ANNAPOLIS, Md. — More than 200 sailboats are floating at Annapolis City Dock through Monday for the 47th Annual United States Sailboat Show, touted as the largest in-water sailboat show in the world.
“You can get on boats here of all sizes and shapes,” said Paul Jacobs, the president and general manager of Annapolis Boat Shows. “You can get on [anything from] an eight-foot dingy to a $3 million dollar [yacht] if you’d like to — I think our largest boat is about 65 feet.”
Whether you’re a landlubber or experienced sailor, there are boats Jacobs thinks you might find of interest. There are 30 different types of boats under 30 feet long, for example, for beginners.
“On the other end of the scale, we have the largest collection of multi-hulls — meaning catamarans and trimarans — in the world. We have well over 50 of those in the show,” Jacobs said.
Some boats sailed to Annapolis, for the show from as far away as South Africa and France. While Hurricane Matthew created concerns about potentially interfering with the show, organizers say they’re set to open on schedule. It’s the second consecutive year that weather threatened to be a disruption.
“If you’re an old salty sea dog that comes down, here you’re going to be amazed at some of the modern designs of some of these boats,” Jacobs said.
A small city of tents also lines Annapolis City Dock with vendors selling all sorts of food, boating gear and related supplies.
Boat shows such as these often increase traffic along U.S. 50 and other roads leading to Annapolis. Find ticket prices and parking advice.
