Biggest boat show in North America - news from Annapolis and beyond

by David Schmidt, Sail-World NA Editor on 9 Oct 2015 When it comes to checking out the latest raceboats and go-fast gear, North American sailors have long gravitated to the United States Sailboat Show, which is unfurling this weekend in Annapolis, Maryland (October 8-12). This annual event, which is the country’s biggest sailboat show, always takes place over Columbus Day Weekend and offers sailors chance to a experience the latest yacht designs in a beautiful, in-water setting.

The historic town of Annapolis, with its strong maritime and naval traditions, plays host to this great show and offers visitors plenty of evening entertainment, libation and social engagement with like-minded souls. Aside from Newport, Rhode Island, it’s hard to find a more sailing-obsessed town in the States than Annapolis, and the local population’s enthusiasm for the show and the boating lifestyle are obvious from the moment you arrive.

For first-time show goers, the United States Sailboat Show (AKA “Annapolis”, in industry parlance) offers something for sailors of all stripes and displacement measurements, from one-person training prams to globe-girdling cruising yachts. In between these extremes, racing sailors can expect a full display of high-performance dinghies, sportboats, and-typically-quick-looking 30- and 40-footers (or bigger) that are ready to help you fill-in your trophy cabinet.

While it’s a safe bet that the Annapolis show will be full of exciting boats, there’s little question that the Gunboat G4 will attract some of the longest lines of performance-oriented sailors. This fully foiling catamaran stunned the sailing world last winter with it’s seemingly effortless flight, which was debuted on the Caribbean racing circuit, but Annapolis will be most American sailors first chance to check out this impressive design in person.

Annapolis also promises a great selection of go-fast gear, from new sails to winches to blocks and running rigging. Vendors and manufacturers from the world over take up booths in the massive gear tents, allowing customers to comfortably browse, ask questions and physically interact (read: touch, try on, or fiddle) with equipment large and small. If your racing program could benefit from some new hardware or running rigging, head to the equipment tents-you won’t be disappointed.

And while boats and equipment are the obvious crowd pleasers, Annapolis also presents itself as a great place to meet other passionate sailors, cross tacks with old friends, and possibly share a drink with a Volvo Ocean Race or America’s Cup winner. (N.B., McGarvey’s Saloon and Oyster Bar, situated just a block or two away from the show’s main gates, is the hang of choice for many an old salts.)

Weather is a wild card at any outdoor show, but Annapolis, which takes place on fall’s front doorstep, has historically been a situation of extremes. I have personally seen shows where cold rain, high tides and stiff winds conspired to flood the errant equipment tent (if not the outer docks!), while other years have generated blue-sky days that define the term Indian Summer. Because of this, out-of-town visitors are encouraged to pack their foulies and their sailing shorts. (And if you forget, the top sailing brands all stand ready to sell you high-quality replacements.)

Fortunately, with the possible exception of today (Friday), the long-term weather report for the weekend calls for clear skies, crisp temps, and plenty of sunshine, which should hopefully help draw crowds and create a great experience for all involved. So, if you live nearby or can take advantage of the long weekend to travel, plot a course to Annapolis. We hope to see you there!

And for anyone who can’t make it to “Nap Town” for the show, be sure to check out the latest news from the America’s Cup, the America’s Cup World Series, the Argo Group Gold Cup, the U.S. Match Racing Championships and the Volvo Ocean Race—all inside this issue.

May the four winds blow you safely home,