It’s a bright spot in the long, boring, and in this case, particularly frozen, boating off-season.
The Progressive Insurance Baltimore Boat Show is back for 2018, from Thursday January 25 through Sunday January 28 at the Baltimore Convention Center. As always, it will feature hundreds of shiny new boats to drool over, and, if you’re lucky enough to be looking to buy, special prices from many regional dealers.
The Annapolis School of Seamanship will be back on deck with hands-on boating courses, and visitors can practice their docking skills on remote-controlled model boats at the docking pool.
This year’s show offers a number of brand new, family-friendly attractions. Progressive’s new Oculus Rift virtual reality experience allows you to take the helm in a virtual boat race, navigating simulated waters as you try to beat the clock.
And the new Touch-a-Boat experience lets kids climb aboard real vessels like a U.S. Coast Guard boat, meet real captains, and hear their stories.
Be sure to visit Chesapeake Bay Magazine while you’re there. We’ll be offering special subscription prices for $20/year, and you’ll have a chance to meet some of our most storied editors and writers as they host a slate of seminars on an array of topics perfect for whatever your cruising speed.
Cruising the ICW
Whether you’re heading for Key West or the Great Loop, one leg of the voyage is the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Join liveaboard cruiser and Chesapeake Bay Magazine cruising editor Jody Argo Schroath for a discussion about the joys and pitfalls of cruising and navigating this famous inland waterway.
Thursday, January 25 at 2p.m., Friday, January 26 at 2 p.m., Saturday, January 27 at 1 p.m.
Dock and Dine on the Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay offers a spectacular range of cruising opportunities, great places to stop and see the sights and fantastic places to eat. Lifelong boater and publisher of Chesapeake Bay Magazine, John Stefancik shares insights on where to go, what to do, and where to find the best eats along the way.
Friday, January 26 at 4:30 p.m.
Light Tackle Rockfish-The Right Stuff
Good fishermen know how to turn bad days into good days and good ones into great ones. Shawn Kimbro, author of several books on fishing the Chesapeake Bay and Mid-Atlantic explains the techniques, traits and attitudes of highly successful Mid-Atlantic anglers. Get advice on fishing techniques, seasonal patterns, lures, rods and reels, fishing spots and characteristics of a good fishing boat.
Friday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, January 27 at 12 p.m., Sunday, January 28 at 12 p.m.
Boating for Beginners
New boaters are often overwhelmed with information. Safety, good boat-keeping, navigation and maintenance—whew—having a good time is overtaken by sweating all these details! Join Chesapeake Bay Magazine’s Publisher John Stefancik for an easy and straight-forward talk about the important things to know when you are just starting out.
Saturday, January 27 at 2 p.m.
How to Get Your Captains License
The Annapolis School of Seamanship teams up with Chesapeake Bay Magazine to offer several practical how-to workshops. Between the USCG requirements for sea time, physicals, applications and examinations, getting a captain’s license can seem daunting. Annapolis School of Seamanship’s expert captains will discuss the ins and outs of becoming a licensed captain. Topics covered in the seminar will include types of licenses, pre-requisites, the application process and using your license.
Saturday, January 27 at 11 a.m., Sunday, January 28 at 11 a.m.
Diesel Basics
Chesapeake Bay Magazine welcomes the Annapolis School of Seamanship to the Boat Show seminar series with another how-to session. Marine Diesel Basics seminar is a must for anyone who has or is thinking about owing a boat with a diesel engine. Annapolis School of Seamanship covers basic principles and operation of the marine diesel engine. Topics include the principles of operation, anatomy, systems and basic troubleshooting.
Thursday, January 25 at 11 a.m., Friday January 26 at 12 p.m.
The boat show runs January 25-28 at the Baltimore Convention Center on Pratt Street. From Thursday through Saturday, the show is open 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., and on Sunday, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tickets are $14 for adults, and free for kids 12 and under who are accompanied by an adult. To buy tickets ahead of time online, click here. Tickets are also available at the box office during the show.
