Celebrate the Opening of the 2026 Sailing Season in America’s Sailing Capital
Date: April 7, 2026
The osprey are returning to the Bay, the woodcock are strutting their stuff, and the sun is setting after 7:30. Spring is here! In Annapolis, that means the start of the 2026 sailing season, and there’s no better place to celebrate than the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show (April 24–26). Consider this your invite to climb aboard and join the festivities. Across all ages, experience levels, and inclinations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
For Cruisers: Fuel Your Ambitions
If you’ve ever stared at your diesel engine with the quiet dread of someone defusing a bomb, the Cruisers University Diesel Maintenance course (April 22–24) is three days of hands-on training that will change your relationship with that iron beast below deck. Oil changes, impeller swaps, fuel system service, and advanced diagnostics are all on the syllabus. Tuition includes lunch, coffee, and admission to the show.
Once you’re through the gates, the seminar schedule picks up where the wrenches leave off. Captain Cheryl Duvall recounts a 101-day, 1,820-nautical-mile cruise from Annapolis to Maine and back, complete with coordinates for the curious. Captain Alex “Wolf” Zahn shares 30 years’ worth of gunkholing wisdom, covering the best hidden anchorages Chesapeake Bay has to offer (several of them dog-friendly, for those with four-legged first mates). All seminars are included with show admission. Check out the full schedule.
For Racers: Get Sharper on the Rail
On Sunday, pro sailor and coach Jahn Tihansky will run small-group dockside clinics on a J/80, walking crews through tacking, gybing, sail trim, communication, and the finer points of not being the person everyone wishes they’d left at the dock. Two sessions are available (10:30 a.m. and noon), and proceeds support CRAB’s adaptive racing program. It’s an hour well spent for anyone looking to become a more valuable crew member.
Then, as the Show winds down, make your way across Spa Creek to SpinSheet Magazine’s Crew Party from 4 – 6 p.m..
For Newcomers: Your On-Ramp to Sailing
Never sailed before? The “Ask Me Anything About Sailing” (Saturday, April 25th at 10 a.m.) panel is a low-pressure Q&A covering sailing lessons, boat types, and how to make the most of your first show. Coffee and donuts are provided, which is really all any of us need to feel welcome. For a more hands-on introduction, the First Sail Workshop pairs a 45-minute classroom session with 90 minutes on the water aboard a Beneteau First 22. It includes show admission and a one-year BoatUS membership. Saturday is already sold out, so sign up soon!
For Everyone: The Celebration Goes All Day
The No Wake Zone at the head of Ego Alley is the show’s social hub, with live music, food from Latitude 38, and a selection of regional craft beer and cocktails. On Friday evening, the Foulest Foulies Afterparty invites sailors to model their most battle-worn foul weather gear in a fashion show judged by people who’ve seen some things. The winner walks away with a new OS2 Offshore Jacket, bibs, and duffel bag from Gill Marine. Space is limited, so sign up early.
Sunday morning brings Mimosa Sunday (10 a.m. to noon), because nothing pairs better with browsing sailboats in downtown Annapolis than a free mimosa. And for those looking to extend the evening on Friday, a sunset cocktail cruise aboard the Schooner Woodwind departs Annapolis at 5:30, featuring Mount Gay Rum, appetizers, and scenery that will remind you why you got into this in the first place.
The 2026 season starts here. Grab your tickets and we’ll see you at City Dock.