For four decades, the Windermere Cup has brought together world-class rowing, Seattle tradition, and community celebration on the shores of the Montlake Cut. This year’s 40^th annual Windermere Cup weekend carried that legacy forward in memorable fashion, with exciting international competition, a sold-out Party on the Cut, and the return of the Media Cup—all leading into one of Seattle’s most beloved spring traditions.

What began in 1987 as a partnership between Windermere Real Estate, the University of Washington, and the Seattle Yacht Club has grown into one of the premier rowing events in the world and a defining part of Opening Day of Boating in Seattle. The original vision was to showcase the excellence of UW Rowing and the Montlake Cut by bringing the world’s best competition to Seattle. That first year featured crews from the Soviet Union in one of the few athletic competitions held between the Soviet Union and the United States in more than two decades.

40 years later, the Windermere Cup continues to honor that vision, bringing together elite athletes, passionate fans, longtime community partners, and generations of Seattle tradition.

Media Cup Returns for Its 13^th Year

Windermere Cup week officially kicked off on Tuesday, April 28^th, with the 13^th annual Media Cup, where four of Seattle’s television stations took to the water to compete for bragging rights and to support nonprofits of their choice that are making a difference in our community.

This year, KOMO 4 returned with redemption in mind, taking first place and earning a $2,000 donation for the USO Northwest. KIRO 7 placed second and donated $1,500 to The Salvation Army Northwest Division, while KING 5 secured third place and donated $1,000 to Northwest Harvest. FOX 13 rounded out the field and donated $500 to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center after taking home first place in last year’s race.

Continuing another meaningful Media Cup tradition, the Windermere Foundation also presented a $5,000 donation to the George Pocock Rowing Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping young people access and experience the life-changing sport of rowing.

A Sold-Out Night at Party on the Cut

On Friday evening, the community gathered once again for the 8^th annual Party on the Cut. The sold-out event has become a staple of Windermere Cup weekend, bringing together rowing fans, community members, and supporters of the Windermere Foundation for an unforgettable night on the shores of the Cut.

Guests enjoyed live music from Nite Wave, Seattle’s premier ‘80s new wave tribute band, along with Hysteria, the ultimate Def Leppard tribute band, along with local food trucks, drinks, and the return of the Twilight Sprints, where the women’s crews from Great Britain Rowing, Rowing Canada Avion, and the University of Washington gave spectators a preview of Saturday’s competition.

From the music to the food trucks, volunteers, vendors, and community partners who helped bring the evening to life, Party on the Cut once again delivered a memorable kickoff to Windemere Cup weekend. Support from partners like Gentle Giants Moving Company, the official moving partner of Windermere Cup, and Sentry Computing, the official bar partner for Party on the Cut, helped make the celebration possible.

As always, proceeds from Party on the Cut benefited the Windermere Foundation and its ongoing mission to support low-income and homeless families throughout the Western U.S.