The boat show must go on

[Brian D]

Imagine, putting wheels on your boat and using the wind to sail down the highway. HA! What a sight to see.

 

[dLj]

Imagine, putting wheels on your boat and using the wind to sail down the highway. HA! What a sight to see.

Desert sailing...

dj

 

[dLj]

Or ...

dj

 

[Dr. D]

I attended this past Fall Annapolis Sailboat show. Fun, especially the lunch. I have never attended the Spring version. How does it compare to Fall?

 

[Will Gilmore]

Kinda far for those on the West coast, or in Denmark or.... (you did say international...)

dj

Between the West Coast and Denmark, the East Coast seemed like the perfect compromise. Really, it's all about me, but I thought an International Sailboat Show in Littleton was maybe a little too selfish. Besides, the coast of Maine has more boat builders than Florida. Really, it's kinda ideal.

-Will (Dragonfly)

 

[dLj]

I attended this past Fall Annapolis Sailboat show. Fun, especially the lunch. I have never attended the Spring version. How does it compare to Fall?

I went once to the spring show, it was much smaller. I went there with a specific purchase in mind so it was OK for that trip. The October time frame works well for me hence I haven't really been compared.

dj

 

[La catboat]

When is the 1st Annual International Sailboat Owner's Sailboat Show happening? I hear it is suppose to be in Rockland Maine? Does that sound right? Beautiful traditional maritime venue and not too far to drive.

-Will (Dragonfly)

I'll go to that one ------ would love to see the windjammers in person

 

[WayneH]

The Houston Boat Show is a powerboat event. Even with all of the sailboats in the Clear Lake area.

Boats by Brand | 2022 Houston Boat Show

houstonboatshows.com

 

[ifmdalvey]

They certainly are more expensive now and unless you are willing to pay the Thursday premium, they seem to be even busier.

 

[CYQK]

Miami......
Not as much anymore

 

[gary16188]

Went to the Miami boat show last weekend. There were a lot of great vendors. Seems like there are fewer sailboats each year. Saw the couple from Sailing Soulianis. Gad a great time even though it rained all day

 

[Will Gilmore]

Would an online virtual sailboat show have any value? No sea trials, but a trade show online market for vendors to signup and display their own mini Web page. A central, sailboat themed, hub to all things sailing. Maybe include a group of specialty forums for sailors to talk about their boats, by brand, sailing in general and just enjoy the company of like-minded people from all over the world.

OH, WAIT! I think I know a place like that.

-Will (Dragonfly)

 

[gary16188]

Went to the Miami International Boat show a few weeks ago. Was crowded but fun. Bought several items.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Since 2015, when SV Hadley came into my life, I have visited several shows. They have proven to be good places to meet sailors (including a number of SBO members), attend informative classes, find parts and systems to upgrade my boat, and get ideas some that get discarded and others that provide solutions.

So far, I have attended the Seattle WA, Annapolis MD, and Vancouver Canada Boat shows. In some ways they are very similar, in others they are distinctively unique. While the west coast shows blended Sail and Power boats and displays, the Annapolis show was Sail only.

If you're really looking for a boat, or want to educate yourself about boating, you need to spend more than a single day visit.

You'd love the Newport RI show ... you should make a plan for it. I have more interest in the Newport show than the Annapolis show.

 

[jssailem]

Intriguing Scott. When is the Newport show?

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Intriguing Scott. When is the Newport show?

It is always middle of September ... this year it is Sept. 15, 16, 17, 18. It is a little more compact than Annapolis. I've been there once. I've been to Annapolis 3 times, so I am inclined to favor Newport just for the change. Besides, I favor Newport over Annapolis just based on the setting. It needs to be earlier than Annapolis because New England fall comes earlier.

It would be a hoot if a crew of SBO forumites got together to crew on an America's Cup 12 meter or 2 for a little friendly competition ... it can be an option with some advanced planning!

Newport International Boat Show Offical Site - Newport, Rhode Island

Visit The Newport International Boat Show for a range of powerboats & sailboats, marine products, services, accessories to enhance the nautical lifestyle.

newportboatshow.com

 

[Scott T-Bird]

See what I mean? These are the actual historic boats!

12 Meter Yacht Charters

www.12meteryachtcharters.com

 

[jssailem]

That would be worth the trip, Scott.

 

[jnorten]

Chicago stinks compared to what it was 15 or so years ago. Used to be big and "Strictly Sail". Do a couple of free seminars and one full day barely enough time. As others noted, it's now combined with RVs and power boats. Sailboats and sailing stuff greatly diminished. It's hard to justify admission now IMHO.

 

[Ward H]

It is always middle of September ... this year it is Sept. 15, 16, 17, 18. It is a little more compact than Annapolis. I've been there once. I've been to Annapolis 3 times, so I am inclined to favor Newport just for the change. Besides, I favor Newport over Annapolis just based on the setting. It needs to be earlier than Annapolis because New England fall comes earlier.

It would be a hoot if a crew of SBO forumites got together to crew on an America's Cup 12 meter or 2 for a little friendly competition ... it can be an option with some advanced planning!

Newport International Boat Show Offical Site - Newport, Rhode Island

Visit The Newport International Boat Show for a range of powerboats & sailboats, marine products, services, accessories to enhance the nautical lifestyle.

newportboatshow.com

Count me in!