This week sailors from around the world and the sailing industry are all headed to Annapolis, Maryland for North America’s largest celebration of all there is to do with sailing. As you know, if you have been to the sailboat show, the event is a happening that takes over the waterfront and downtown of the state capitol. Because of regular flooding, the show management has had to build platforms all around city dock and along the edges of what is locally known as Ego Alley – that cut into the city where sailors and powerboaters can show off their boats. On top of the platforms, huge tents are erected that will house hundreds of displays of everything from boat hardware to foul weather gear to charter companies. Out on the floating docks you will find the largest selection of sailboats ever assembled in North America. And, among them you’ll see more multihulls than at just about any other show in the world. The sailboat show is an amazingly festive party for sailors, a place where once a year we all gather to celebrate our love of sailboats, sailing, racing and the cruising lifestyle, often with a Painkiller (spicy rum drink) in hand and a twinkle in the eye. During the show, there are plenty of seminars to attend, a brokerage show to visit, a chance to get out on the water with Discover Sailing, and much more. For five days every October, Annapolis becomes the sailing capitol of America. I hope to see you there.
