Annapolis Sailboat Show
Every October, City Dock turns into a sailing show: new boats on floating docks around Ego Alley and Spa Creek, sails, gear and electronics in the tents, free seminars and hands-on courses. An independent guide to the show, and a short Chesapeake day sail for the morning after.
Photo: Smallbones · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
What to expect
- New cruising and racing sailboats on the floating docks, including world premieres announced by the organiser.
- Free seminars, plus paid hands-on boating courses.
- Sea trials of selected boats for qualified buyers.
Plan your visit
- 2026 hours: 10:00–18:30 from Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 October and 10:00–17:00 on Sunday 18 October. Sunday is Military Appreciation Day, with its own ticket.
- Park at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (550 Taylor Ave) and take the free shuttle, which runs from an hour before opening until an hour after closing. The box office is on Compromise Street, next to the Tent D gate.
- Coming by boat? Check in with the Annapolis Harbormaster on VHF 17. According to the city, there is no dockage in Ego Alley from 1 October, and during the shows dinghy traffic to City Dock moves from the end of Prince George Street to Shipwright Street.
Sailing nearby: the Rhode River via Thomas Point
A good first sail after the show: out of Annapolis Harbor, south down the bay past Thomas Point Shoal Light, and into the Rhode River, about 10.5 nm. The 1875 screwpile lighthouse stands on the shoal off Thomas Point, so give the shoal a wide berth.
The Rhode River has sheltered anchorages for the night. Chesapeake depths shift, so check the latest charts and Local Notice to Mariners, and keep an eye on October fronts, which can bring a sharp shift to the north-west.
Route and 3D fly-by
Read more on the blog
A practical week-long loop from Fort Lauderdale: Key Biscayne, Boca Chita and Elliott Key in Biscayne National Park, Card Sound and the Key Largo reefs, with daily legs, depths, anchorages and fees for each stop.
Beyond the Boat Show: Set Sail
Take your visit further: tested 7-day sailing itineraries, shallow-water pilotage, anchorages, and 3D flyby videos.
Sailing from Fort Lauderdale: A 7-Day Itinerary to Biscayne Bay and the Upper Keys
A practical week-long loop from Fort Lauderdale: Key Biscayne, Boca Chita and Elliott Key in Biscayne National Park, Card Sound and the Key Largo reefs, with daily legs, depths, anchorages and fees for each stop.
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