A Pride of Inflatables - transportation to check out a US Boat Show



Boat Show At Night.  Sailors' Delight.  Boat Show in the Day. Vendors Make Hay!

Report from Annapolis By Pat Whetung

Sailors be aware. 
Each autumn boaters flock to historic Annapolis, Maryland trying to hang on to the last vestiages of fall. The port city, nestled on the banks of Spa Creek in Chesapeake Bay, hosts the annual United States Sailboat Show. 
They come in cars. They come in inflatables.  Some sail in.  The common goal for all visiting sailors is to collect, connect and collaborate. The talk is all about boats, cruising, racing and significant events on and around the water. 
There are hundreds of boats on display to tour and, if the price is right, buy.  On land there are scores of vendors hawking anything that might seperate a boater from his wallet!

Lining up for tickets. Photo by Paul Horn

In fact at this year's boat show, the vendors were  selling just about everythingboaters’ needs and wishes.  Walking through the stalls and visiting the boats in the harbour that this year at Annapolis the yacht show was all about: Boat design, on the water comfort and efficiency, water collecting systems, electrical and power-saving devices,  life-saving equipment, go fast equipment and finishes, new gear  (functional and fashionable) and marketing on-water cruises.

Floating Displays - Photo by Paul Horn

Although the vendors look to be fewer this year, the enthusiasm and camaraderie is viral. Step onto the grounds and you will catch the fever to participate in the sport of sailing. This year, car license plates indicate visitors from every state within driving distance  of Maryland was there. And there was a huge contingent from Canada -- Northerners try to extend their season or simply taking a break from haul-out preparations back at home. 
Now in its 42nd year, the United States Sailboat Show, the October events attracts more than 50,000 boating enthusiasts from around the world to the waterfront of historic Annapolis, Maryland. 
The Chesapeake Bay community is also home of U.S. Naval Academy. Recognized across North America as the premier sailing showcase, this is the sailing event to buy, sell or dream.

Kicking the floating tire - Photo by Paul Horn