2024 Annapolis Boat Shows: Unique Weather Greets Historic Innovation

Annapolis, MD – Annapolis Boat Shows celebrated banner weekends at their annual fall Power and Sailboat Shows, which boasted record guest and exhibitor turnout at downtown’s City Dock.

During historically warm days and northern lights nights, boat brokers and manufacturers observed the much-loved tradition of ringing cow bells and toasting with painkillers after each sale. Guests remarked on hearing bells ring out across both show weekends, as new boat owners signed for ownership of hundreds of millions of dollars in power and sail yachts.

“The boat shows are more than just a two-week expo. This is an economic event with huge impacts that ripple throughout our region and the entire marine industry,” said Annapolis Boat Shows General Manager Sheila Jones at an industry breakfast that took place during the shows. “Each year more and more industry professionals show up to showcase their latest tech, and consequently guests from around the world turn out in force to see, learn, and buy.”

“From accessible classics to high-concept performance vessels, the exhibitors stepped up what they brought to market this year,” added Annapolis Boat Shows President Mary Ewenson. “And that translated into record attendance and a ton of fun.”

“It didn’t hurt that federal interest rates dropped last month too,” she quipped. “The financial environment was right for the kind of opportunities we had to offer.”

Ewenson pointed out that visitors were also eager to get exclusive first looks at premiering power- and sailboats making their U.S. debuts and work deals with brand name retailers on everything from electronics to foul weather gear.

“There’s no place in the world where you get to see this much marine innovation over two back-to-back weeks,” said Claire Martin, a ticketholder who attended both the power and sailboat shows. “Year after year, it’s always a special experience.”

Guests of this year’s show hailed from more than 3,000 cities in 38 countries, with vendors and visitors alike praising the event.

“We had a visitor crossing our gangway every six seconds,” said Pride of Baltimore’s Patrick Smith.

Annapolis Boat Shows’ next event is the Bay Bridge Boat Show at Safe Harbor Narrows Point, which takes place April 11-13. Tickets for that show are on sale now at annapolisboatshows.com. Immediately following is the Spring Sailboat Show which will take place April 25-27 at Annapolis City Dock.

The Annapolis Boat Shows team produces the premier show series for power and sailing vessels. The annual fall sail event is the largest in the world, featuring multihulls, monohulls, cruisers, racers, and sailing dinghies from manufacturers around the globe. The spring and fall powerboat shows boast the industry-leading fuel and electric powered tech at the most widely attended shows by exhibitors and guests north of Fort Lauderdale. Alongside vessels that range from accessible to elite, show tents are stocked with the latest in nautical gear and accessories, electronics, communication equipment, sails, rigging, education, charter companies, clubs, and more. To learn more, visit annapolisboatshows.com.

Photos and information about the 2024 shows can be found on the ABS media site. Please reach out to the Annapolis Boat Shows’ Communications Coordinator, Ryan Gullang, with any questions: ryan@annapolisboatshows.com