Seattleites are an optimistic bunch when it comes to weather. How else can you explain a marathon in November, a flower festival in April and opening day of boating season the first weekend in May?

Even after years of running races under cover of plastic trash bags, tiptoeing through the tulips encased in fleece and navigating the Montlake Cut in a downpour, we never stop believing that for this race, this festival, this nautical celebration, the sun will shine.

And Saturday, we may be right -- sort of. KING 5 meteorologist Rich Marriott is forecasting decreasing showers in the morning, a partly sunny afternoon and a high of 58 for the 2008 Seattle Yacht Club Opening Day of Boating Season. Bikini weather it isn't, but in light of the fact that it was snowing two weeks ago, we'll take it.

The theme of this year's festival is "A Three Ring Circus," which could refer to the three types of geography from which you can view the festivities: land, sea or the patio of your favorite waterside restaurant.

Of course, the best seat in the house is one that floats, but if you don't have access to a boat (you could rent one at the Northwest Outdoor Center), pack a picnic, grab a lawn chair or a blanket, and find a seat along the Montlake Cut.

If deck shoes and festival seating aren't your style, head to a restaurant with a view of the action. Eateries along the Cut include the laid-back Agua Verde Café & Paddle Club, the family-friendly Ivar's Salmon House and the sophisticated Ponti Seafood Grill.

The 22nd annual Windermere Cup crew races start at 10:20 a.m. Four guest teams -- the Polish men's national team, the Melbourne University women's team, and the men's and women's U.S. Naval Academy teams -- will compete against the men's and women's teams from the University of Washington.

At noon, the always-entertaining Seattle Yacht Club parade of boats begins. Vessels of all sizes will compete for awards in categories like best classic sailboat, best novelty decorated boat and best working boat.

Opening Day is much more than a call for boat owners to return to the water. It's a signal to soggy locals that sunnier days are on the horizon. And if it rains Saturday -- so what? Seattleites are nothing if not well versed in wet.

Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company