USNA Brings 108′ Yard Patrol Craft to 2025 Annapolis Powerboat Show for Navy’s 250th Birthday
Date: September 4, 2025Annapolis, MD – In honor of the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday, the United States Naval Academy is bringing a piece of its proud training tradition to the 2025 Annapolis Powerboat Show, October 2–5. For one weekend only, attendees may step aboard a 676-class Yard Patrol (YP) Craft—the same vessels midshipmen use to sharpen seamanship, navigation, and leadership skills on the Chesapeake Bay and beyond.
Usually reserved for midshipmen, these 108-foot workhorses provide hands-on instruction in everything from damage control to advanced navigation. Each YP is midshipman-run and officer-guided, designed to simulate Fleet operations in a safe, controlled environment. They even run movement orders up and down the Eastern Seaboard.
The YP’s presence isn’t just a rare opportunity to climb aboard a Navy training vessel—it’s also a salute to the Navy’s founding moment on October 13, 1775, when Congress resolved to create the Continental Navy. The tradition of commissioning sea-ready leaders began then and continues today from right here in Annapolis.
This floating classroom is more than wood and steel—it’s the future of naval leadership. Don’t miss your chance to tour the ship, meet the crew, and experience the mission firsthand.
Catch the action at City Dock, just in time for Fleet Week—and get a close-up look at how the Navy trains tomorrow’s officers.