The Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show kicks off today, running through Sunday at Annapolis City Dock—no small feat, since the city has begun a $100 million dollar renovation to its historic waterfront to deal with rising sea levels that routinely put the area underwater. Visitors will note that the show has moved deeper into Ego Alley while the big changes get underway closer to Spa Creek. 

Dozens of boats will be available for browsing. Photo courtesy of Annapolis Boat Shows

“We’re very excited about the move into Ego Alley,” says Annapolis Boat Shows President Mary Ewenson. “The stunning backdrop of Annapolis Harbor and the lively atmosphere of Ego Alley make it the perfect place to shop, socialize, and enjoy a fantastic weekend kicking off the tourism and sailing seasons.”

Kids 15 and under get into the show for free. Photo courtesy of Annapolis Boat Shows

The three-day show is jam-packed with educational offerings as well as the usual pleasure of walking the docks, talking with vendors, exploring new boats, and socializing with like-minded water people. 

The Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show will be located a little further down Ego Alley this year. Photo courtesy of Annapolis Boat Shows

Classes include a First Sail Workshop—45 minutes of classroom overview, followed by 90 minutes of on-the-water instruction on a Beneteau First 22; the $70 price includes a one-year BoatU.S. membership as well as tickets to the show. Daily seminars include an introduction to Rules of the Road, docking for couples, sailing with kids, linehandling, weather basics, and catamarans 101. Legendary sailor Dawn Riley will be in town to lead a talk as part of the Oakcliffe Collaboration on skills that help support sailing organizations, including fundraising, race officiating, starting a foundation for your club, emergency protocols, and how to build match racing and team racing programs. 

Out on the docks, explore boats ranging from an 80-foot catamaran to the Birdyfish—a high-performance hydrofoiling dinghy. Manufacturers and dealers who will have boats to tour include Catalina, Beneteau, Dragonfly, Dufour, Excess, Fountaine Pajot, Jeanneau, Seawind, and Tartan. Vendors throughout the show include everything from sailmakers and rum distillers to sailing schools and charter companies.  

Time to kick off the sailing season with some boat browsing. Photo courtesy of Annapolis Sailboat Show

The show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. General admission is $20, kids 15 and under get in for free. For more information and to buy tickets in advance, annapolisboatshows.com/spring-sailboat-show