of the most iconic venues in rowing.”
The schedule includes a range of races beginning at 10:15 a.m., covering masters’, juniors’, collegiate events as well as feature races for both men’s and women’s eights. This year also sees Canada’s national team making its first appearance in either feature race at this regatta.
Historically, Great Britain has won a total of 78 Olympic medals in rowing—second only to the United States—and Canada holds 44 Olympic medals with recent success by its women’s eight crew. Notably, several current Washington athletes hail from these countries.
The regatta coincides with Seattle Yacht Club’s Opening Day parade marking boating season’s start. Additional events include Twilight Sprints on Friday night featuring women’s crews racing along Montlake Cut. Organizers plan further announcements regarding week-long activities leading up to race day.
