Five SpinSheet Tips for Your Best Annapolis Sailboat Show Experience
When sailors flock to America’s Sailing Capital on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay every October for the Annapolis Sailboat Show, magic happens… but it’s more likely to happen if you navigate the show well and follow good advice. Here are five insider tips from Team SpinSheet for living your best life at the Annapolis Sailboat Show October 12-15, 2023:
1. Bring the kids
Borrow lifejackets for children from the BoatUS booth found on the BoatUS bridge across Ego Alley. Since strollers are not permitted, baby front packs and toddler backpacks are popular choices. To keep older kids engaged participate in the EWE Spirit scavenger hunt. Details at booth 19.
2. What to wear
In October, the weather in Annapolis can vary greatly. Plan for chilly mornings, warm afternoons, sun, and rain. We recommend dressing in layers with a water-resistant top layer. For footwear, ironically, boat shoes may not be the best choice. Go for a pair with good support and traction that are easy to slip off and on. Ready to upgrade your foulies? Look for special boat show pricing on foul weather gear.
3. Snap a pic
At the show you’ll find many experts with good advice. Be prepared. Before you leave home, take a picture of your boat, your boat project, and that little ‘thingy’ you need to replace. Inside the show, snap images of the products that interest you. You may want to make purchases later in the day so you don’t have to carry purchases, but you won’t want to forget the cool stuff you found early in the day.
4. Go green!
Annapolis Sailboat Show is riding the waves of sustainability. You’ll find water refill stations in near the Yacht Basin and Dock Street gates, another centrally located in the show, and one in the VIP tent for those with a VIP ticket. Reusable bags provided by LaVictoire Finance will be offered at the Dock Street gate. At the SpinSheet booth we’ll also have branded reusable bags (while supplies last) and stickers for your water bottle. Recycling bins will be located throughout the show.
5. Parking your land yacht
Show-goers are encouraged to park at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and take the free shuttle bus to the show. Cost for parking is $20 ahead of time and $25 the day of; $40/$50 for oversized vehicles. No cash accepted. Another option is to park in an Annapolis City parking garage and take the free Annapolis downtown shuttle to the waterfront. The closest garage, Hillman, which was closed due to construction last year, is now open. Enter off Duke of Gloucester Street (Will fill up early in the day and costs $23.25 for five-plus hours).
Find more great boat show information on this page, in our October issue and at the Annapolis Boat Shows website.
