Annapolis Boat Show Guide: Sailboat Show & Power Boat Show [2023]

The city of Annapolis is a water-privileged community that is steeped in US Naval history. Even people who don't own a boat can enjoy the boating lifestyle from the shoreline while dining at a waterfront restaurant or walking along the bay. One of the ways that residents and visitors get to show their nautical appreciation is at the annual boat shows, which are some of Annapolis' biggest attractions. People living in Annapolis' waterfront homes or condos sometimes watch these shows for free. Here's a quick guide to the annual Annapolis boat shows for those new to the area and wanting to see all the excitement.

Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show

The Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show marks the beginning of the boating season each year on the Chesapeake Bay. The show takes place during the last full weekend in April. This is the premier event for anyone considering finally buying that dream sailboat. The show takes place at Ego Alley and the Annapolis City Dock, which are highly familiar to anyone involved in boating in Annapolis.

Attendees can board and inspect dozens of new and brokerage sailboats at the Spring Sailboat Show, which is one of the best things to do on the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis. These always include mono-hull and multi-hull boats, fishing boats, trawlers, pontoons, and luxury cruisers. Each boat has experienced representatives on hand to answer questions about buying and maintaining a boat. The Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Hotel always hosts Cruisers University during the spring show. This is a four-day training event where attendees can learn about sailing and the cruising lifestyle.

In addition to all the boats, over 100 vendors on the docks are always waiting to show off the latest boating gear to potential buyers. Electronics, boating equipment, foul weather gear, financing, and insurance are available.

Bay Bridge Boat Show

The Bay Bridge Boat Show takes place on Kent Island, on the opposite side of Chesapeake Bay. It's just a 10-minute drive from Annapolis across the bridge. This is primarily a powerboat show with more than 100 new boats for interested buyers to explore. Family-friendly seminars and boating classes are available, where people can learn Precision Docking, Open Water Boat Handling, and Intro to Boating. There are usually several boats that show attendees can take out on the water. Just schedule a test drive at the Demo Dock in the morning.

On-site parking at the Bay Bridge Boat Show costs $10 per car. Once the parking lot is full, attendees can park at Kent Island High School and take a shuttle bus to the Bay Bridge Marina. The Bay Bridge Boat Show has beer and food stations at the marina and live entertainment. This show takes place in mid-April, two weeks before the "official" start of the boating season.

Annapolis Powerboat Show

The Powerboat Show takes place in October each year. Ego Alley and the Annapolis Harbor are turned into a temporary marina, complete with floating docks, where showgoers can check out the latest powerboats, fishing trawlers, luxury yachts, and other powerboats of all types. This is considered one of the world's most extensive in-water boat shows. Inflatable speedboats, center consoles, family cruisers, and many additional types of new boats are on display for those considering purchasing the new model-year ships that are about to come on the market. And it all takes place in one of Annapolis' top waterfront neighborhoods.

Past powerboat vendors at the show include Grady-White Boats, Cobia, Pursuit, and Burr Yacht Sales. Over 400 boating and accessories vendors have lined the City Dock in Annapolis during past Powerboat Shows. Hundreds of service exhibitors are also at the show, offering everything from boat maintenance and custom canvas to electronics installation and boat financing. Food and beer stations are available as well. And as with most boat shows, there are courses and educational workshops for people to learn more about the boating lifestyle.

While this is a tremendous opportunity to check out new powerboat models, politeness always counts at boat shows! Attendees should wait for the permission of the manufacturers, dealers, or brokers to come aboard any vessel.

Annapolis Sailboat Show

The Sailboat Show happens in mid-October and features the most extensive collection of sailboats from manufacturers across the globe. While it's the last of the annual boat shows, it's still on the list of the best things to do in Annapolis. Once again, Ego Alley and the Annapolis City Dock become home to a temporary marina, where visitors can view mono-hull and multi-hull sailboats, sailing dinghies, cruisers, racers, and much more. Most boats are new models or ones that will be available in the upcoming boating season, and this is the chance for show attendees to step on board and find a vessel they genuinely love.

Past boat vendors who have attended the Annapolis Sailboat Show include the Dean Yacht Company, Galahad Marine Sales, and Chesapeake Whalertowne. Vendor tents completely overtake the shoreline at the Annapolis City Dock for this show. Companies like Port to Port Yacht Transport, Annapolis Boat Sales, and PYY Marine are on hand to showcase their services to the boating community.

Nautical gear and supplies from vendors like Fawcett Marine Supplies, Hawgfin Performance Fishing, and Mid-Shore Electronics show off their latest wares. The newest boating electronics, communications gear, sails, rigging, and other accessories are available to explore and purchase. It's a chance to meet fellow sailors and see the latest and greatest sailboats and accessories in one location. Since this is usually the last boat show of the year in Annapolis, expect heavy attendance.

Annapolis is All About the Boating Lifestyle

The best part about living in Annapolis is taking advantage of the boating lifestyle and all the available water. Sailing, fishing, water-skiing, and pleasure boating are favored activities in this maritime community. The boat shows that take place each year are beautiful opportunities for meeting like-minded neighbors who genuinely love the boating season on the Chesapeake Bay each year.