My wife and I attended the 12th Annual Atlantic City Sail Expo this past weekend in Atlantic City NJ. The show was OK for an indoor show, however it seems to be getting smaller and smaller over the past few years. This was our 4th time going to this show. Am I over reacting or did other folks feel that the show was a bit skimpy this year? Looking forward to summer Jack Beneteau 411 Glend Cove, NY
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Atlantic City
I feel the same way. I wanted to look at some new electronics and compare makes and models. Only saw two there. Also the seminar numbers were down, though the ones I went to were good. Tony
I feel the same way. I wanted to look at some new electronics and compare makes and models. Only saw two there. Also the seminar numbers were down, though the ones I went to were good. Tony
Atlantic City 04
Went on Saturday, whole starboard side was only dining area (poor) and the model tank. Exhibitors were down, fewer brands of boats. Loved the spacious-looking cherry interior of the large Tartan, hated the dark African teak in the Bavaria. Left to check out the casinos with the Admiral, quit when $39 ahead. Drove back 3 hours in snow and sleet. Only signs of life in that town were small outlet shops giving it a go. Probably skip it next year.
Went on Saturday, whole starboard side was only dining area (poor) and the model tank. Exhibitors were down, fewer brands of boats. Loved the spacious-looking cherry interior of the large Tartan, hated the dark African teak in the Bavaria. Left to check out the casinos with the Admiral, quit when $39 ahead. Drove back 3 hours in snow and sleet. Only signs of life in that town were small outlet shops giving it a go. Probably skip it next year.
Very disappointed
I did go to see the new hunters and that was great,I did enjoy seeing the other sail boats small and big also,I also wanted to see more sailing related stuff but there was very few or none. I did also go to the ny power boat show and it did have a lot more boat related stuff and I didn't have to drive four hours each way ,I am glad I got my radar dome and st60wind eguipment at discount price. I won't be going to atlantic city show next year I'll make the trip to annapolis or newport or ny/nj show's instead. nick
I did go to see the new hunters and that was great,I did enjoy seeing the other sail boats small and big also,I also wanted to see more sailing related stuff but there was very few or none. I did also go to the ny power boat show and it did have a lot more boat related stuff and I didn't have to drive four hours each way ,I am glad I got my radar dome and st60wind eguipment at discount price. I won't be going to atlantic city show next year I'll make the trip to annapolis or newport or ny/nj show's instead. nick
You won't have to decide whether to go next year
I've been told by a reliable source that this was the final year for the AC Sail Expo.
I've been told by a reliable source that this was the final year for the AC Sail Expo.
Peggy, that would be to bad but understand!
We go for the seminars and to pickup some needed or un-needed equipment. Fun to look at the boats but we already have the boat of our dreams. Yeah the Bavaria, wood was gorgous but felt as though I was in a dark cave. Jim S/V Java
We go for the seminars and to pickup some needed or un-needed equipment. Fun to look at the boats but we already have the boat of our dreams. Yeah the Bavaria, wood was gorgous but felt as though I was in a dark cave. Jim S/V Java
AC Show
I agree that the show every year gets a little smaller. My wife and I go each year and then say why did we do this. We went specifically this year to purchase a new dink and engine and to look for a few other items. Unfortunately we walked away without making a single purchase. I did get some advice regarding refinancing from the Beacon folks (who also supplied the free tickets, best part of the day), my wife is considering continuing her sailing certification process with Offshore and we saw some really nice hatch screens. But as others have said, half the show was a food vender the number of boats and equipment to look at is less. Next year we'll make the trek to Annapolis, with a little luck we may get to the Miami show this year. I don't think the AC show will be missed. Camille and Bob sv Kathryn, Stamford, Ct
I agree that the show every year gets a little smaller. My wife and I go each year and then say why did we do this. We went specifically this year to purchase a new dink and engine and to look for a few other items. Unfortunately we walked away without making a single purchase. I did get some advice regarding refinancing from the Beacon folks (who also supplied the free tickets, best part of the day), my wife is considering continuing her sailing certification process with Offshore and we saw some really nice hatch screens. But as others have said, half the show was a food vender the number of boats and equipment to look at is less. Next year we'll make the trek to Annapolis, with a little luck we may get to the Miami show this year. I don't think the AC show will be missed. Camille and Bob sv Kathryn, Stamford, Ct
I would miss the AC Show
I have fun when I go down there. Its my mid-winter getaway, I get to relax, gamble a little get to see old freinds, etc. Where else up in the northeast can you get to feel and talk abouts boats when its 5 degree's outside? I would definitely miss it! It is a shame that its not like it used to be like when it was in the old convention center on the boardwalk, it was great back then, You could pop between the casino's and the show. The displays were enormous, they had feature boats like "Stars and Stripes" & they had a lot of boats with the masts up . I think when they decided to have the NJ/NY Sail Expo in Jersey City in Sept, that was like the silver bullet that is going to kill this show. I don't know the reasoning though, That show is right between the Annapolis and Newport Show and I am still sailing and its the end of the season and I have already bought everything I needed that year.
I have fun when I go down there. Its my mid-winter getaway, I get to relax, gamble a little get to see old freinds, etc. Where else up in the northeast can you get to feel and talk abouts boats when its 5 degree's outside? I would definitely miss it! It is a shame that its not like it used to be like when it was in the old convention center on the boardwalk, it was great back then, You could pop between the casino's and the show. The displays were enormous, they had feature boats like "Stars and Stripes" & they had a lot of boats with the masts up . I think when they decided to have the NJ/NY Sail Expo in Jersey City in Sept, that was like the silver bullet that is going to kill this show. I don't know the reasoning though, That show is right between the Annapolis and Newport Show and I am still sailing and its the end of the season and I have already bought everything I needed that year.
ac show
i will miss the ac show. it is close to home and a great way to spend a winter day. i am also disappointed with the way they have let the show slip away. it used to be a great way to spend a winter day. the last two years i have been going to the seminars and have gotten alot from them. the jersey city show??? not likely. i will wait for the real show in annapolis.
i will miss the ac show. it is close to home and a great way to spend a winter day. i am also disappointed with the way they have let the show slip away. it used to be a great way to spend a winter day. the last two years i have been going to the seminars and have gotten alot from them. the jersey city show??? not likely. i will wait for the real show in annapolis.
This was our first ACY boat show (+)
and though it was small, I'm saddened to read some of the posts indicating the show will end. We originally decided to go since a boat we are purchasing was going to be used in the show. Even when those plans changed, we thought it would be a nice break from the winter to look at toys for our new boat. We got what we were looking for...realistically, and not having been to previous ACY shows, we didn't expect an indoor Annapolis. We did go aboard a couple nice boats (which made us feel even better about our purchase ;-), and we picked up some good info on accessories. We had a nice dinner, and left on Sunday AM, even getting to enjoy a Jersey Diner breakfast--something I've missed over the years! I agree with the posters who would like to see the show continue... Fair winds, Bill
and though it was small, I'm saddened to read some of the posts indicating the show will end. We originally decided to go since a boat we are purchasing was going to be used in the show. Even when those plans changed, we thought it would be a nice break from the winter to look at toys for our new boat. We got what we were looking for...realistically, and not having been to previous ACY shows, we didn't expect an indoor Annapolis. We did go aboard a couple nice boats (which made us feel even better about our purchase ;-), and we picked up some good info on accessories. We had a nice dinner, and left on Sunday AM, even getting to enjoy a Jersey Diner breakfast--something I've missed over the years! I agree with the posters who would like to see the show continue... Fair winds, Bill
AC Show - aloha
It's been in a death spiral since it left the old convention center on the boardwalk. Every time I went I swore it was my last year after that. After two terrible winter driving trips for a bad show (in the new location) I quit going. The seminars were excellent but the show left a lot to be desired. Ten years ago the Hunter factory rep gave out free passes to folks that contacted him through this site. I purchased a ton of gear there and got great factory sponsored discounts. Go to Annapolis for seals like that now.
It's been in a death spiral since it left the old convention center on the boardwalk. Every time I went I swore it was my last year after that. After two terrible winter driving trips for a bad show (in the new location) I quit going. The seminars were excellent but the show left a lot to be desired. Ten years ago the Hunter factory rep gave out free passes to folks that contacted him through this site. I purchased a ton of gear there and got great factory sponsored discounts. Go to Annapolis for seals like that now.
Come on Daryl, its not a "bad" show
NO sailboat show whatsoever could be called a bad show, IMHO. I wont claim it to be spectacular like what I hear an annapolis show is, but what could be bad about see and talking about sailboats during our mid-winter freeze up here in the northeast. Its the only thing local that satisfies my winter sailing bug.
NO sailboat show whatsoever could be called a bad show, IMHO. I wont claim it to be spectacular like what I hear an annapolis show is, but what could be bad about see and talking about sailboats during our mid-winter freeze up here in the northeast. Its the only thing local that satisfies my winter sailing bug.
Sure....
what is not to like. what I really like was the hot chick sellinf electrical tape for $10 a roll!
what is not to like. what I really like was the hot chick sellinf electrical tape for $10 a roll!
NJ/NY show is on the way...
I think the reasoning for the Sept. show in NJ/NY is that the some/most of the show boats are heading from the Newport show down to the Annapolis show. Right? Makes sense to use the boats in another show in the NYC metro area because it's enroute and around NYC money flow as free as the Hudson. Right? If anything the addition of that show might hurt attendance at either the Newport or Annapolis shows. But those in the know must have analyzed that issue already.
I think the reasoning for the Sept. show in NJ/NY is that the some/most of the show boats are heading from the Newport show down to the Annapolis show. Right? Makes sense to use the boats in another show in the NYC metro area because it's enroute and around NYC money flow as free as the Hudson. Right? If anything the addition of that show might hurt attendance at either the Newport or Annapolis shows. But those in the know must have analyzed that issue already.
*pop "Atomic Tape girl" Woo-Hoo
I always come around that booth for a demonstration ! Now **that** is a sales tool. *5 The tape is pretty good stuff too
I always come around that booth for a demonstration ! Now **that** is a sales tool. *5 The tape is pretty good stuff too
I hope it's not the last show!
I hope Peggy is incorrect and this wasn't the last show. I enjoy going to the show in the middle of winter to get my needed "boat fix". With the sailing season in the North East as short as it is, I hate to take a beautiful September weekend to attend a boat show. I have my own "boat show" at my marina all summer. I did attend the Annapolis Show in October 2002. Nothing more needs to be said.... But, none the less, I will miss whatever enjoyment I got from going to Atlantic City. We have made friends and rendezvoused with people for dinner and attended seminars together for the past couple of years. I will miss doing that. Here's hoping for a short winter Jack Beneteau 411
I hope Peggy is incorrect and this wasn't the last show. I enjoy going to the show in the middle of winter to get my needed "boat fix". With the sailing season in the North East as short as it is, I hate to take a beautiful September weekend to attend a boat show. I have my own "boat show" at my marina all summer. I did attend the Annapolis Show in October 2002. Nothing more needs to be said.... But, none the less, I will miss whatever enjoyment I got from going to Atlantic City. We have made friends and rendezvoused with people for dinner and attended seminars together for the past couple of years. I will miss doing that. Here's hoping for a short winter Jack Beneteau 411
mid winter blues
I will be vey disappointed to see this show pass on.I also hate to give up a glorious fall weekend when I could be out sailing. Also, the convention center in AC is a great venue for the seminars. To me, the show breaks up the winter. When my boat comes out, I plan what I need to buy, research it, and shop it in AC. Then it's only a couple of months til I am back in action. The NJ/NY show was great but the indoor venue in AC lends itself to seminars and learning and not just shopping and dreaming. Also, I see myself in the future going to Annapolis OR NJ/NY, not both. Maybe a show or convention with just seminars and booth vendors and without the big boats would be more viable(but admittedly less exciting).
I will be vey disappointed to see this show pass on.I also hate to give up a glorious fall weekend when I could be out sailing. Also, the convention center in AC is a great venue for the seminars. To me, the show breaks up the winter. When my boat comes out, I plan what I need to buy, research it, and shop it in AC. Then it's only a couple of months til I am back in action. The NJ/NY show was great but the indoor venue in AC lends itself to seminars and learning and not just shopping and dreaming. Also, I see myself in the future going to Annapolis OR NJ/NY, not both. Maybe a show or convention with just seminars and booth vendors and without the big boats would be more viable(but admittedly less exciting).
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