The Windermere Cup Rowing Regatta will celebrate its 40th season on May 2, bringing together international rowing teams and the Seattle community for a major sporting event. The regatta, held annually at the Montlake Cut, has become a tradition since its founding in 1987.
The Windermere Cup is important to both local residents and the global rowing community. It not only showcases top-level competition but also highlights Seattle’s connection to its waterways and tradition of welcoming athletes from around the world.
Jill Jacobi Wood, co-President of Windermere Real Estate, said, “It really is what we’ve always tried to do. Bring real teams here to compete at the highest level. The fun is getting to know these athletes and coaches… I love the camaraderie, and how often friendships are formed… we’ve even had athletes end up working for our company. It is incredibly gratifying, and it is so amazing for the UW.” Over four decades, crews from countries such as Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, China, and Germany have raced against Washington on their home course.
Washington crews have performed well throughout the regatta’s history. As of last year, University of Washington men have won 29 out of 38 races while women have claimed victory in 28 out of 38 events. Memorable moments include close contests with Oxford-Brookes University in 2018 and recent wins over national teams from Germany (2019), Australia (2023), Italy (2024), and New Zealand (2025). Coach Yaz Farooq said after last year’s win over New Zealand: “The atmosphere was electric… You see fans from all of the different colleges and clubs… it really makes you feel the strength of this community…”
The Seattle Yacht Club has played an essential role since introducing collegiate races in partnership with University of Washington coach Dick Erickson in 1970. Their ongoing support helps manage logistics each year during Opening Day festivities alongside Windermere Real Estate.
Looking ahead to this year’s event—which features Olympic medalists from Canada and Great Britain—the organizers expect another weekend filled with competition on Friday night sprints followed by Saturday’s main races. Jacobi Wood said: “It’s family-friendly, free… full of hometown Husky pride… Being able to showcase all of it… I want our community to be proud of what we have here.”
