Biggest Boat Shows on the Planet Return to the “Sailing Capital of the World” in October

photo by fineartamerica.com

From the presence of the United States Naval Academy to the million dollar yachts found along Ego Alley to single crab pots floating off private docks, life on the water is a constant commonality in the culture of Maryland’s capital city and, as a result, is in the blood of all those who call Annapolis home. It comes as no surprise, then, that the “Sailing Capital of the World” is the permanent location of not one, but two of the biggest international gatherings of boats, as well as enthusiasts looking to buy and sell them.

This October, both the United States Sailboat Show and United States Powerboat Show will once again convene in Annapolis for two weekends dedicated to loving life on the water- and the toys that make the water all that more exciting.

U.S. Sailboat Show

Celebrating its 45^th year in 2014, the United States Sailboat Show is the nation’s oldest and largest in-water boat show and features a one-of-a-kind collection of the newest sailboats and catamarans on the market. The Sailboat Show, which originates from City Dock in Downtown Annapolis from October 9-13, is expected to bring over 50,000 boating and sailing fanatics looking to buy or sell state of the art vessels and equipment.

Not only will the 2014 United States Sailboat Show boast one of the biggest assortments of multihull sailboats on the planet, but also daily seminars by Cruising World and Chesapeake Bay magazines; interactive workshops and boat demos; smaller boats, dinghies and inflatables; sailing equipment, rigging and accessories; maintenance products and services; charter and travel information; and the hottest domestic and international racing and cruising boats.

U.S. Powerboat Show 

photo by newcoast.com

The weekend following the Sailboat Show, Annapolis turns its attention to vessels with a little more power as the 43^rd annual U.S. Powerboat Show returns to City Dock October 16-19.

Although it hasn’t been around quite as long as its sailing counterpart, the Powerboat Show draws upwards of 40,000 enthusiasts and features luxury yachts, high performance speed boats, offshore fishing machines, family cruisers, inflatables and nearly every other type of powerboat in existence.

Those attending the show will have the chance to try and buy a wide variety of marine equipment, accessories, electronics, and gear. The 2014 U.S. Powerboat Show will also offer boating lessons, rentals, seminars by Chesapeake Bay magazine, cutting edge navigation equipment, antique and classic boats and the Center Console Fishing Collection.

If you want to purchase tickets or get more details on exhibits, vendors and sponsors, information about parking and the layouts of the shows, and lists of special events, please visit the official site of the boat shows.

To find the ideal accommodations for your stay during the boat shows, please check out the Annapolis.com hotels page.