Recreational Boating Information for the Northwest
Seattle Opening Day
May 2nd, 2020 - CANCELLED
Opening Day Log Boom Information:
The log boom is on the northern boundary of the parade route. Note that additional moorage is available on the south side of the parade route near Foster Island.
The log boom is provided by the Seattle Yacht Club and the University of Washington. You use it at your own risk. Neither the Seattle Yacht Club nor the University of Washington are responsible for any injury or damage claims.
Please use good nautical practices and judgment when maneuvering and mooring. Pay attention to weather conditions, and help your fellow boaters.
This is a volunteer effort. If all goes well, the log boom will be installed the Thursday before Opening Day, and removed the Monday following.
Log boom moorage is "first come, first served" for the north side. Those that donate in advance will be assured a place on the log boom if they arrive before 8am on Saturday. You can show support by making a donation when asked if you haven't done so already.
You may save a spot for your buddy who is a few minutes behind you, but DO NOT try to reserve multiple spots. Please welcome your neighbors, you will meet some great boaters.
Please respect the clearly marked area on the West (shore) end of the log boom reserved for University of Washington VIPs. No watercraft may cross or be on the parade route while it is closed
The parade route closes at 9:40am and does not reopen until the SYC Marshall Boats announce the parade route has reopended, which will be around 2:30pm.
Opening Day, the official
opening of Seattle's boating
season sponsored by the
Seattle Yacht Club, includes
a celebration of many kinds
of water activities. Festivities
will include a morning of crew
races, a sailboat race, and of
course, the Grand Opening Day Boat Parade on Saturday.
As always, the Opening Day Parade starts at noon the first Saturday in May with the blast of a cannon and the raising of the Montlake Bridge. Seattle Yacht Club's Opening Day has become the nation's largest regional celebration of water, spring, and the opening of boating season. Participating yachts will be decorated to illustrate the 2020 theme for Opening Day, "ROCK AROUND THE DOCK."
Opening Day in Seattle is a family affair; families decorate their boats for the festivities and parades; spread blankets on the shoreline and spend hours watching and picnicking. Families dream of the boats they someday will own.
Opening Day offers some outstanding photo and story opportunities. You'll not find anything like it in the U.S. or to our knowledge, in the world. The only thing comparable is an annual parade of commercial vessels in Venice, Italy.
Opening Day 1976
CREW
