Sailboats and
Powerboats, Annapolis Style
By Dick Healy
Aside from its early American historical
significance, Annapolis, Maryland is known the world over for sailing and
power boating. The hundreds of sailing yachts coming to the 38th Annual
United States Sailboat Show- October 4 -7 in Annapolis harbor, and the
subsequent U. S. Powerboat Show October 11-14, is a must attend event for
all serious boaters.
Like many of those who will be attending the shows, my involvement in
boating came in a serendipitous way when my youngest daughter, Christine,
lived five years in Annapolis and got immersed in sailing. After her first
year there, she bought a 1985 30-foot S2 that served as her live-aboard
home. The S2 was later sold.
Chris, worked deliveries to the Caribbean on private yachts, and eventually
sailed on tall ships (The Pride of Baltimore, Clipper City and Amistad)
among them. Upon leaving Annapolis she attended the Chapman School of
Seamanship in Stewart, FL and later piloted day cruise powerboats in Key
West. So with a dedicated boating daughter, I got to sail the Chesapeake and
got hooked on the grand sport.
Chris accompanied me to my first U. S. Sailboat Show. In later years I
attended the show with my oldest son Rich and his family. Rich lives in
Highland Beach and owns a 27-sailboat. The boat shows in October offer a
broad array of models and styles from domestic and international
manufacturers.
Of course many attendees will sign up for the various Cruising World
sponsored seminars covering subjects such as weather and wind, voyages
south, woman and cruising, outfitting for bluewater cruising, and noted
sailing authors. Author John Otterbacher “ Sailing Grace” will be taking
about his true story.
Also featured at the shows are every conceivable boating accessory item,
apparel, flotation devices, and the latest in navigational electronics.
According to word in from Greg Harris and Jenny Krieger of Weinberg Harris &
Associates, the media and invited V. I. P’s will be on hand from 10 a. m. to
6 p. m. Oct 4, and general admission days are Friday, Oct 5 through Monday,
Oct 8. 10 a. m. to 7 p. m., though Monday hours are from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m.
The Power Boat media/V.I. P day is Thursday, Oct 11 from 10 a. m. to 6 p.
m., and the general public run Friday, Oct 12 to Sunday, Oct 14. Hours are
from 10 a. m. to 7 p. m except for Sunday when hours are 10 a. m. to 6 p. m.
General admission is$16 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under.
Unique to both shows is that all boats on display are exclusively new, so
you’ll be seeing the finest up-to-date craft available for sale. Visitors
are welcome to board the boats and talk to representatives who can answer
everything from price to financing.
If you haven’t visited Annapolis, make it a point to do so while the shows
are in progress. The United States Naval Academy, right adjacent to the boat
docks, is in plain view. It’s a once a year opportunity to see the world of
sail boats and motor boats in regal splendor.
