Annapolis Sail Show questions

[ranger58sb]

Surprised to hear one could still make a reservation at the Marriott at this late date. I wonder if that means attendance will be down from previous years...

-Chris

[Dallasron]

SUIJIN - Thank you for the info. FYI, nice looking valiant and yes to the slip-ons

Julie - Since they are actually using the "take the wheel" to show some boats for sale, are the seminars geared more to the purchasing, taxes, registrations, pitfalls, etc. of buying a boat. Now that would be something I could do.

[Julie Mor]

Ron,

The nice thing about the seminars is you can ask anything. I don't remember the name of the gentleman who did the last seminar (we missed the first) but he took on all questions and I didn't see any sign of him not ready to answer intelligently and succinctly.

If I remember correctly, he was in boat building, brokerage, had made several ocean passages, did racing and was a liveaboard, to name a few.

I did wonder if boat buying was part of the motivation for the seminars, based on the conversations. Certainly, buying is the motivation of the show. So I'd have to answer "yes" to your boat purchasing question.

[Rhapsody-NS27]

Looking at my work schedule, I might be able to make it to the sailboat show this year. I've been looking at information for parking but from the sounds of it, it might be pretty difficult. Is it possible to park at the Academy area itself or best to avoid it?

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by Rhapsody-NS27

Looking at my work schedule, I might be able to make it to the sailboat show this year. I've been looking at information for parking but from the sounds of it, it might be pretty difficult. Is it possible to park at the Academy area itself or best to avoid it?

Not as much parking available inside for touristas and so forth, since 9/11. OTOH, the Academy stadium lot is huge and not far away (even sorta walkable, if you like that), shuttles run constantly, free, easy. Google Rowe Blvd at the junction of Taylor Ave.

I think the only conflict is if Navy has a home game that day; can't remember what happens to that lot then, but there are other shuttle lots, too.

-Chris

[WebWench]

We stayed at Springhill Suites last year and they run a shuttle bus to and from the show several times each day. Very convenient and about half the price of the Marriot at the show.

[Jim Woodall]

I've been to 6 or 7 boat shows in Annapolis.

My Top 5 Recommendations:

1) Go to VIP Day on Thursday - well worth the price.

2) Eat crabs at Cantler's.

3) Get breakfast at Chick & Ruth's, the Pledge of Allegiance is each weekday at 8:30; 9:30 on weekends.

4) Park at Eastport Elementary School, nice 5 minute walk to the show. (last year $20 for the whole day)

5) Take the Naval Academy Tour, and come away feeling very fortunate to have such dedicated young men and women defending our country.

[John34]

It has been a while since I went Annapolis show, But stay to the end of the show and watch them move out all the sailboats, it takes about an hour, well worth watching.

[Lin Pardey]

If you want a really interesting sailing experience, try to get a ride on Bull or Bear, the two Sandbaggers at the National Sailing Center which is on the northern edge of the Boatshow. Really wild machines and excellent skippers. but be prepared to do some real work on these boats, as the crew has to shift all the sandbags (about 25 pounds each) on each tack.
All in all, one of our favorite boat shows, sorry we won't be there this year. But I agree with John34, if you can stay to watch the break down on Monday evening - it is quite the event.

[malbert73]

Best place to park is anchored off the academy seawall. Dinghy or water taxi in.

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by ranger42c

Not as much parking available inside for touristas and so forth, since 9/11. OTOH, the Academy stadium lot is huge and not far away (even sorta walkable, if you like that), shuttles run constantly, free, easy. Google Rowe Blvd at the junction of Taylor Ave.

I think the only conflict is if Navy has a home game that day; can't remember what happens to that lot then, but there are other shuttle lots, too.

-Chris

Pardon, I mis-spoke. NOT free; $10/day. A bargain. Free shuttle.

-Chris

[svseachange]

We are cruising through the Chesapeake. Someone mentioned working the show. Sounds like a great way to be part of a legendary show and earn some boat bucks.

Are there opportunities to anchor nearby, dinghy in and work the show? Anyone got any pointers? I am boat-fit and my wife has tons of waitressing experience.

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by shanedennis

We are cruising through the Chesapeake. Someone mentioned working the show. Sounds like a great way to be part of a legendary show and earn some boat bucks.

Are there opportunities to anchor nearby, dinghy in and work the show? Anyone got any pointers? I am boat-fit and my wife has tons of waitressing experience.

A "help wanted" classified ad in the Sept issue of local powerboating magazine PropTalk (and probably sister sailing mag SpinSheet, too) says required dates will be 9/27 through 10/18, contact Marci 410-517-9979, j.jmkolb@gmail.com

-Chris

[svseachange]

Thanks so much. I found the ad in Spinsheet.

[SecondBase]

Originally Posted by captainstubbie

Great show
Been there 5 years straight
Go VIP day for sure
Sat Sun way too crowded

EASY EASY EASY boat show shopping test when the lines get long: Carry a 12" ruler around (or a 11.5" piece of brochure paper) if her cleats don't pass, keep on walking.
This will save you a lot of time in line to look at a bean counter's boat.