What a Show! The Annapolis Sailboat Show 2024
Wow! Who remembers a sunnier boat show, or sunnier back-to-back boat shows, in Annapolis? The 54th Annapolis Sailboat Show, October 10-14, proved to be truly memorable not only for five days of sunshine and comfortable temperatures but also for an impressive number of premiering boats from foiling dinghies to 70-foot expedition yachts and a treasure trove of monohulls and multihulls in the 40- to 55-foot range.
The tents were abuzz with people searching for sailing apparel, gear, hardware, and electronics, and the docks remained crowded with lines to board new boats for most of the five-day festival of sail. Sailors from around the country greeted one another, raved about the weather, and walked to find “one last Painkiller,” as Pusser’s Caribbean Grill will close its Annapolis doors at the month’s end (and open a new location in the Canton neighborhood in Baltimore next spring).
On Friday evening aboard the Pride of Baltimore II, SpinSheet hosted a happy hour and book signing for our founding editor and local author David Gendell’s latest book, “The Last Days of the Schooner America.” The event featured beer from Forward Brewing and snacks by the Boatyard Bar & Grill. Dave and Pride Captain Jan Miles talked about the history of their vessels and how their designs were connected over time. Watching the sunset and the many anchor lights in the harbor twinkle reminded us how much we love this town, this show, and having the Pride be a part of it.
Thank you to our readers and longtime sailing friends who stopped by the SpinSheet booth to suggest story ideas, sign up for our “Dinner on Us” raffle, and make donations to the EWE Spirit Foundation. We take your suggestions and story ideas seriously and are ever appreciative of your stopping by to remind us how much SpinSheet means to you.
See you at the Annapolis Sailboat Show 2025, October 9-13.