Opening Day

A Wait for the Locks

The first weekend in May is Opening Day of boating season in Seattle and draws hundreds of boats and spectators.  The annual event includes the Windermere Cup Crew Races and a Boat Parade of participating yacht clubs. 

Got d' Fever in the Large Lock

Being WSU Cougars, we participated with the Cougar Yacht Club and transited the Ballard Locks into Portage Bay to join our fellow Cougar boaters.  With so many boats waiting to go through the locks on Opening Day, we were directed into the large lock.  Larger boats tie up against the wall of the large lock and must handle their own lines, taking up or letting out slack depending on the direction of transit.  Smaller boats raft-up alongside the larger boats and can sit back and relax.  It was our first time with Got d’ Fever along the wall in the large lock – all went smoothly as planned with 50 foot lines bow and stern with plenty of fenders port and starboard. 

Got d' Fever stern-tied at Zero Dock

After transiting the locks, we made our way to Portage Bay where boats stern-tie to Zero Dock, a temporary dock that is set up for participants in the parade.  It’s quite a social event with lots of food, drink, and camaraderie.  Boaters who want to watch the procession and crew races stern tie to the log-boom on the east side of the Montlake Cut, another big party scene of boaters. 

Cougar Mascot with Lorena and Leonard

We had the pleasure of having other Cougars aboard Got ‘d Fever during the parade and had a great time with the two couples who joined us. 

The Cheerleaders on Got d' Fever

We girls served as cheerleaders and led Cougar cheers from the bow of our boat, while Got d’ Fever paraded through the Montlake Cut decorated in crimson and grey.  This year’s theme was “Toys Ahoy” and a number of boats went all out with creative toy decorations, winning prizes in their boat class.  Opening Day in Seattle is a long-standing tradition which began in 1920 and this year marked the 28th anniversary of the Windermere Cup.

Creative Decorations