Nothing signals fall in Annapolis quite like the start of the Annapolis Powerboat Show October 3-6.
Whether you’re in the market for a new boat, boating supplies, or are simply dreaming of the boating lifestyle, this is the place for you. If you want to stroll the docks in a historic city on a beautiful autumn day, come on down. How about having an excuse to sip on a Painkiller before 5 p.m.? Welcome. Want to chat with the experts, maybe sit in on a seminar, take an on-the-water class, or demo a boat before buying? Huzzah! You can do all of this and more. There is something for every budget and experience level and fun for the whole family. Here are five things you won’t want to miss:
1. Boats, Boats, and More Boats
Climb aboard hundreds of boats, both new and used, from a variety of manufacturers in every size and style imaginable. Do you know exactly the make and model you’re in the market for, or perhaps just the size? Visit the Boat List on the Annapolis Boat Shows website to see every boat on display and filter the options accordingly. Not sure which boat is right for you? Head to the Demo Dock where you will get the chance to ‘try before you buy’ with a variety of boats, engines, and electronics to find out what works best for you. Or perhaps you’re most interested in the latest and greatest? There are more than 15 new and premiering powerboats at this show, and you can be among the first to climb aboard. If you know you’re in the market for a pre-owned vessel, head to Brokerage Cove, just a short walk or free water taxi ride from the main show gates.
2. Tons of Vendors
There are more than just shiny boats on display. Attendees will find everything from boat shoes and sunglasses to nautical-inspired art and jewelry, and everything you could ever want or need for your boat—think dock lines, anchors, electronics equipment, and more. Need a waterproof bag for your cell phone? Check. How about a new cooler? Check check. New lifejacket? Do you even have to ask…? Of course! Spend an afternoon browsing the vendors throughout the show and you’re practically guaranteed to get your holiday shopping done early.
3. Educational Opportunities
Free daily seminars take place Thursday through Sunday on a variety of topics including medical emergencies on boats, what to look for when buying a used boat, fishing for rockfish, empowering women at the helm, and more. The BoatUS Foundation is also offering a number of family-friendly introductory boating courses including Intro to Boating, Women Making Waves, Precision Docking and Boat Handling, and Open Water Boat Handling. Each course includes approximately three hours of on-water instruction and admission to the Annapolis Powerboat Show. Head to the FishTalk Fishing Spot to learn all about the great fishing experiences and species available in Maryland. Chat with industry experts, discuss conservation efforts underway in Maryland, and explore the latest fishing boats.
4. Quintessential Cocktails
Can you really say you attended the Annapolis Powerboat Show if you didn’t order at least one Pusser’s Painkiller? We didn’t think so. Pusser’s will be moving out of its Annapolis location this fall, so if you want an official Painkiller, don’t delay. If it’s your first one, best to start with level two, but if you really want to get the party started, order a level four (hint: it’s stronger).
If ‘free’ is your favorite word, head to the Wine & Spirits Tent located in the Yacht Basin to learn more about the premium selection of offerings and enjoy complimentary tastings from Oak Ridge Winery, Baltimore Spirits Company, and Old Line Spirits. You may also purchase cocktails onsite.
5. Historic Annapolis
It’s no secret that the Annapolis Powerboat Show has an incredible location right in the heart of downtown Annapolis. To make the most of your visit, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to see all that the show has to offer, as well as take in the sights in town. Hop on a water taxi to check out Annapolis from the water, hike to the top of the Spa Creek drawbridge for a great vantage point of the show (this is also an amazing spot to watch the sunset), and spend hours walking the historic streets of Maryland’s capital city. Whether you’re looking for home goods, bookstores, upscale dining, museums, or a great local pub, you’ll find it all just a short walk from the show gates. For more information on planning your visit, all the information is here.
