Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show to feature new sailor education, entertainment

This year, the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show is emphasizing bringing new sailors to the docks.

Held at City Dock, the show runs from April 26 to 28. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

A series of free boating seminars presented by BoatUS will cover topics for all skill levels, including rules of the road, essential knots, safe docking, VHF radio etiquette and empowerment of women in sailing and racing, among others.

New sailors ready to get on the water at the show can take advantage of the First Sail Workshop. Presented by the American Sailing Association, the $65 hands-on class provides adults 18 and older with a 45-minute classroom lecture on sailing basics followed by 90 minutes of on-water instruction aboard a Beneteau First 22.

The show will place an increased focus on youth sailing this year, as well. A panel discussion at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday will touch on essentials for families hoping to introduce sailing to their children, including gear, safety, costs, skill progression and skills learned. A Rooster sailing gear trailer will also offer help with gear purchasing and fitting.

Though the spring sailboat show is smaller than the fall show, more than 40 sailboats will be on display, ranging from dinghies and daysailers under 20 feet to the Antigua 60, a luxury cruiser. There is one exception, however — while the 157-foot Pride of Baltimore II isn’t for sale, show attendees will have a chance to climb aboard and explore the 19th-century clipper replica.

More than 100 exhibitors are set to showcase their offerings, including sailing schools and clubs, yacht brokers, charter companies, boating apparel retailers and marine suppliers.

topics for all skill levels, including rules of the road, essential knots, safe docking, VHF radio etiquette and empowerment of women in sailing and racing, among others.

New sailors ready to get on the water at the show can take advantage of the First Sail Workshop. Presented by the American Sailing Association, the $65 hands-on class provides adults 18 and older with a 45-minute classroom lecture on sailing basics followed by 90 minutes of on-water instruction aboard a Beneteau First 22.

The show will place an increased focus on youth sailing this year, as well. A panel discussion on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. will touch on essentials for families hoping to introduce sailing to their children, including gear, safety, costs, skill progression and skills learned. A Rooster sailing gear trailer will also offer help with gear purchasing and fitting.

“]

The No Wake Zone, a new outdoor lounge area, will serve as the spot for show attendees to relax and listen to music by Sean Owen. For adults over 21, samples of bourbon, vodka, gin, rum and wine will be available in the tasting tent.

Tickets

One-day general admission tickets are $18 online and $20 if purchased at the gate. Tickets are $11.25 for service members. Children 15 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online at annapolisboatshows.com/spring-sailboat-show/attend.

Additional fees apply for the First Sail Workshop and the VIP experience.

Parking

Parking is available in garages throughout downtown Annapolis. Garages can fill quickly, so the show recommends attendees plan ahead and reserve parking ahead of time.