Sailing Enthusiasts Gather For Annual Annapolis Sailboat Show

Thousands of people came to Annapolis City Dock this past weekend for the Annapolis Sailboat Show. From Thursday, October 15, to Sunday, October 18, guests were able to see cutting-edge marine technology and new sailboat models, attend seminars, and experience much more.

The Annapolis Sailboat Show is the largest in-water sailboat show in the world. Different manufacturers, charter companies, marinas, boat supply companies, and other vendors ensured prospective boat-buyers and those looking to upgrade their current setups enjoyed their experience on the docks.

For seasoned sailors Mike and Denise Garrison, the show was worth their eight hours of travel. The pair have more than 60 years of sailing experience between them. “You get some really good deals at the show, and it was worth traveling. We’re all the way from Wilmington, North Carolina,” Denise said.

Will Duffield from Chestertown, Maryland, noted the show was a good chance to see various things in-person instead of searching online. “It gives me an opportunity to just see what’s out there. Stand on it, touch things, talk to people who sailed them. I don’t get that browsing on the internet,” Duffield said.

While attendees enjoyed what the show had to offer, some visitors noted there were not many smaller boats for prospective buyers to consider.

“Boat dealers should absolutely bring a smaller boat, like a 30-foot boat, because that’s what we’re interested in and there’s none,” Donna Blair, an attendee from Virginia Beach, Virginia, said.

Her husband Mike Blair added, “Don’t get me wrong, they’re beautiful boats. But if you’re a 35-year-old person with two kids, I would imagine spending $300,000 is not in your range.”

For vendors and businesses, the show was a chance to introduce their newest products and talk to sailors. The show is an important event for Josh McLean, president of David Walters Yachts. “It is our Super Bowl of boat shows, if you will, especially in the sailing scene,” McLean said. “This year has been a very active show. … We’ve had folks from every corner of the country.”

Michael Robinson, manager of Handcraft Mattress Company, attends the Annapolis Boat Show annually. “I’ve been coming here for 15 years; I come three times a year, and they have not failed me yet,” Robinson said.

Local marina manager Coral Dittmar spoke about the opportunities aside from buying new products at the show. “The Annapolis Boat Show is a huge community of boaters that come together. So not only do you get to meet potential customers, but you get to network with some other people in the business that have really good ideas,” Dittmar said.

Some vendors offered attendees other unique experiences.

Oliver, Jasper and Posy Mullen painted people’s boats while they browsed the show. The three siblings were accompanied by their father, Chris Mullen, who helped set up the boat show.

“It’s been really great. We’ve had a lot of good customers and done a lot of good paintings. I’ve enjoyed painting a lot of people’s boats,” Oliver said.

The next opportunity to experience the Annapolis Sailboat Show will be April 23-25, 2027.