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33rd Annual Sailboat Show Set to Drop Anchor; 50,000 Expected
 | | Sailboats line the Annapolis Harbor at the United States Sailboat Show. |
Hundreds of masts will soar skyward, pennants and ensigns will flutter like so many oversized leaves and some 50,000 sailboat enthusiasts will descend on Annapolis for the 33rd annual United States Sailboat Show.
The nation’s oldest and largest in-water sailboat exhibition, a floating showcase featuring about 300 of the world’s finest sailboats, opens with a VIP day Oct. 10, 2002, followed by four days of general admission.
Boats come from as far away as Europe, Australia, Asia and South America – and as close as Annapolis marinas – and moor along 1.3 miles of floating docks.
On land, more than 200 tents covering three-quarters of an acre will house a vast array of sailing equipment, smaller boats, accessories and boat service company exhibits. And seminars sponsored by The Sailing Company, publishers of Cruising World and Sailing World, will focus on topics like America's Cup, diesel engines, hurricane survival and family cruising.
The show, which began in 1970 with just a handful of boats, has grown steadily, filling hotels and restaurants in and around the city, clogging streets and generating about $20 million in local economic impact.
It’s enough to make Annapolis Mayor Ellen O. Moyer gush. “Annapolis relishes its role as America’s Sailing Capital,” she says, “and the annual Boat Show is a time to welcome visitors from all over the world.”
James Barthold, director of Annapolis Boat Shows Inc., says attendance at this year’s sailing show is expected to top last year’s 50,000 and that the number of exhibitors likely will grow as well.
 | | Photo Courtesy of Beneteau | | Beneteau introduces its new 42 Center Cockpit at this year's show. |
Expect not only more boats, but bigger ones too. On display will be three boats that are more than 60 feet long, 18 catamarans longer than 40 feet and 73 monohulls ranging from 30 to 40 feet.
Boats in the water range from a 12-foot Tinker Traveler Sailing Inflatable to a 64-foot Kanter Bougainville.
“It is hard to get all the boats into the show, at least in part because the boats are getting bigger every year," says Dee Newman, the show’s manager.
Walking and swaying on the 1.3 miles of floating docks is a bit like a mini sea voyage. And the temproary marina is a marvel in itself, created in just three days with 50 temporary pilings to anchor boats and docks.
Boating enthusiasts who come from throughout the world eagerly await the new boats premiering at the show. Among this year’s most impressive entries: two ocean voyage pilothouse sailing cruisers designed by Annapolis-based Farr Design Company, the Farr 50 and Farr 63, both making their first Annapolis boat show appearance.
Beneteau, the world’s largest builder of production-line cruising sailboats, introduces its new 42 Center Cockpit to Annapolis. Adding a bit of suspense, Beneteau is also touting the world premier of a “mystery boat” performance cruiser, with the unveiling at 11 a.m. October 10 on Dock F2.
The Beneteau exhibit, one the show’s biggest draws, features 11 boats ranging from 31 to 47.7 feet. Other new cruising sailboat arrivals include Hunter Marine’s Hunter 426, a 42.6-foot luxury cruiser, the IMX 45, a long-distance racing cruiser; and Com-Pac Yacht’s new Horizon Cat, a 26-foot weekender catboat.
Don’t miss the ever-expanding Multihull lagoon, displaying catamarans and timarans. The broad-beamed craft have enjoyed growing popularity – 46 of them will be displayed – in part because they offer more space and stability than the traditional mono-hull.
Check out the maiden U.S. appearance of Lagoon 470 and Fountaine Pajot
Lavezzi 40. Both are superb examples of tropical island-inspired craft blending fast, smooth sailing and luxury.
Annapolis craftsmanship also is well-represented at the show. Performance Cruising of Annapolis will display its popular 34-footer, the Gemini 105.
Farr Design of Eastport designed four 36- to 50-foot boats in the Beneteau exhibit and will also
 | | The U.S. Sailboat Show, in its 33rd year, is America's oldest and largest in-water sailboat exhibition. |
display four Farr ocean cruisers. Farr inspires awe in boating circles, and with good reason: The company designed six of eight Volvo Around the World racers.
Boats are the stars of the show, of course, but the tent booths are always packed. Displays show off sails, spars and cordage, folding propellers and lightweight diesel engines, the latest in Global Positioning System navigation, foul-weather gear, boating furniture, hand-made deck shoes, boating-inspired artwork and just about everything else related to sailing.
When your feet give out and your stomach starts growling, settle in for a pit beef and a million-dollar view at the Fleet Reserve Club. Enjoy cracking Maryland crabs just outside the main gate at Phillips or Buddy’s. Or grab a tasty snack behind Tent H.
After the show, take a water taxi, or catch a ride to Maritime Café at McNasby's, Second Street and Spa Creek in Eastport. Sit outside and feast on Maryland crab, by the sailboats in the water. And if, like most of us, you can't afford big boats costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, you can savor their beauty and dream a bit.
The show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on VIP Day, Oct. 10, 2002 and the final day, Oct. 14. Hours are 10 to 7 daily Oct. 11-13. Admission is $25 a person for VIP Day. For all other days, general admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. For more information on the U.S. Sailboat Show, call 410-267-6711 or visit the Annapolis Boat Shows website.
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