Our Perfect Day at the Annapolis Sailboat Show

October 9, 2024

Ryan Sneddon

Publisher

Another week, another boat show. My perfect day at the Annapolis Sailboat Show starts early for two reasons (just like the Powerboat Show):

Parking. It’s way easier to park the earlier you arrive. If you’re early enough, you can get lucky in a downtown Annapolis parking garage; the Hillman Garage is closest. Check our Instagram for a bunch of places to park.
Smaller crowds. Just like anything, the earlier you are, the smaller the crowds are. It’s true in hiking, dinner reservations, and boat shows. The shows start at 10 AM promptly. I’m at the gates right then.

Planning ahead

Something that’s relatively new at the Annapolis Sailboat Show is the Cruisers Creating Content Booth. They bring in sailing influencers from all over the world to meet their fans and answer questions.

These people combine to have millions and millions of followers so this will get pretty crowded. It’s also on a schedule so I’ll plan my day around who I want to see here then hit the stops below.

Next stop: My top boats

I’m not gonna lie to you. I’m a powerboater through and through. But pretty boats are pretty boats (and I have a type) so these are probably just the biggest boats I can find. All the boats on display are posted on the show website.

I want to see the Boréal 70, Y Yacht 70, and the Lagoon LSixty 5.

We have a full story about boat show boarding etiquette. It’s not as hard as it seems.

Planning my next vacation

One of my favorite spots at the Annapolis Sailboat Show is Vacation Basin. It’s where dozens of yacht charter companies bring some of the actual boats you can charter down in the BVIs, Bahamas, and other famous cruising grounds so you can really see what they’re like.

If you go see the folks at Voyage Charters, tell ‘em Ryan from the Scoop sent you. We love them.

See boats nobody has seen before

The Annapolis Sailboat Show is the largest in-water sailboat show in the world. As such, it’s a favorite for boatbuilders to show off their latest and greatest creations. This year, 16 boats are making their North American debut. We’re most stoked to see the Bali 5.8, Windelo 54, and the Xquisite 60 Solar Sail.

By now I’ve worked up an appetite so it’s time for lunch.

What’s for lunch?

Two words: Pit Beef.

Even though I just had it a week at the Annapolis Powerboat Show, I’m going right back to the Fleet Reserve Club for pit beef at the Sailboat Show because it’s the only time of the year I get to go to the members only club.

There’s other food options inside as well as multiple bars. Bring cash.

If I have more time and want a sit down experience, the Choptank is my choice. I always hope to get lucky and get a cableside table on the second floor so I have the absolute best view of the boat show. My go-to is their burger because it’s inexpensive, delicious, and easy to eat. But you can’t go wrong with anything here.

Time for a drink

It’s the end of an era. This is the last Annapolis Sailboat Show with Pusser’s. So you gotta get here for one last painkiller. It’s a boat show classic.

There are also bars at the Fleet Reserve Club, Latitude 38, and the Choptank. And there’s the wine and spirits tasting tent where you can try new things!

Back to the show for shopping

After lunch and a drink, I’m ready to find some deals. Helly Hansen always has killer boat show deals. The shows themselves also have great merch so don’t miss that either. There’s so much good gear to be found.

No matter how you Boat Show, we hope to see you there. If you see anyone from the Scoop team downtown during the Annapolis Sailboat Show, don’t hesitate to say hi! The Annapolis Sailboat Show is October 10–14 in beautiful downtown Annapolis.