SEATTLE — Saturday marked the Opening Day of boating season. The first day of the season also means one of Seattle’s most beloved traditions is taking place, the 38th annual Windermere Cup.
Hundreds of people came out to the Montlake Cut on May 4 to see the University of Washington men's and women's rowing teams take on some of the best competition in the world.
"A lot of people consider it the best rowing event in the world,” said John O'Kane, the medical director for the UW Athletic Department. “I certainly think so and it's just a fantastic time."
It’s also an unforgettable time, celebrating the beginning of boating season. "It's such a part of Seattle, it's part of culture, I think having it blend with opening day, having Windermere being such a long-term great supporter,” said O’Kane. “Our Olympic history, the whole 'Boys in the Boat' thing this year. ... It's really what we're all about."
The Windermere Cup paid homage to the iconic 1936 Olympic race, which the popular book and movie is based off. Nearly 90 years later, the outcome is the same. With these new boys in the boat, once again taking the gold, representing the Huskies and the Italian men's national team coming in second.
"It's fun,” said Cathy Gano, watching the races Saturday. “They're working really hard, and you appreciate all these muscles and how hard they have to train. So yes, it's perfect."
Not only did the men’s team get a win, so did the women's team. But fans said, the start of boating season is a win for everyone.
"Everybody who lives here, who wants to be on the water can be on the water,” said Cathy Gano. “It doesn't matter if it's a teeny boat or if it's a big boat."
The Windermere Cup is a celebration of community and sport. Organizers plan on maintaining this Seattle tradition, showcasing rowing for years to come. "It's the hardest sport you can do,” said O’Kane. “And the amount of effort they put in to put in very few opportunities to come out here and really do their thing. And I think that shared work, they are friends for life."
The regatta featured more than twenty races with athletes ages 14 to 70 years old. In addition to the UW rowing teams taking on the Italian National teams, they also were facing off against the University of Wisconsin teams.