Thousands of mariners will navigate the nation?s most seaworthy vessels at the 37th annual U.S. Sailboat Show this weekend.
More than 200 sailboats will convene at the Annapolis City Dock for the largest sailboat-only show in the nation that allows the boats to be kept in the water.
“It?s a trade show. People come to see what boat they should buy. A lot of people come just because they are dreaming. They may come for years before they actually [buy it],” said Rick Frankie, director of public relations for U.S. Boat Shows.
About 1,100 boating-related vendors will set up shop in downtown Annapolis.
The show brings in $51 million to the local economy, when tallied in combination with a powerboat show that occurs every year following the sailboat show, said Jim Bartho, general manager of U.S. Boat Shows.
A slip in the U.S. Sailboat Show is seen as a mark of distinction among boat builders.
“The U.S. Sailboat Show bears the title of the United States, because it is the most important sailboat show in the nation,” said Bently Collins, vice president of marketing and sales for Sabre Yachts, which has been selling boats at the show for about 35 years.
“It is a gathering place for boat builders all over North America and Europe.”
Sabre?s sailboats are deluxe, with price tags ranging from $300,000 to $500,000. They are different from most modern sailboats, because they can be used for cruising and racing.
“If you don?t know how to get started, the show is a great place to go and get advice from thousands of exhibitors, who would be happy to offer you advice about how to get into sailing,” Collins said.
