While we boat year-round in the Pacific Northwest, Opening Day is a regional tradition that many mariners look forward to every spring.

A big part of these festivities is the Seattle Yacht Club’s Opening Day celebration on Portage Bay, which began in 1920. This year, though, Covid-19 protocols and precautions are forcing the cancelation of the main even. However, there may be hope for UW Rowing and Windermere Cup enthusiasts, as a decision on that Opening Day-adjacent event has yet to be made.

Here’s SYC’s announcement via Facebook:

After much thought, The Seattle Yacht Club leadership and Opening Day Trio regret to inform you that the 2021 Opening Day festivities have all been cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. The logistics of an event of this size under the expected restrictions is just not possible. The UW Rowing Regatta and Windermere Cup information will be forthcoming.

To the greater Salish Sea boating community, UW Rowing and Windermere Cup fans, and all who look forward to the traditional Opening Day events – stay tuned as we are working on a contingency plan and will inform you all as soon as possible.

Thank you for your support of Seattle Yacht Club’s Opening Day and we look forward to continuing the tradition as we have since 1920!