Steady Crowds and Strong Dealer Activity Mark Successful Bay Bridge Boat Show Weekend
Date: April 23, 2026
For immediate release | Grasonville, MD – The 2026 Bay Bridge Boat Show at Safe Harbor Narrows Point welcomed steady crowds and strong engagement over the weekend, signaling a positive start to the Chesapeake Bay boating season. Returning to Grasonville, the show once again served as a key spring marketplace for buyers and sellers across the region, bringing together boaters, manufacturers, and dealers.
Foot traffic started on a promising note Friday and remained strong, with ideal spring weather bringing the largest crowds of the weekend on Saturday. Early arrivals explored over 250 boats and connected with exhibitors as dealers reported meaningful conversations, qualified leads, and completed boat sales throughout the show. The strong engagement reflected increased attendance compared to last year, as well as continued enthusiasm for the show and the broader marine market in the region.
“The Bay Bridge Boat Show continues to be an important starting point for the boating season on the Bay,” said Mary Ewenson, President of Annapolis Boat Shows. “This year we saw consistent engagement across the docks, strong interest from both new and experienced boaters, and a clear sense that buyers are ready to get on the water.”
Dealers echoed that sentiment across the docks, noting both the quality of leads and the level of buyer readiness.
“Happy with the move to Safe Harbor Narrows Point,” said Rick Boulay Jr., General Manager of Chesapeake Whalertowne. “We spoke with serious qualified buyers, sold boats at the show, and have strong leads for future sales.”
“What an amazing weekend it was at the Bay Bridge Boat Show for Boxy, the Jetty mobile pop up shop,” said Joe Mangino, Event Director at Jetty. “The event was overflowing with good vibes. The conversations were energizing and entertaining, and most importantly, sales exceeded expectations. It was a great way for us to kick off our Spring event season.”
Beyond the docks, attendees took advantage of a wide range of educational programming. Expert-led seminars, on-water training opportunities, and hands-on demonstrations offered practical insight into boating safety, navigation, and ownership, reinforcing the show’s role as a gateway to life on the water.
Among the weekend’s most memorable moments was a marriage proposal that took place onboard a pontoon from North Bay Marina, adding a personal and unexpected highlight to an already energetic show.
With the Bay Bridge Boat Show complete, the Annapolis Boat Shows team is already preparing for the next event on the calendar. The Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show, opening April 24 through 26 in downtown Annapolis, will bring sailors and water enthusiasts together for a weekend of sailboats, educational seminars, and hands-on exploration in the heart of America’s sailing capital.
For more information on the upcoming show or to purchase tickets, visit AnnapolisBoatShows.com.
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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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Media Contact
Ryan Gullang
ryan@annapolisboatshows.com
(410) 268 8828