Annapolis Sailboat Show 2023 Guide

October 11, 2023

Ryan Sneddon

Publisher

Annapolis has 4 epic, huge, can’t-miss holidays: St. Patrick’s Day, Commissioning Week, EYC Lights Parade, and Boat Shows. But boat shows can be intimidating if you’ve never been. So we compiled all the most common questions we get into one helpful guide.

Btw, Annapolis has two different boat shows each fall. Powerboats are usually first. We had those last weekend. This weekend it's all about the boats without motors. Or at least the ones that don't use motors very often.

Boat Show Basics

What is a boat show? Basically the entire harbor turns into a gigantic shopping mall of boats, boat accessories, and businesses that like marketing to boaters.
Who goes to the Annapolis Sailboat Show? Literally everyone. Tens of thousands of people.
How do I go to the Annapolis Sailboat Show? Buy a ticket ($25 in advance, $30 at the gate), park at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium ($20 in advance, $25 at the lot) and take the shuttle, then just walk around and look at the awesome boats!
Can I park any closer than Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium? Sure. Lots of private lots offer premium parking closer to the show. Bring cash. And there's always the shiny new Hillman Garage. You better be pretty early though because these options fill up fast.
What will I see at the Annapolis Sailboat Show? First of all, boats (duh). From 10 feet to 66 feet and $25k to millions. But you’ll also see boat adjacent stuff like floating docks, boat lifts, clothing and life jackets, and tons of service providers. You’ll even see non-boat things like Realtors, home builders, and landscapers.
When is the Annapolis Sailboat Show? October 12–15. That’s this weekend.
What time is the Annapolis Sailboat Show? 10 AM–6:30 PM Thursday through Saturday. Sunday is 10 AM–5 PM. Thursday’s called Preview Day. It’s a little more expensive but less crowded so it’s Scoop’s favorite day.
Is the Annapolis Sailboat Show rain or shine? Yes. Boaters aren’t afraid of bad weather. Especially not hearty sailors.

Map of the Show

The Experience

What can I eat and drink? There’s plenty of food onsite. The Fleet Reserve Club is open to the public selling beer, oysters, and their classic boat show pit beef. Choptank has a special outside bar and a stellar view of the show. And this is the only time of the year we drink Pusser’s painkillers before noon.
Is there water at the show? Yes. Annapolis Green’s Naptown Taps will be onsite providing clean drinking water all weekend long.
Can I ride on any boats? You bet. Take the Wheel (advance registration required) allows you to demo and compare two sailboats.
What if I’m a big baller? Get a VIP ticket and access the LaVictoire Finance lounge with a full bar and catering by Julie St. Marie.

Other highlights

Cruisers Creating Content

Sailors from all over the world with millions of followers are once again attending the Annapolis Sailboat Show. This is always super popular so be prepared to wait in line to meet your favorite YouTubers. Here's who's coming and the schedule!

Vacation Basin

Without a doubt Scoop's favorite place at the show. Want to charter a catamaran in the Caribbean? Maybe you want to explore fractional ownership? Vacation Basin is the place to go.

Final Questions

Do I have to take my shoes off? Not for every boat but slip-ons are always a good idea at a boat show.

Are there any local discounts for the Annapolis Sailboat Show? Yes! We know Leo, a delicious farm-to-table restaurant on West Street, is offering 10% off to all boat show attendees and guests. We'll add more here as we hear about them.

What if you didn’t answer my question? Check out the official Annapolis Sailboat Show FAQs.

See you at the show!