Parade of boating events

Opening Day of boating season is widely billed as one of the largest free events in Seattle, treating viewers to crew races and a parade of more than 200 power, sail, classic and other boats. Participating yachts will decorate according to this year's parade theme: Musical Memories. Land-bound viewers crowd the banks of the Montlake Cut, while boat owners and thousands of their closest friends squeeze onto the log boom east of the cut. Moorage is free but first-come, first-served. Courtesy is second only to safety. To learn more: 206-325-1000 or www.seattleyachtclub.org.

Getting there

There is no Opening Day public parking at Seattle Yacht Club. Parking is available at surrounding University of Washington lots near Husky Stadium. Parking regulations are strictly enforced in neighborhoods bordering the Montlake Cut. Traffic in the area is very congested in the hour prior to rowing races, and the Montlake Bridge is closed to traffic from about 9:40 a.m. until as late as 4 p.m. Organizers encourage carpooling, bicycling or taking the bus. Many people take Metro Transit to the station on Highway 520 just below Montlake Boulevard, or take bus routes down 23rd Street. More information: http://transit.metrokc.gov or 206-553-3000.

Saturday's schedule

8 a.m.: Parade boats assemble in Portage Bay.

8:45 a.m.: U.S. Navy Band concert on the lawn at Seattle Yacht Club, 1807 E. Hamlin St.

9 a.m.: Commissioning ceremony, Seattle Yacht Club lawn.

9:40 a.m.: Parade course closed to all boat traffic; Montlake Bridge closed to street traffic (approximate time).

9:50 a.m.: Official VIP boats parade to moorage.

10:05 a.m.: Dragon Boat exhibition race.

10:20 a.m.: First races of the annual Windermere Cup begin. Visiting eight-oared men's and women's teams from Purdue University and New Zealand's Waikato University challenge the University of Washington.

11:30 a.m.: Last crew race begins.

11:45 a.m.: Crew competitors parade back through Montlake Cut along with Steve Chapin in a new Pocock cedar single rowing shell.

Noon: Opening Day boat parade begins.

2:30 p.m. (approximate): Parade ends.

3 p.m. (approximate): Montlake Cut open to regular boat traffic.

3:15-4 p.m. (approximate): Montlake Bridge reopens to street traffic.

4:30 p.m.: Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Seattle Yacht Club lawn.

6 p.m.: Trophy presentations, Seattle Yacht Club lawn.

6:30 p.m.: Opening Day closing ceremonies and lowering of colors.