Nestled on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis has long been a pilgrimage site for sailors. Dubbed America’s Sailing Capital, the city’s narrow streets are steeped with a maritime legacy that spans over three centuries. Its skyline has a unique dynamism, typified by an ever-renewing assortment of masts and the domes of the Naval Academy Chapel and State House.
The Annapolis Sailboat Show (October 10-14, 2024) was born out of this nautical fervor more than 50 years ago. Today, it stands as the largest in-water sailboat show in the world, serving as the venue for manufacturers to unveil their newest boats and drawing attendees from around the globe.
In addition to being the best place to see the newest in boats, electronics, gear, and other sailing-related offerings, the Annapolis Sailboat Show is a rendezvous for sailors from around the world, the biggest sailing party of the year. Attendees are encouraged to don their shorts, grab a drink, tour the floating docks, and hop aboard any boat that strikes their fancy (including the Baltimore clipper ship replica, the Pride of Baltimore II).
On shore, there’s a boating bazaar to explore with vendors offering everything from life jackets and rigging to handcrafted navigational tools and artisanal bourbon. With downtown Annapolis only a few steps from the showgrounds, foodies will be spoiled too—seafood lovers especially. October brings the start of fall oyster season on the Chesapeake, and there’s no shortage of other local delicacies. Softshell crab sandwiches, claws and all, are an experience all their own.
For those with a less adventurous palate, there is a variety of American, Thai, Italian, and sushi restaurants to choose from. You can find a tavern where George Washington drank and a taco bar serving margaritas, all within walking distance of the show.
And Chesapeake Bay Magazine will be hosting its annual Boat Show Bash on Friday night during the Sailboat Show. Catch the rocking ’80s band Weird Science, back by popular demand, on the Pusser’s rooftop on Friday, Oct. 11, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Naturally, though, the stars of the show are the sailboats. Close to 200 sailboats are expected to be featured at this year’s show: daysailers, dinghies, monohulls, multihulls, bluewater cruisers, racing skiffs, and more. Given the size and prestige of the Annapolis Sailboat Show, it’s not surprising that so many manufacturers premier their new boats there. This year’s show will be hosting the premier of the Dufour 44, Windelo 54, Allures 51.9. and Garcia Exploration 52, just to name a few.
Whether they’re looking for a new boat or just window shopping, attendees can board any vessel and talk with the manufacturers, designers, or dealers. The best part of being at the Annapolis Sailboat Show is the people you meet and the expertise they bring with them. You’re liable to run into anybody from America’s Cup sailors to circumnavigators; not just at the show, but at the local bars in the evening too. The show has been bringing sailors together for over half a century, so many people treat it as an annual get-together. And, with such an outgoing group, it’s an easy tradition to fall into.
One of the sailboat show’s draws for visitors is that it’s easy to get to. Annapolis City Dock, the home of the show, is just an easy 30-minute drive from Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) and just over an hour from Reagan National and Washington Dulles International. For those coming by boat, Annapolis is less than 130 miles from the mouths of the Chesapeake and Delaware bays with moorings and marina slips within walking distance of the showgrounds.
Accommodations are also easy to come by. There are historic hotels close to the show as well as the standard fare of chains and short-term rentals.
With over 500 exhibitors, free daily seminars from industry experts, and easy access to America’s Sailing Capital, there’s something for every type of sailor at the Annapolis Sailboat Show. All that’s missing is you!
