Become a Sailor for the Day at the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show
Date: March 9, 2026
Sailing has a reputation. It’s the kind of thing that looks incredible from shore but carries an air of mystery for anyone who hasn’t done it. Where do you even start? Is it hard? Do you need to know knots? Do you need to own a boat? Do you need to own a blazer? Good news: the answer to most of those is “no,” and the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show is the perfect place to find out for yourself. Running April 24–26 in downtown Annapolis, the show is a low-pressure, high-reward chance to explore sailing before you commit to anything other than a parking spot. Here’s how to make the most of your day.
Ask Me Anything About Sailing
Start your Saturday morning with free coffee, donuts, and honest answers to every question you’ve been too polite to ask. New to sailing? Not sure what kind of boat is right for you? Wondering where to take lessons or whether your family will actually enjoy this? Show up early and pick the brains of a panel of experienced sailors who love helping newcomers find their sea legs. This session is free, but pre-registration is requested so we don’t run out of donuts. Sign up here!
First Sail Workshop
If you’d rather learn by doing, the First Sail Workshop is your ticket. Presented by Sailtime and American Sailing, the program pairs a classroom overview of sailing basics with real time on the water aboard a Beneteau First 22 departing right from the show docks. Show admission and a one-year BoatUS membership are included. Learn more.
Explore Boats
Looking at boats online is one thing, but it’s no substitute for climbing aboard and seeing how a cockpit actually feels. This year’s show features everything from racing dinghies to 50-foot-plus monohulls and a wide variety of catamarans. Not sure what type is right for you? That’s the whole point. Walk the docks, compare layouts, poke your head below deck, and talk to the dealers who know these boats inside and out. See the full boat list (more models will be added as we get closer to the show).
Visit Exhibits
You don’t need to own a boat to start enjoying the sailing lifestyle. The Spring Sailboat Show features a collection of products and services catering to sailors, from foul weather gear and furling systems to outdoor furniture and artisanal spirits. The people behind these products love talking shop, whether you’re outfitting a bluewater cruiser, upgrading your current boat, or just browsing. Check out our exhibitor directory.
Explore America’s Sailing Capital
One of the best things about the Spring Sailboat Show is its location. The show sits in the heart of downtown Annapolis, which means you’re steps from restaurants, shops, and the kind of waterfront scenery that sells itself. Walk across the Eastport Bridge for a different vibe, grab lunch on City Dock, or just wander the streets of a town that’s been tied to the water since before the country was. It’s worth making a day of it. Plan your visit.
The Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show runs April 24–26. Get your tickets today.