2026 Annapolis Sailboat Show Media Event Schedule
Date: October 12, 2026Thursday, October 15
8:30–9:30 a.m. | Annapolis Boat Shows Media Breakfast | Seminar Tent, Yacht Basin
Press kits and event calendars will be available, along with pastries and coffee. A short presentation on behalf of the Shows starts at 8:45, followed by plenty of time to eat, mingle and ask the ABS team questions. When you RSVP here, you will automatically be signed up for press credentials.
9:50–10 a.m. | Opening Cannon Firing | Southeast-facing Choptank balcony
Stop by for the official opening ceremony of the 2026 Annapolis Sailboat Show. This year the cannon will be fired by Alderman Frank Thorp.
10:30–11 a.m. | Aquila | Dock B
Aquila will launch the 45 Sail, its newest sail model, with the boat’s U.S. debut. This is Aquila’s first time exhibiting at the show with its new range of sailboats. The 45 Sail is the second model in the range. At 47 feet with a 25’5″ beam, it prioritizes interior space, exterior social hubs, cruising comfort and sailing capability, with over 1,350 square feet of upwind sail area. Aquila’s first sail model, the 50 Sail, will also be on display. After the launch, media can connect with an Aquila spokesperson to see the design features firsthand and capture their own images.
11-11:30 a.m. | Smart Catamarans | End of Dock D at Dock K3
Smart Catamarans and its exclusive U.S. dealer, USA Yacht Export, will host a press event aboard the 28-foot Smart Cat S280 Open. Press contact is Mac Jung, info@smartcatamarans.com, +1 (754) 703-7994.
2–3 p.m. | Vessel & Co. | Booth VB37
Chartering in the Bahamas: What to Know Before You Book. Vessel & Co. captains John Garza and Travis Delva run crewed charter yachts out of the Bahamas, and they will lead a 60-minute talk on three topics. They will cover what guests can expect from a crewed charter week in the Exumas, how Vessel & Co. handles management and compliance for owners putting a boat into charter, and how their broker program removes friction for charter brokers working the Bahamas market.
3 p.m. | SeaPeople | Tent YB 4
Learn how SeaPeople is planning to disrupt the weather industry by providing premium weather data (that major weather apps hide behind a paywall) for free.
5:30 p.m. | Excess | Dock C4
Excess invites media to a press happy hour, with a presentation and refreshments, as it unveils what’s next for the brand, including an exciting announcement for 2027. Come get a first look at where Excess is headed, what it’s building and the next chapter of the Excess adventure. RSVP at https://form.jotform.com/GROUPE_BENETEAU/press-event-rsvp-form.
5:30 p.m. | Knysna Yacht Company | Dock K2
Knysna Yacht Company invites media for a drink and a preview of the new Knysna 550, which makes its world premiere at the show. Owners and brothers Grant and Craig Boshard will take questions afterward. RSVP to adrian@knysnayachtco.com.
5:30–7:30 p.m. | Kingspoke Custom | Booth SCP 10
Kingspoke Custom will host an Open Shop party to celebrate 100 years of Gottifredi Maffioli and the debut of its new BOA Constrictor. Guests must be 21 or older.
Friday, October 16
8–9:30 a.m. | Sailing Industry Breakfast | Annapolis Waterfront Hotel
Annapolis Boat Shows hosts the annual Sailing Industry Breakfast, which includes the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award. This event is by invitation only.
10 a.m. | Seawind Catamarans | Seawind Catamarans stand, Dock A1
Seawind Catamarans invites media to a relaxed breakfast to hear its latest news and see its newest models. The team will talk about the U.S. debut of the Seawind 1160XL, which was recently nominated for two prestigious sailing awards, and the launch of the brand-new Seawind 1270. With Seawind’s 45th anniversary coming up in 2027, they will also share a glimpse of what lies ahead. Founder and CEO Richard Ward and Global Sales Director Mike Rees will be there.
11 a.m. | TEMO USA | ENG Tent 9
TEMO will hold a press event for the North American launch of the OUTPOD, a cross between a pod drive and an outboard that was designed specifically for sailboats. A press kit is available from Nicholas Steenberg at nicholas@temofrance.com.
4 p.m. | Mustang Survival | Mustang Survival trailer
Offshore sailor Cole Brauer will be at the trailer for a meet and greet, followed by happy hour. Mustang is also offering a first look at its new women’s waterproof collection, which launches in spring 2027.
5:30 p.m. | Leopard Catamarans and The Moorings | Leopard Catamarans display by Dock Street
Leopard Catamarans and The Moorings will hold a press conference on the newly debuted Leopard 43 (Moorings 4300) and what’s new in yacht sales and charter. A cocktail reception for partners and clients follows. RSVP to katie.campbell@thlmarine.com.
6:30–7:30 p.m. | Mantus Marine | Booth D46–D49
Mantus will host an after-hours social at its booth.
Saturday, October 17
9:30 a.m. | Vision Yachts | Vision booth, Dock B
Vision Yachts will introduce the new Vision 484, a 48-foot bluewater catamaran that launches in March 2027. The team will also review the Vision philosophy and mention several projects now in development.
6 p.m. | SeaPeople | Tent YB 4
SeapPeople will be staging a march on Main Street to free the wind – protesting the paywalling of publicly funded wind data.
6:30 p.m. | Vision Yachts | Liberty Marina, 64 Old South River Road, Edgewater
Reporters are welcome at the Vision Yachts owners’ party at Sail Away’s location.
Throughout the Show
- Vaan Yachts, Dock C: Journalists can book a private one-hour meeting aboard the Vaan R4 with co-founders Igor Kluin and Nienke van ‘t Klooster. Book at vaan.yachts/events or press@vaan.yachts.
- VOYAGE Yachts: Guided walkthroughs of the VOYAGE 510 WayMaker are available by appointment at voyageyachts.com/annapolis-sailboat-show.