Annapolis Boat Shows

Each year, Annapolis fills with boaters and boat dealers for the United States Sailboat Show and the United State Powerboat Show.

The Boat Shows:

The United States Sailboat Show is the oldest and largest in-water sailboat show in the country. The United States Sailboat Show features everything from sailing dinghies and one design trailerables to the latest racing boats and cruisers for every taste and budget. Show attendees will also find an array of sailing equipment, accessories, and gear. There is also information on sailing charters for cruising and vacations.

The United States Powerboat Show caters to everything that power boating has to offer. Hundreds of display boats are in the water, from performance speed boats to luxurious motor yachts. You will also find the latest in navigation equipment and technology, and lots of powerboat related accessories and gear.

2008 Annapolis Boat Show Dates:

United States Sailboat Show. October 9 - 13, 2008.

United States Powerboat Show. October 16 - 19, 2008.

Visit the United States Yacht Shows website for ticket information and daily schedules

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Getting There:

To get to the Annapolis Boat Shows, Take Exit #24 off US Route 50 and follow the signs to parking and free shuttles. The show is held at the City Dock in downtown Annapolis. Parking in downtown Annapolis is limited. Show attendees are encouraged to park at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and take the free shuttle to the City Dock. If you're staying in town, you can use the Annapolis Transit buses to get around.

Boat Show Tips:

Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking and easy to remove - visitors are often asked to remove their shoes before boarding the boats. The display boats are located at hundreds of floating dock slips that are set up for the shows. You will walk miles before the day is done.

Get there early. The boat shows get very crowded. Arrive early. Crowds are smaller during the beginning of the day and it will be easier to get onboard the display boats.

Do a little research. If you are attending the show with making a purchase in mind, do some research before you go. Visit the boat show website to see what dealers will be there and plan to visit the ones you are interested in early in the day, when you are most likely to get a good look at the product and have an opportunity to ask questions.

Stay nearby. If you don't live close to Annapolis, you might want to consider staying at one of the Annapolis area hotels. This will allow you to spend more time at the show, and you will probably be more relaxed if you don't have to deal with a long drive before and after the show.

Lodging:

Boat show attendees that stay nearby can get an early start at the boat show and avoid some of the crowds. Annapolis has plenty of hotels, with something for every taste and budget.

Westin Annapolis. One of Annapolis' newest hotels. Located in the West Street area of downtown Annapolis. This neighborhood is becoming the art and entertainment district for Annapolis. 225 guest rooms and suites. Rooms feature wireless high speed internet and flat panel high definition TVs. Morton's Steakhouse in the hotel and Starbucks on lobby level. Gym and heated indoor pool. Traveler Reviews and Rate Comparison.

Loews Annapolis Hotel. This beautiful, award-winning hotel stands in the historic center of Annapolis. Located about one mile from City Dock. The Lowes is pet-friendly and offers special pet-friendly services such as special room service menus. Traveler Reviews and Rate Comparison

O'Callaghan Hotel Annapolis. Owned by O�Callaghan Hotels of Ireland, this hotel is half a mile from the center of historic Annapolis and 1 mile from the U.S. Naval Academy and City Dock. The 120 guestrooms feature custom-made European furniture and marble bathrooms. Traveler Reviews and Rate Comparison

Hampton Inn and Suites. Located near the Westfield Annapolis Shopping Mall and three miles from the Annapolis historic district and Naval Academy. Billiard room, fitness room, outdoor pool, 24 hr convenience store. Suites feature fully equipped kitchen, living area, and private bedroom. Traveler Reviews and Rate Comparison.

SpringHill Suites Annapolis. SpringHill Suites is Marriott's moderately priced all-suites lodging designed to provide spacious rooms in a full service hotel setting. Rooms have separate living and sleeping areas. Heated indoor pool. Exercise room. Complementary breakfast buffet. Located near Route 50, about 4 miles from the City Dock. Traveler Reviews and Rate Comparison.

Best Western Annapolis. Best Western Annapolis has a seasonal outdoor pool, fitness center, guest laundry, and ATM. High-speed Internet access is complimentary in the lobby and public areas, and business services are available from the 24-hour front desk. Coffee and newspapers are complimentary in the lobby, which also offers a TV and a microwave. Guest parking is complimentary. Located near Route 50, about 3.5 miles from the City Dock. Traveler Reviews and Rate Comparison.

These are just a few of the hotels available in the Annapolis area. See the Annapolis Lodging page for more options.

Information provided here about the Annapolis Boat Shows was obtained from various sources and is thought to be correct. However, you are strongly encouraged to visit the official boat shows website to confirm information.