Annapolis Boat Show: offering local knowledge
Posted by SVAuspicious@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 100 comments
If you're coming to the Annapolis Sailboat Show and have questions I'm your guy. This year will be my 42nd year. I've lived in Annapolis for 15 years, some liveaboard and some on land. If I don't have an answer to your question I'll get you one.
I'm also a mod here on r/sailing. If you want to talk about the sub and are coming to Annapolis I'll be in O-20 Sat 2 - 6, Sun 12 - 4, Sun 2 - 4. Stop by and say hi.
sail fast and eat well, dave
jetdr77@reddit
Hi i am driving up from NYC for the sail boat show, is parking available are there lots available within walking distance
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
There are lots in walking distance. There is a City parking garage that usually fills up early with vendors. There is an elementary school that has parking on the playground that also fills up. Lots of locals sell parking in driveways and in yards but you have to drive around. You can easily burn an hour. "Walking distance" depends on you.
Most reliable is the US Naval Academy stadium parking with free shuttle buses.
This year we're having an r/sailing meetup for lunch at the Fleet Reserve Club, upstairs, at noon on Friday.
jetdr77@reddit
Hey I actually found someone renting their front yard 1 block away from the main entrance, but 1 day wasn't enough for the show, will def be back next year
RaazAlGhul@reddit
Thank you .. much appreciated ... First ever boat show long time YouTuber blue water .
chipmonger@reddit
Best places to eat near the show for those staying in the area?
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
Excellent question.
Annapolis is in general is a culinary wasteland. We're focused on tourists so repeat business isn't a huge deal. That leads to two star food at four star prices.
Some places are especially bad, even some famous ones. Chick & Ruths, Buddies, Cantlers are pretty bad.
Everyplace in downtown Annapolis (DTA) and Eastport will be busy.
A few places are worth the wait. Davis' Pub in Eastport 400 Chester Ave leads the list as the last real sailing bar in Annapolis. Eastport Yacht Club party on Saturday (open to public). Sofie's Crepes for breakfast or lunch. Fleet Reserve Club for lunch (go upstairs to the patio). At the expensive end of things Osteria 177 and Cafe Normandie on Main St and Chart House and Carrol's Creek in Eastport; get reservations for those four.
Further afield and requiring a car or Uber are Caliente Grill on Bay Ridge Rd, Jack's Fortune on Bay Ridge Rd, Grape's Wine Bar on Forest Dr, and Lemongrass Too on Houseley (not the one on West St). Yama Sushi on West St.
Boatyard is fine (good food) but gets hellishly loud due to the open ceiling. It will be jammed. If you go there and see owner Dick Franyo thank him for all he does for the sailing community.
If you want steamed crabs, your best bet is Mike's Crabhouse in Riva.
If you come by boat, Rocco's Pizza will delivery to boats in slips and to dinghy docks. You're welcome. *grin* Please tip generously.
El-Coqui@reddit
Based on your "two star food at four star prices" comment, I was prepared for a pretty horrible culinary experience during our visit to this year's boat show. Our experience was radically different, but we also planned in advance and made reservations where necessary.
Leo's. A bit further from the Harbor but well worth the walk. Kind attentive staff. Beautiful presentation. Lovely atmosphere.
Lighthouse. Exceptional service, well prepared and tasty food, and rock-solid mission. We didn't know about the mission (teach work skills and help prevent homelessness) until halfway through our meal. And it was a delight even before we realized there was a greater purpose to this restaurant.
Davis's Pub. Better than expected pub food. A reasonable walk from the Harbor. Seated right away, no issues. Not as amazing as the first two (above) but acceptable.
Preserve. We had a rough experience. After being seated, we waited 20ish minutes for someone to take our order. As we waited, I watched interactions between the host and the only visible server appear strained and confrontational. Realizing it would end badly, we gave up and walked out. Maybe they were having an off night or had found themselves suddenly understaffed. Not sure what happened but we won't be back. Like ever.
Choptank. Didn't expect much given its proximity to the event, and while it wasn't nearly as good as Leo's or Lighthouse, it was acceptable. Super crowded and popular. Nice rooftop patio.
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
I'm glad you had a good experience in Annapolis. We're glad you're here.
Leo's, Preserve, and Choptank are overpriced. Maybe that's okay with you.
Davis' Pub is on my list of exceptions.
Light House Bistro does have a laudable mission. Let's use them as an example. I choose them because they have a very simple menu that is easy to cost. Their French omelet is $16. Three eggs at the local grocery are $1. Industrial suppliers like Sysco or US Foods will be less. Restaurants use real numbers for pricing, but the rule of thumb for break even in a restaurant is price at three times COGS (cost of food). Labor at Light House is cheaper than usual because the trainees don't get paid well and a lot of staff are volunteers. There is a lot of space between 3X and 16X COGS.
Taxes are high in Annapolis (two star services at four star taxes *sigh*) Lease costs are high for Leo's, Light House, Preserve, and Choptank but not that high. They're high for Davis' Pub also.
The food is okay. There isn't anything wrong with two star food. The value for money of charging four star prices for it is low.
Perhaps my standards are high. I haven't lived or traveled anywhere where value for money of restaurant food is so poor as in Annapolis.
If you're happy that's great. I don't want visitors to come in with high expectations and be disappointed.
chipmonger@reddit
Thanks! Sorry to hear about Chick & Ruths/Cantler's. Last time I was in town with someone familiar with the area he recommended both. Wasn't impressed with Chick & Ruths, but Cantler's wasn't too bad.
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
Chick & Ruths (C&R) is one of those places famous for being famous. The morning pledge of allegiance is a nice touch and draws workers and representatives down from the capitol. Unfortunately the tables are jammed tight (I don't know why the fire marshal says it's okay), it's bug ridden, and the staff are surly. Much of the food is greasy. I'm not much for diners in general and that certainly colors my opinion.
Cantlers used to be pretty good. Current owners and managers are the children of the founders and they have not maintained their parents standards. It's possible the bathrooms haven't been cleaned since the parents stopped showing up. *grin* Crabs don't meet promised sizes and cooking is inconsistent.
I still keep Cantlers on my list of water accessible restaurants because it's there and it opens. It's biggest advantage is it doesn't have height restrictions. You can get to Mike's Crabhouse in Riva by water but the Rt 2/Solomons Island Road bridge is only 53' and if you're too tall it's a long dinghy ride from Liberty Marina, Pier 7 Marina, or the adjacent anchorages. No big deal for people used to cruising the Bahamas or Caribbean but for most American coastal cruisers it's far. You can't get lost (you're on a river) but some nav on a phone is reassuring. You don't even need marine nav like Aqua Map--Google Maps will do. It's a long run from Annapolis though so if you sail in for Boat Show and want crabs an Uber to Mike's is easier. Or go to Wild Country Seafood in Eastport for take-out. There is also a local waterman who sells his catch off his front porch. Jack something on Taylor Ave. I can look up his name and address if anyone wants.
I carry a 16 qt Presto pressure canner on my boat that I've used for seafood boils and a crab steamer in addition to canning. It's time consuming but great fun. I've made some unusual choices about what to make room for and what not to.
People still go to C&R and Cantlers and claim to like them. I wonder if some of that is due to nostalgia from better days.
chipmonger@reddit
Yeah, wasn't impressed with C&R nor the breakfast. Was a nice walk from the Yacht Basin.
We've had a few second generation restaurants suffer the same way. Some recovered (and excelled), some yet to be seen, some sold as the kids didn't want to run it.
Still looking forward to the weekend, hopefully the weather will be good. Thanks!
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
Iron Rooster is a good choice for breakfast. It's right next to Market House. Interestingly breakfast and lunch are pretty good but dinner is a disappointment.
Sofie's Crepes is good for breakfast also.
Both are a trivial walk to the gates to the show.
chipmonger@reddit
Will check them out, thanks.
dpp-m-forfun@reddit
Disagree. Cantlers has always been great.
Agree with everything else.
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
Opinions make a market. They certainly stay busy. So does Dark Horse. That doesn't mean I want to go there.
Nuru83@reddit
We always grab lunch at the federal house right next to the boat show. Pretty good burgers.
No-Grapefruit-8805@reddit
r/sailing meetup in Annapolis yea yea?
I've got a regatta the 14-15th but could totally plan for dpub Thurs night ;P
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
That's a great idea. If you want to organize it in a separate thread I'll pin it. Send me a DM or a modmail when you do.
For others, Davis' Pub at 400 Chester Ave is the last real sailing bar in Annapolis (a moment of silence please for Marmaduke's Pub). The hamburgers and Reubens are excellent. In fact everything is good. You definitely want to try the crab pretzel. The have a long history of excellent chef's. One won a year contract cooking for McMurdo Station in Antarctica which for some reason is a big deal in the culinary world. That guy can sail with me any time he wants.
My suggestion is a meeting point across the street at George Washington Davis Memorial Park at the bench closest to the street. Plan to walk or take the water taxi to Fourth St on Back Creek. You will NOT be able to park. Don't even think about parking where you shouldn't. Annapolis balances their annual budget on parking tickets during Boat Show. Good chances you'll get a ticket and towed.
chipmonger@reddit
Went to Davis’ Pub today for a great lunch. Thanks for the recommendation!
El-Coqui@reddit
went to Davis's Pub during the show this year. Can confirm, it remains a solid choice.
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
I'm glad you enjoyed the experience. My preferences are opinions but I like to think they are educated opinions.
No-Grapefruit-8805@reddit
SSA membership pays for its weight in gold just on parking privileges during tourist season alone XD
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
Agreed. You still have to deal with traffic of course.
My wife drops me off and picks me up at the Royal Farms. I walk from there. It's a good deal. I recommend it. Get your own wife.
caseadilla_atx@reddit
Thinking about 2024 boat show…. And we want to sail there this year instead of road-tripping. Any tips or tricks for securing an anchorage or mooring ball? How quick do they fill up? Can you reserve one anywhere, because I see the city dock balls are listed as FCFS. Does that even apply during boat show week?
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
There are a small number of private moorings that mostly have people's boats on them. City moorings are FCFS and the show takes a big chunk out of the main field. Lots of cruisers work the show and show up a month or more ahead of time. The good anchoring spots in Spa Creek and Back Creek will be full a week or more before the show. South Anchorage, Middle Ground Anchorage, and Naval Anchorage will have room. All are marked on the chart. To anchor in the Naval Anchorage you are supposed to get permission from the Superintendent of the Naval Academy, but the office doesn't know how to do that. You have to make your own choice. Some of the water taxi skippers won't service boats there. Lots of dinghy dockage.
Some people anchor in Whitehall Bay which always has room and is very protected. Very long dinghy ride.
Weems Creek is accessible but a very long dinghy ride to the show. You can use the dinghy landing right there but it's a very very long walk to the show and public transportation here isn't good.
Brokers and manufacturers book up the marinas early. Many make reservations for the following year as they pack out. The ones who move boats to the show leave (and pay for) empty slips. If you work the phones you can often get a slip for Thursday noon to Monday noon.
MasterShoNuffTLD@reddit
Missed this year but have been before.. any suggestions on getting a sail in on a charter on the front or back ends of the show?
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
I don't know a lot about local charters. Here's a list. If anything looks attractive I'm happy to stop by and visit and share what I think.
Extrapolating from other things surrounding Boat Show I do recommend making arrangements early.
Let me know if I can help.
MasterShoNuffTLD@reddit
Thanks. I’ve used waypoints in tanpa before so will prob look them up next time
Then-Blueberry-6679@reddit
I will be there Thursday through Saturday. I will try and stop by.
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
Great. I'll be in O-20 Fri 2p - 6p, Sat noon - 4p, Sun 2p - 4p. Tent O is in the upper left hand corner of the show map between the St Mary's St street entrance and the water taxi entrance.
Then-Blueberry-6679@reddit
Nice meeting you David! I will definitely check out the grocery store in Ellös!
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
It was great speaking with you. Please don't be shy about reaching out if I can be of any assistance as your new adventure unfolds.
Do NOT miss a visit to HR Parts while you are there. In addition to the obvious, the helped me tremendously with shipping things in for my trip home and provided a local address.
I remembered the correct name for the big grocery in Göteborg: Hemköp. I believe they have online shopping and curbside pickup now (the silver lining of COVID). If you can maneuver the website I highly recommend that.
Logistics including ground transportation are a major part of ocean crossings. I visited my boat several times during construction. I was fortunate to be on assignment in the UK at the time. When I took possession, I had one crew fly in to help me with prep for a few days. I returned our rental car to the airport in Göteborg and took the bus back to Ellös. It was a short day to sail to Göteborg to pick up the rest of the crew and do our big provisioning.
Skagerrak, North Sea, English Channel, Solent to Hamble to the broker for some things to address shortfalls. Stage in Falmouth then Horta in Azores (absolutely beautiful), then Bermuda, then Norfolk, then home to Annapolis. I have friends and contacts in those places and pretty much all cruising grounds I'm happy to share and introduce you to.
There are lots of little things that either make your life easier or more fun. In addition to the haircut story I shared with you, there is a particular walk you should take in Falmouth, you should take paint and brushes with you to Horta, and always take cat treats with you to Bermuda. *grin*
I don't remember if we talked about import duty and import bond with US Customs but I do recommend research ahead of time and getting the bond set up ahead of time so you can cut down on time and paperwork when you clear in. Definitely have CBP ROAM on your phone for clearing in.
If you're not in the email owner's group yet you should sign up. It's like having a friend in every port.
sail fast and eat well, dave
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
I had six folks come visit me yesterday. It was very nice to see members from r/sailing. Lots of sharing of stories. I also heard from folks who benefited from my offerings of local knowledge. I'm glad you're having a good time in my adopted home town.
I'll be in booth O-20 today 12 - 4 and tomorrow, Sunday, from 2 - 4. I may stay later to help with break down.
I'll also be at the L&A after party today from 6.30p on the top deck over Pussers. Stop by the L&A booth in YB-4 to register and get a wrist band. I'll try to hang near the wall over the Show near the stairs going down. 5'10" brown hair, white beard, glasses, blue jeans, light gray shirt, dark gray fleece. Answer to "Dave," "Auspicious," and derogatory comments.
Please stop by and say hello. Happy to talk about anything. If there is something you like about r/sailing I want to hear about it so we don't change it. If there is something you don't like I want to hear about so we can talk about change. No promises, just an open mind and an ear.
Inside joke: I will be wearing pants.
Its_got_old@reddit
Pride of Baltimore is on our way!
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
Watch the shallow bit coming in!
e4aZ7aXT63u6PmRgiRYT@reddit
i'm there Oct 17-19 will it still be going on
chipmonger@reddit
Sorry, it's over Sunday the 15th.
e4aZ7aXT63u6PmRgiRYT@reddit
Damn! I'll plan better next time.
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
u/chipmonger beat me to the punch! *grin* Thanks for helping.
chipmonger@reddit
You're welcome, that was an easy one.
chris_the_wrench@reddit
Is there any kind of public transit to Annapolis from baltimore or other airport?
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
*sigh* No. Long walk or shuttle from terminal to light rail which will get you to New Carrolton. New Carrolton is just as far from Annapolis as BWI but in a different direction. There is a limited schedule commuter bus from there to Annapolis outskirts park and ride lots. No weekend schedule. It would take you half a day.
I think Uber is about $50.
Renting a car is probably cheaper. That also increases your options for lodging, especially cheaper lodging.
Parking is a challenge. Most reliable albeit a little time consuming is parking in the lots of the Naval Academy stadium and taking the shuttle to the show.
Tri4Realz@reddit
Any free parking? Last time I prepaid for a spot in a garage a couple blocks from the harbor. Convenient but pricey
Nuru83@reddit
I’ve never found free parking put on weekends so that means the municipal ramp is pretty reasonable. It’s a really nice walk through the historic part of town to the show.
Tri4Realz@reddit
I should add that you can reserve your spot and prepay at https://www.premiumparking.com
Tri4Realz@reddit
Agree with both replies thanks. I believe this is where I parked last year and it was indeed both close and reasonable. Looks like there is still space available and $23 for 24hrs. Done and done.
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
The closest garage is Hillman, recently reopened after a complete rebuild. Inbound access from Duke of Gloucester St and outbound on Main St; inbound from Eastport on Main St. All the downtown garages are served by a circulator bus that is free. The garages now require use of a smartphone app to pay. See the website.
No free parking in downtown Annapolis. Street parking in Eastport is free but fills up very fast and traffic can be heavy. Do NOT fall into the trap of "close enough" where parking is restricted. 6" into a no parking zone will get you a ticket. Annapolis balances their budget on Boat Show parking tickets. Do not parking on private property including marina and other business parking lots; you will be towed.
shackleton123@reddit
It’s the biggest sailboat show in the US by far I think.
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
I think Fort Lauderdale and Miami are bigger but in my opinion not as good. Too broken up and too hard to get from one place to another. The locals don't want you there. The Florida state motto is "send your money and stay home."
Annapolis gets major credit for organization. I've delivered a lot of boats into and out of boat shows and build up and break down are faster and more efficient than anywhere else I have been. If you stay until the last day (Sunday 10/15 this year) you can get a great view of breakdown from the upper deck over Pussers at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel. As we're driving boats out we know you're watching and try not to screw up. The real pros are the drivers of "Push" and "Pull," little tinnies used as tug boats to haul out all the docks that capture the inner boats. Applause is allowed and encouraged for those guys.
Han-YoLo-@reddit
I was at the Ft. Lauderdale show last year. Not a single mast in the marinas or the convention center location. Legitimately not one sailboat, dinghy, or sailing kayak at the entire show!
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
One of the reasons I don't like the Fort Lauderdale show is that they have so many different locations and they're spread out all over the place. There are sailboats at FLL. "You just can't get there from here."
Jillredhanded@reddit
This gives a view of part of the the loadout.
Breakdown Timelapse
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
Good shots of Push and Pull in action.
attorneyatloblaw@reddit
How do you avoid careless boat show tourists from hitting your parked car? How do you get boat show tourists to stop angrily honking and yelling at you as you try to bike through the traffic they bring as you try to get to work? How do you access the public spaces like city dock taken over by a for-profit organization without being blocked? How do you square that the tax revenue from the boat show amounts to less to $10 per resident with the outsized headache and damage it causes to our daily lives?
Can’t stand the boat show.
attorneyatloblaw@reddit
Direct municipal benefit from last October’s combined boat shows was a little over $500K to the city from the organizers.
I am talking about what ends up going to benefit all-residents (funds) - not business owners and those who see an increase in revenue from boat show.
pippinslastfetch@reddit
I think you need a hobby. Try sailing.
attorneyatloblaw@reddit
My hobby is sailing. Racing, cruising, maintenance.
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
Well, howdy neighbor.
The only Loblaw I know is a Canadian grocery
Annapolis is a tourist town. Just ask our mayor. He'll tell you that tourism and other hospitality are the principle priority for Annapolis governance.
You can talk to Alex Pline on the Zoning board about bicycling. He's a huge advocate and even (I believe) supported the mayor's misguided effort to put a hard bike lane down Main St.
Your number for relative tax contribution seems low. Does it include all the knock-on taxes from local businesses that get a surge? Extra worker earnings? Footnote?
How do you feel about commissioning week and parent's weekend? I think traffic is worse during those.
hapes@reddit
Wife and I are coming Saturday. Hope to see you there
Sunkisser902@reddit
Can I sleep at your house?
Nuru83@reddit
My recommendation, after going for many years is to book in Baltimore if you’re looking for a cheap hotel. We’re staying at a decent looking place for like $70 a night. I doubt you can get anyone in Annapolis for under 300
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
Upvote for attitude.
I'm booked up. In fact, I have a waiting list for next year. Somewhere I have a picture from Boat Show dinner from one year. Usually I'm too busy for pictures.
Sunkisser902@reddit
Lol- I’m stuck in Phuket on my sailboat. Just wanted to check :)
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
"Stuck" isn't the word I'd have chosen. If you don't mind getting up in the middle of the night I can live stream you some video. Whatsapp?
Big-Ad-5149@reddit
This is one of things I wished I went to when I lived out in Maryland, but I just started learning to sail. Now I’m back on the California and will need to make a trip back to DC for this show. Aiming for next year!
ranchergamer@reddit
The Sausalito, CA boat show is next weekend. Shorter trip than Annapolis.
Big-Ad-5149@reddit
Thanks for the tip!
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
I've been to lots of boat shows in lots of places and in my own opinion, Annapolis is the second best boat show in the entire world. You'll love it.
Vendors and regulars make their lodging reservations when they check out after the show. It isn't too early to start planning now for next year, especially if you want to be in walking distance or on the Circulator (bus) route.
anddwew@reddit
What’s the best boat show?
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
Ha! I was waiting with baited breath for someone to ask.
What makes Annapolis good is a great balance between boats and "stuff," good seminars, and local support. It's big enough to cover about the best of everything (some boat brands don't come, and there are a good number of arts and crafts booths along with more sunglasses than seems reasonable.
In my own opinion, of all the boat shows I've been to Southampton in the UK is best. Same sort of balance. It's all in one place (like Annapolis, unlike some larger shows). Parking and public transportation are better. You have to love a Boat Show that is organized by sitting down and saying "okay, we'll put the Guiness beer stand here and build a boat show around it." If you travel to Southampton from another country and buy a day ticket you can stop by the main office and get a hard pass for the entire show, every day, no extra cost. That is hospitality.
Boating_Enthusiast@reddit
So, out of curiosity, what would you say is the third best show, and is there a show that gets an honorable mention?
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
These are of course just my opinions. Other people feel differently.
I'd put Dusseldorf in third.
Honorable mention to specialty shows like the Maine Wooden Boat Show and the Townsend WA Boat Show.
I haven't been to every boat show in the world. Someone mentioned Antigua and I haven't been to that.
I went to the Cannes Yachting Festival once and had a great time but there wasn't anything really useful. It was mostly just looking. I just hung out with a couple of other naval architects and discussed/argued about what we'd do differently.
e4aZ7aXT63u6PmRgiRYT@reddit
Antigua is pretty good too
anddwew@reddit
Can’t disagree with the UK hospitality. Saw the Olympic Sailing in Weymouth in 2012 and they couldn’t have been nicer. Good to know about the boat show, it’ll be a nice excuse to go.
_The_Space_Monkey_@reddit
I recently met Dave (OP) after he responded to one of my posts and offered to lend me (a complete stranger) some advice and help out in any way he could. He's not only extremely knowledgeable and well versed in the boating and sailing industry, but generally just seemed like an all around great guy. I highly recommend stopping by his tent just say hi and have a chat with him, I certainly will be.
Thanks again Dave!
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
My pleasure. I like helping people.
ordosays@reddit
Are there any races or group sails going on during the show that need hands?
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
There are races. Call Severn Sailing Association (SSA), Eastport Yacht Club (EYC), and Annapolis Yacht Club (AYC) to get hooked up with owners for crew opportunities.
ordosays@reddit
Awesome! Thanks
Gwyndon@reddit
My Dad and I are making the trip from Michigan. Life long power boaters but I’m interested in sailing. Even signed up for the first sail class Friday
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
I hope you have a great time. Holler if I can help.
eLearningChris@reddit
We’re missing this year but want to try to get there next year. My question is how early would you need to show up to catch a city mooring? I’ve heard a rumor that you want to be there by the 1st and pay for the whole month?
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
Moorings in the main field fill early. If you have a smaller boat you have some more time to get a ball at the field just above the Compromise St bridge. A little more time for the balls further up Spa Creek by Truxton Park. The balls on Back Creek fill earliest as they are closer to groceries, hardware, and chandleries. They're also closest to the prep yard for all the show docks. Cruisers working the show get those and come early (early September) for prep.
The "pay for the month" rumor is fact not rumor and is because the discount for monthly rentals is cheaper than paying by the day.
I'd come when you want to come and anchor in the South Anchorage. If weather kicks up move to Whitehall Bay.
If you anchor use your dinghy to get to shore. The water taxi captains sometimes decide it is "too windy" to drop you in the anchorage.
There is a huge dinghy dock at the show. As you approach the show it's on the far right, to the North of all the docks.
eLearningChris@reddit
Holy Early September Batman.. Wow. Good to know about the taxi captains. I’ve only got a 1hp on my dingy but luckily I have a sail kit so if it is too windy I can always sail back to the boat.
chipmonger@reddit
Will be there with my daughter next week.
Had planned to go with a list of items to look at for the new (to me) sailboat I just had surveyed yesterday but had to end up walking away from it. So will be doing some shopping, just not what I expected.
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
I'm sorry your deal fell through. You have my respect for walking away when post-survey negotiations broke down. Good for you.
chipmonger@reddit
Thanks. I had some concerns and the surveyor confirmed it was worse than thought. He was sad about it but I appreciated his work - saved me in the end. Will use him in the future.
RawrHaus@reddit
I'm looking forward to it. Just moved to MD and new to sailing. Planning to go on the first day
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
Thursday is VIP day and tickets are more expensive. There are fewer people but they are mostly entitled and self-important. Not worth the extra money for me.
The best is to go on a rainy day when the looky-loos stay home and only the serious are there. Flooding is even better.
History: Thursday used to be Trade Day. You'd write in an apply for admission which was free. Then they started selling VIP tickets to Trade Day. Then Trade Day went away. Jeez, I'm old.
RawrHaus@reddit
Ah you're right. It's more expensive. I'll go another day!
Flahdagal@reddit
Our first year and we've been planning this since January -- this is our only 2023 trip/vacation.
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
Welcome to Annapolis. Holler if I can help.
surfkaboom@reddit
Don't know which day yet, but we are heading to the show to look for liveaboard ideas for when I retire in 8-10 years.
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
Look for material at Cruisers' University between power and sail shows.
Aplay1@reddit
Can confirm, u/SVAuspicious has been very helpful with questions I’ve had. I would love to crew with him just for the knowledge next season
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
You're very kind. Drop me an email at dave@AuspiciousWorks.com and I'll add you to my crew candidate list. No promises, every opportunity is a clean start.
7seascompany@reddit
Racing today and plan to attend the show! Thanks for the hospitality. It will be my first time attending.
SVAuspicious@reddit (OP)
Enjoy the experience.
clutchied@reddit
Wow incredible resource thx
1boatinthewater@reddit
Cool - see you at O-20