The Annapolis Boat Show is always a much anticipated event. More specifically, the U.S. Sailboat and Powerboat Shows (http://www.usboat.com) held in Annapolis, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay, have never failed to draw droves of cruising sailors every fall. Held back to back are The US Sail Boat Show (http://www.usboat.com/sailboat/information.htm) and Powerboat Show (http://www.usboat.com/powerboat/information.htm).
Cruisers come to Annapolis every year as part of what traditionally has been accepted as the start of the cruising year. The Annapolis Boat Show features the hottest new racing and cruising boats from U.S. and foreign builders as well as the world’s largest multihull displays. Meanwhile, the America’s oldest and largest in-water Powerboat Show showcases the wide world of powerboats, from luxurious motoryachts and trawlers to high-speed, high performance boats and offshore fishing machines, plus cruisers, center consoles and tenders.
Where there are thousands of sailors, the merchants cannot be far behind. The Annapolis Boat Show is one of the most important events not only for US-based marine manufacturers but also for the international recreational boating industry. Stretched over two weeks every October, Annapolis is transformed into a super trade exhibition area of the newest and most beautiful sailboats and powerboats. These are complemented by hundreds of tents set up for displays of equipment and services. Annapolis is definitely a great place to be for sellers, buyers, and shoppers at this time of the year.
Many cruisers also take advantage of the time that they are in Annapolis to avail of the array of boat services that the town offers. Most of them try to arrive a little earlier than the start of the boat show so they have time to find hard-to-find parts of their boats or get some minor works done before set off.
The trade fever extends beyond the city’s dock area to restaurants, taverns, bars, and other gathering places in the area. It is a perfect time to meet with fellow cruisers and catch up with old friends. It is not unusual for yacht clubs and boating groups and organizations to have their annual social events during this time.
Annapolis is also very friendly to boats seeking to anchor. There are numerous creeks near the boat show area, city moorings in the inner harbor as well as transient slips. It is wise, however, to book ahead of time so you can be sure that you have a place to dock your boat.
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