The Annapolis Sailboat Show is a highlight in the SAIL calendar every year. It’s a focal point of our boat testing schedule, we have our biggest issue of the year on stands, and it’s pretty much the only opportunity we have to meet so many of our readers in person.
Truth be told, I wasn’t always so excited to come down and spend long, hot days in the blazing sun, following the other SAIL editors around while they caught up with old friends. But it wasn’t long before I had my own old friends to rendezvous with in Annapolis. It’s a cliche because it’s true: The marine world is a very small place. Now, it’s hard to walk down the dock without catching a glimpse of someone I ought to stop and say hi to. What a difference a few years makes.
Walking around the show last evening with some of our sales team, it was hard to imagine that in just over 12 hours the whole place would be filled with visitors. Docks were still being installed, boats maneuvered into place, booths assembled. It’s quite the sight to see it all coming together. (If you really want a spectacle, though, wait for Sunday evening and watch how fast it all disappears.)
This year, we’re expecting the weather to be a little dicey throughout the weekend (and despite rain predicted for Sunday, it’s hard to imagine it’ll top the year when half the booths had a foot of water in them). With all the jackets and hats that will be wanted, the apparel manufacturers at least are sure to have a good show. Unfortunately, the bad weather doesn’t look like it’ll have blown itself out by next week, which is when the serious buyers often get their seatrials in. Then again, before you buy is probably the best time to find out that you’re not comfortable with the boat in 25 knots of breeze.
Still, it promises to be a good time. We have 24 new boat nominees for our Top 10 competition, which range from packable dinghies to souped up cruisers and everything in between. In particular, I’m excited to see no fewer than five new models in the 30-40-foot range, which is a market that has been somewhat underserved in recent years.
And when we’re not running around visiting those, our booth is F7 this year (same as last year), and I would love for you to come visit and say hello.
For more on the show, including where to download a map or get tickets, click here.
