Re: Anyone else going to the Annapolis sailboat show on Sat.
The Annapolis boat show is well worth it. It is all about sailing, full of sailors and there is a lot to see and do. You can pick up ideas, maybe find some deals on parts, etc. and for sure boats and you can even talk to the designers and builders, who often are present at the show.....so it is sometimes not just sales people. There are lots of tents with gear, so you can talk to people from Yanmar, Schaefer, Furlex, North, Quantum, Harken.....all the brand name companies who supply hardware, sails, etc. for all boats. You can see demonstrations of how to make your fiberglass, teak and stainless look better and last longer. You can talk to people about refrigeration, electronics, sailing gear, etc. and make comparisons in case you are looking to make some upgrades to your boat. The people from Good Old Boat Magazine will be there, so you can meet them personally (one of the best sailing magazines ever). The price of tickets is no where near $50 unless you go to VIP day the first day (Wednesday or Thursday). The rest of the time it is much lower priced. The bars and restaurants will be serving up great food and beverages. If you have never been to this area, you can enjoy the local foods, such as steamed blue crabs, oysters, fish, etc. There are plenty of salty places to drop anchor and have a local micro brew. The Annapolis Navy Academy is open for viewing. They have a great maritime museum and the crypt of John Paul Jones in Prebyl Hall is sobering. Take the water taxi to East port and walk around the marinas, yacht clubs and famous bars and restaurants. Davie's Pub is a small sailor bar. Backyard boats is a newer sailor bar. The freight house has a great view of the harbor and the half hull models on the walls are fantastic in the bar and lounge area. It once was the plant for Trumpy Yachts (spans over the water). O'Learies is one of the best seafood restaurants anywhere. Lewne's is one of the best for steaks. Carol's Creek is a great place to enjoy a meal on the waterfront. Mike's or Cantler's is the best for steamed crabs. Annapolis was once the capitol of the U.S. in her early years. So, it is quite picturesque and historical both from a political and maritime perspective. It is fun to walk the streets and see the old architecture. The stores are aplenty in town and most of them have great deals. If you are a wine enthusiast, Mill Liquors, right on the harbor has one of the best selections of wines I have ever seen. It's a great town a great time and a great show. I recommend it to anyone who likes sailing. It's almost like a vacation. Go and have fun.
