Put on Your Sailin’ Shoes
By Bonna Nelson and James Houck
Nowhere else than upon the sea do the days, weeks, and months fall away quicker into the past. They seem to be left astern as easily as the light air-bubbles in the swirls of the ship’s wake.
—Joseph Conrad
For 38 windswept, salty, weathered years, sailors and power boaters alike have followed the “Dog Star” that leads them to quaint, historic Annapolis for a run of days that are unlike any other during the year. The U.S. Sailboat and Powerboat Shows are tried-and–true, like a solid sheepshank knot. Throughout the shows’ history, there have a been thousands of boats for sale docked in the city’s tidal waters, deep pockets shelling out big clams for beautiful vessels, countless dockside parties, and more than a few tall tales told. The shows offer two weekends of nautical bliss for anyone who’s enamored by the flapping of sails and pennants in the breeze and the revving of inboards and out— or who generally enjoys puttering around on boats.
For residents and tourists, the boat shows are the “perfect storm” of recreation, commerce, vacation, and citywide pride. Held on back-to-back October weekends in Annapolis, the U.S. Sailboat Show and U.S. Powerboat Show bring many thousands of boating enthusiasts and industry professionals to Annapolis. The 2008 shows alone will present 250 new sailboats and 450 new powerboats in the water with another 100–200 on land, ranging in size from 9-foot dinghies to 80-foot luxury yachts.
In addition to being the largest in-water boat shows in the world, the events bring in an estimated $50 million in business for the city’s hotels, inns, attractions, restaurants, shops, and services—and that amount does not factor in boat and exhibitor sales. Connie Del Signore, Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference & Visitors Bureau CEO, says, “Visitors [to the boat shows] see Annapolis as a great destination for an overnight stay to take in the boat show, to try a new restaurant, and to enjoy the historic architecture and sights—more 18th-century sights than anywhere else in the nation.”
The founders of the first in-water boat show were Peter Carroll and Jerry Wood. Jim Barthold reminisces about how the boat shows began: “Jerry and Peter were sailing friends, racing buddies, and partners,” remembers Barthold, who joined the company now called United States Yacht Shows, Inc. in 1973 and recently retired as its general manager. “Jerry started the Annapolis Sailing School in the ’50s and taught Peter how to sail. Peter was involved with producing indoor marketing events. They came up with the idea of an in-water sailboat show and put their expertise to the task. The 1970 show was the first of its kind in the world, revolutionary after 75 years of indoor shows in convention centers! Later, powerboat shows were added.” The shows caught on, starting small, and grew to the degree that now boats and exhibits fill the harbor and nearby land to capacity. Floating docks in the harbor berth the boats and yachts. Like the shows’ size, the number of visitors grew over the years. A crowd of 50,000 people per show at the Annapolis City Dock is anticipated this year.
The continued success of the boat shows comes as little surprise to those familiar with them from their inception. Fred Hecklinger, a marine surveyor and avid boater who lives in Eastport, has attended every boat show. He recalls the instantaneous, and surprising, success of the first sailboat show. “In 1970, Annapolis was not that big of a tourist town. It was a complete surprise that the show was so successful. The weather was excellent and I was exhibiting there at a booth representing Palmer Johnson of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Every restaurant in town ran out of food. They had no idea. There weren’t all the restaurants in town that we have now, but one of the bigger places was the Yard Arm in Eastport [currently the Rockfish], owned by the Lewnes family. I was going to take a gal there for dinner and all they had left were lima beans—Charlie Lewnes came to the table and told me himself. To get a meal I had to go to South River,” he says, laughing.
As the world’s leading producers of in-water boat shows, which it pioneered, United States Yacht Shows, Inc., offers you the unique opportunity to board and inspect every new boat model on the market, to make onsite comparisons, and to talk with dealers about their products and boat ownership—all in one location. You’ll find highly motivated dealers who want to put you at the helm of the boat of your dreams for the best price possible.
The marketplace convenience, one-stop shopping, and in-water aspect of the shows have attracted local, national, and international visitors. VIPS in the industry, such as renowned sailor and media commentator Gary Jobson; boating industry media; Maryland’s governor; Annapolis’s mayor; and other elected officials traditionally visit the shows. They are expected again this year.
The influx of boats, boaters, and boating businesspeople certainly triggers reaction from those who call Annapolis home. For some, it’s the party of the year. For others, it’s an ideal time to skip town and take a short vacation. Many of the latter rent their homes to out-of-towners visiting the boat shows. “The boat shows are great for business,” declares Jen Hines of Annapolis Accommodations, Inc., a company that matches renters with homeowner properties. “Some local Annapolis homeowners take a vacation during the shows and rent their private homes near the harbor to visitors and guests. The homes are fully furnished and attract returning clients year after year.”
But if you’re here to stay, then prepare for the onslaught. In downtown Annapolis and parts of Eastport, everyday activities like parking your car can become quite a chore, as parking space becomes a premium commodity. Sometimes orange cones blocking out a designated space do the trick, but not always. Even though a shuttle service runs between downtown and Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (where there is plenty of parking), many show attendees still attempt to squeeze into the tiniest of parking spots along the city’s side streets (after realizing the parking garages are full). Be forewarned, even trying to engage in what usually are the most enjoyable of activities downtown, such as a white-tablecloth dinner, can become a fruitless exercise in frustration. Tables and waiting lists seem to fill faster than the pints of beer and tropical drinks at the dockside pubs lining Ego Alley (which are great places to end up, should you have to wait out the dinner rush).
Despite the inconveniences, the buzz of Annapolis during the boat shows can be quite enjoyable. Whether you live in town or visit, the pedestrian-friendly streets are perfect for strolling from one happy pub to another, window-shopping, and sightseeing. Many of the city’s restaurants have dinner and drink specials, and the live entertainment at many of the city’s hot spots offers a party-like atmosphere.
To enjoy the boat shows themselves, it helps to have a game plan for what you expect to accomplish there. Answering these questions can greatly enhance your experience by pinpointing your wants and needs on the water:
- Do you plan to actually purchase a boat or boating equipment or do you just want to peruse the boats and services for fun?
- What type of boat interests you: a high-speed muscle boat, a sleek sailing vessel, a center-console fishing boat, or a pontoon party boat?
- If you do plan to buy, what is your budget?
- If you are new to boating, have you educated yourself about the responsibilities of boat ownership (maintenance, costs, safety, liabilities, storage, and docking) and do you intend to shop for these services at the show?
When stepping onto the decks of the many boats to look them over and ooh and aah, wear nonslip, nonskid shoes, such as the ever-popular boat shoes or athletic sandals. And be sure to check the weather before your visit. With the large crowds in town, ducking out of a potential downpour could be difficult, so it helps to have a poncho or umbrella handy. Of course, don’t forget the sunscreen on sunny days. And, finally, a little patience goes a long way when dealing with large crowds.
Together with the parade of vendors and boats themselves, this whirlwind of activity makes Annapolis the place to be for two weekends each year. “The boat shows, like the historic sights and the United States Naval Academy, help to define Annapolis,” Del Signore says. “The impact of the boat shows on current and future business is significant. We spend money and work hard to attract people to the shows and to the town and hope that visitors will enjoy all that Annapolis has to offer and return often.”
Though the vessels in the Annapolis Harbor this month will be quite different from the vessels gracing the harbor 300 years ago when the City of Annapolis was first chartered, the historic city remains a hotbed of everything nautical, including good-natured camaraderie. “For me, it’s a social thing because I get to see so many people in the industry that I’ve gotten to know over the years, like Ted Hood of Hood Sails, and we reminisce and talk,” says Eastport resident Hecklinger. Fittingly, many will head for Annapolis and its U.S. Boat Shows—Parrotheads from Key West, wealthy sailors from Martha’s Vineyard, Kiwis from New Zealand, old salts from Nantucket, and tacticians from Europe—to enjoy each other’s company under the cloak of a crazy little thing called love . . . for the waters that connect us all.
Easton, Maryland, writer Bonna L. Nelson enjoys living on the banks of Jack’s Cove and boating and kayaking with her husband, John, on the nearby Tred Avon River.
James Houck enjoys boating and is currently looking to upgrade from his 12-foot inflatable Fish Hunter.
U. S. Sailboat Show
The U.S. Sailboat Show, the world’s largest show featuring exclusively new sailboats, invites new and experienced sailors to see the hottest racing and cruising boats from U.S. and foreign builders, on display at the Annapolis City Dock, where the mouth of the Severn River meets the Chesapeake Bay. More than 25 sailboat industry giants, such as Beneteau, Catalina, Hinckley, and Hunter, will show off their sleek new vessels.
In addition to large yachts, catamarans, and catboats, smaller craft also will be on site. These include trailerables, dinghies, and inflatables. And exhibitors under tent will be selling a vast selection of sailing equipment, rigging, accessories, and maintenance products and services. Available in this sailing marketplace will be spars, cordage, sails, folding propellers, electronics, global positioning systems, deck shoes, clothing, hats, and everything else needed to ready sailors and their vessels for cruising.
Information about vacation charters, cruising destinations, and even the National Sailing Hall of Fame (NSHOF), an Annapolis-based, not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving the history of the sport of sailing, will also be on hand. “The NSHOF will exhibit one of its classic sailboats from the 1950s,” says NSHOF Director Lee Tawney. “We think that the boat shows are a tremendous asset to Annapolis and that the National Sailing Hall of Fame exhibit will be an asset to the 2008 U.S. Sailboat Show, and we welcome visitors to stop by and see us at the basin.”
Sailboat Show Dates, Hours, and Admission:
Thursday, October 9, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Press/Trade/VIP day, $35 all ages
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, October 10–12, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Monday, October 13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
General Admission: $16 adults, $8 children 12 & under
U.S. Powerboat Show
The week after the sailboat show, the luxurious motor yachts and high-performance powerboats will rock the waters at the Annapolis City Dock near the Chesapeake Bay, North America’s largest estuary. More than 45 brand names in the powerboat industry, including Boston Whaler, Duffy, Grady White, and Viking, will be on hand with powerboats for cruising, racing, fishing, and waterskiing—everything from the 80-foot yachts and speedy performance boats to fishing boats and dinghies. Visitors are encouraged to board, tour, and inspect the vessels.
The powerboat show also will feature thousands of boating products and powerboat accessories as well as equipment, clothing, foul-weather and other gear, and boatlifts. Exhibitors will display the latest technology in navigation equipment, electronics, and maintenance products as well as provide information on marinas, financing, insurance, and repair service.
Powerboat Show Dates, Hours, and Admission:
Thursday, October 16, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Press/Trade/VIP Day, $35 all ages
Friday & Saturday, October 17–18, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sunday, October 19, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
General Admission: $16 adults, $8 children 12 & under
Both boat shows will feature free seminars at the Annapolis Marriott Hotel Ballroom next to the City Dock, on boating topics such as Diesel Engine 101 and The Best Cruising Spots on the Bay. The boat shows’ website, www.usboat.com, includes details on topics and schedules. Giveaways include a Caribbean charter vacation.
Boating Green
The boating industry wants to be as eco-friendly as possible. A healthy Bay is important to pleasure boaters and sports fishers. Engines have been redesigned to increase their efficiency and to reduce pollutants. Marinas are promoting green boating initiatives by raising awareness of the environmental impact of boating on the Bay. The Department of Natural Resources designates marinas that have met or exceeded its green requirements as Clean Marinas. Some of the green marina and boating criteria are organizing specific maintenance areas; controlling petroleum; following spill prevention plans; conducting proper sewage handling and waste disposal; and recycling plastics, paper, cans, and bottles.
Tags:
outdoor
oct 08
More Articles