The Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show is perfect for racers, cruisers, and would-be sailors.
Whether you are looking to take your racing to the next level, want to go on a sailboat for the first time, or are shopping for a family cruiser, there is something for all types of sailors at the 2025 Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show, April 25-27.
New layout
This year’s show will have a slightly different layout. We think you’ll love it. The main entrance will be on Dock Street, across from the building that previously housed Stevens Hardware and more recently Mission Barbeque. The SpinSheet booth will be located right inside the main entrance. Look to your right after you pass through the gate. Team SpinSheet will greet you with the May issue, hot off the presses.
Show program
This year SpinSheet is the official media partner of the show, which means that you’ll find the Show Guide and map at the center of the magazine, which will be handed out at the gate and available in the SpinSheet booth (Tent OA1).
Highlights
Boats, boats, boats!
You won’t’ want to miss the dozens of boats on land and in the water. From racing dinghies to cruising catamarans (including an 80-footer!) and monohulls, get up close and personal with new and brokerage sailboats, including family cruisers, daysailers, bluewater sailboats, and cool, new foiling boats.
No Wake Zone
Take a break in the No Wake Zone where show-goers can relax in an outdoor lounge while listening to music by local sailor and musician Shawn Owen each afternoon. A tasting area ages 21+ will have samples of Maryland-made spirits and wine, with bottles available for purchase.
The sailing lifestyle
Beyond the boats and gear (think sailing shoes, foulies, sunglasses, deck hardware) dozens of other types of exhibitors will have representatives ready to help you dive deeper into sailing. Here are a few examples:
- Charters. Vacation bareboat or with a captain. Did you know you can charter a whole boat or just one cabin on a shared charter? Learn about all the possibilities.
- Private captains. Sailboat owners, have you ever considered bringing a private captain aboard your boat to build the skills and confidence to sail farther and faster?
- Inflatables. If you’re looking for a new inflatable dinghy for your cruising boat, you’ll find plenty to choose from and experts to help you find the one that suits your needs.
- Sailing Schools. Maybe you know someone who is curious about sailing. Encourage them to come to the show and find a sailing school that can get them on the water this spring or summer, be it lessons for children, adults (couples or individuals), or a whole family.
Super Seminars
Everglades Challenge
A firsthand account of a 300-mile adventure aboard a beach-launch boat as told by 11-time participant Jahn Tihansky, who will share his experiences and tales through video, pictures, and his own words. Learn how Jahn and partner Jeff Linton prepared, navigated, and persevered. Friday from 3-4 p.m. Free
First Sail Workshop
Tell all your friends who are curious about sailing to consider attending the First Sail Workshop, which includes 45 minutes of classroom instruction followed by 90 minutes on the water with an accredited sailing instructor. Four time slots each day of the show, maximum eight students per time slot. The $70 fee includes show entrance. Register in advance at annapolisboatshows.com.
Take Your Sailing to the Next Level
Join Oakcliff Saling for two high-energy, entertaining working sessions that cover the ins and outs of taking a competitive sailor to the next level: How to find sponsors, get on the path to the Olympics, organize events, and more. The Saturday session (4-6 p.m.) is designed for sailors, and the Sunday session (9-11 a.m.) is designed for the sailors’ supporter team and event organizers. The $10 attendance fee also gets you into the boat show. Register at oakcliffsailing.org.
Free Daily Seminars
Fifteen great seminars over three days will cover weather basics, sailing with kids, rules of the road, docking for couples, the updated Racing Rules of Sailing, and much more. Find the full calendar at annapolisboatshows.com.
When You Go
Dates: April 25-27
Times: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Annapolis City Dock; for GPS, enter 1 Dock Street, Annapolis, MD
Tickets: $20 general admission; children aged 15 years and younger enter for free; purchase tickets in advance at annapolisboatshows.com; limited box office onsite.
Parking: Use the parking garages in downtown Annapolis or park on the street for free in Eastport and walk over the Spa Creek bridge or take the water taxi.
