The winters may be rainy and cool in Seattle, but when spring and summer arrive, residents enjoy the outdoors with their boats. Seattle has more boats per capita than any other city. One of the unique events that happen each year in Seattle is the Opening Day of boating season.  For over 85 years the Seattle Yacht Club has organized the Opening Day boat parade and this year it’s slated for Saturday, May 6th.  It’s the largest celebration of its kind in the country. 

At noon on Opening Day you’ll see hundreds of decorated yachts and vintage wooden boats.  The floating parade begins at Portage Bay and continues into Lake Washington.  On the morning of Opening Day, you’ll also see crew races and dragon boat exhibitions.  The best place to view the parade is along Montlake Cut next to the University of Washington. 

Experience Opening Day on the water and be part of the parade by taking Argosy’s Opening Day Cruise on the Spirit of Seattle.  The cruise runs from 10:30-4pm and follows the parade route. During past Opening Day parades, the Spirit of Seattle has won 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.  The cruise includes live jazz performances and lunch. 

Even if you can’t make Opening Day, you can take an Argosy cruise on most weekends.  Their “Lake Cruise” takes you through the historic houseboat community including the Sleepless in Seattle houseboat.  You’ll also pass by many of the luxury homes surrounding Lake Washington including the impressive home of Bill & Melinda Gates.