With the U.S. Sailboat Show opening today (October 13) in Annapolis, MD, a lot of us are planning to be there to ogle over the new boats and, perhaps, actually make a decision on which new boat we really want to own. The choices are daunting since just about every major sailboat builder will have boats on display. The majority of boats are not built in the U.S. but a few are such as Catalina, Island Packet, Blue Jacket, Tartan and Schock. France, Germany and Italy really own the production sailboat market these days with England and Scandinavia dominating the high end, luxury semi-custom segment of the new boat scene. And multihulls are continuing to show amazing innovation, development and growth from builders all over the world – particularly in France, South Africa and Vietnam. Monohull, catamaran or trimaran? The Annapolis show is a great place to settle that family discussion right on the boats you are choosing from. But even if you are just ogling the boats, there are still scores of onshore exhibitors with products and services to see and often they offer “boat show discounts.” It takes at least two days to see the whole show and beware of the crowds over the weekend which make getting around difficult and long lines can form to climb on many of the larger boats. But it is all worth it to be a part of America’s biggest sailing event. Check it out here.
