Annapolis Sailboat Show Points to Strong Momentum Across Sailing Industry
Date: October 20, 2026
For immediate release | October 20, 2026 | Annapolis, MD – The 2026 Annapolis Sailboat show wrapped Sunday after four days of strong boat sales, packed educational seminars, and active docks. Sailors came ready to shop, learn, and connect, while exhibitors capitalized on opportunities to showcase new boats, products, and technology to an engaged audience from across the country and around the world.
Exhibitors reported strong traffic and meaningful connections throughout the show, with several boat sellers noting improved sales compared with last year. C&T Composites, which represents Catalina, started the show with a sale within the first hour, setting an encouraging tone for the weekend.
“We had a fantastic show. There were great crowds, lots of interest, and we sold some boats. Catalina is back,” said Patrick Turner, Chief Executive Officer of C&T Composites.
The show also welcomed new brands and products to the North American sailing market. Dutch yacht builder Vaan Yachts made its North American debut with the aluminum-hulled Vaan R4, drawing strong interest from attendees throughout the weekend.
“It was overwhelmingly busy,” said Igor Kluin, Co-founder and Designer of Vaan Yachts. “The vibes and atmosphere were very good.”
Education remained a major draw, with the show’s extensive seminar lineup attracting packed audiences throughout the weekend. Several sessions drew more than 130 attendees on Saturday, giving sailors opportunities to learn from experienced industry professionals on topics ranging from sailing skills and cruising to boat ownership and marine technology.
Vendors also reported strong turnout from sailors looking to restock, refit, and prepare for their next adventures. The show provided exhibitors with valuable face-to-face connections while also creating opportunities to extend those interactions through digital marketing and social media. Spinlock, which introduced in-water product demonstrations at the show for the first time this year, drew crowds to Susan Campbell Park for hands-on demonstrations. The company’s in-water presence also generated significant digital reach, with a show reel featuring the demonstrations reaching almost 250,000 impressions within 24 hours.
“It was fantastic to see so many sailboats afloat,” said James Hall, Sales and Marketing Manager for Spinlock. “Organizers did a great job in locating all the exhibitors and delivering a great experience to attendees. We’re looking forward to seeing how the show will develop in 2027.”
The 2026 show also marked the return of several notable marine brands. Big Weather Gear exhibited for the first time as the sole U.S. importer of Henri Lloyd, which returned to the U.S. market and generated strong interest from sailors familiar with the brand. “We saw great enthusiasm over Henri Lloyd being back in the country,” said Jay Lasky, Owner of Big Weather Gear. “Consumers were excited for us to return to the show, and we can’t wait to be back next year.”
From strong boat sales and packed seminars to new product demonstrations and the return of established marine brands, the 2026 Annapolis Sailboat Show reinforced Annapolis’s role as a global gathering place for the sailing community and a vital marketplace for the marine industry. Planning is already underway for the 2027 Annapolis Sailboat Show, returning to historic downtown Annapolis October 14-17, 2027.
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Annapolis Boat Shows
Founded in 1970, Annapolis Boat Shows is the producer of the world’s first and largest in-water sailboat show and a leader in premier marine events. The company hosts four annual shows on the Chesapeake Bay — including the Annapolis Sailboat Show, Annapolis Powerboat Show, Bay Bridge Boat Show at Safe Harbor Narrows Point, and Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show — that draw tens of thousands of attendees and hundreds of exhibitors from around the world. Guided by its mission to foster a thriving boating community, Annapolis Boat Shows promotes accessibility, education, community, and sustainability while setting the standard for marine events worldwide.
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Ryan Gullang
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