As the temperatures start to drop and summer fades into fall, a unique buzz fills the air for sailing enthusiasts—it’s sailboat show season! From the East Coast to the West, and even beyond U.S. shores, these events draw boaters, dreamers, and adventurers from all walks of life to marvel at the finest vessels on the market, explore cutting-edge marine technology, and dive headfirst into a culture that celebrates the joy of life on the water.
While sailboat shows take place across the globe, a few iconic events truly stand out. The United States Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, held every October, is one of the largest and most highly anticipated gatherings of its kind. Set against the historic waterfront, the show draws sailing enthusiasts from near and far, showcasing everything from blue-water cruisers to day sailers. For many, it’s an annual pilgrimage, attracting not only American sailors but an international crowd eager to experience the best of U.S. boating culture.
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On the West Coast, the Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show in California offers a laid-back, distinctly West Coast vibe, with a wide array of boats and exhibitors. Across the Atlantic, European shows like the Cannes Yachting Festival in France and the Southampton Boat Show in the U.K. bring a continental flair, featuring luxurious vessels and catering to both the super yacht crowd and everyday sailors alike. For those dreaming of tropical waters, the Caribbean Charter Yacht Show in the British Virgin Islands is a must-visit. This sun-drenched event focuses on chartering and highlights some of the most elegant catamarans and monohulls available for rent.
For Chris and me, these boat shows are a fantastic opportunity to connect with the sailing community, score discounted gear, and get a glimpse of the latest innovations that might soon join us at anchor. We’ve had the pleasure of attending the Annapolis Boat Show—the largest in the U.S.—for several years now, both as visitors and participants. In addition to representing the magazines I write for and my various industry clients, we also attend in connection with our online presence as Sailing Avocet. Through these experiences, we’ve picked up a few tips and tricks that we’d love to share with fellow boat show enthusiasts:
Wear comfortable, slip-on shoes. Comfy shoes may seem like a no-brainer as you will probably be doing a lot of walking but hear me out: wear comfortable slip-on shoes. If you tour the yachts, you will likely be asked to remove your shoes – as you should on any vessel. My first year, I wore my Sperrys thinking they would be the perfect boat show shoe. Although on-brand and very comfortable, I was tired of fussing with my laces by the end of the day and wished that I had chosen to wear my slip-on shoes like these HERE. It’s worth mentioning that a good sock goes a long way as well, which is why you should consider buying some QEJA socks! A sailor-owned business with the best socks ever. Use code AVOCET10 for a discount!
Chart your course. Boat shows are generally crowded, and there were definitely some sensory overload moments for me. We did our best to navigate through the crowds to find the vendors we wanted to chat with, but were so unprepared the first year. This chaos could have been avoided if had we planned a proper course of action prior to arrival. A Show Guide is generally released ahead of time, so you can see what vendors will attend and where they will be located. Don’t bank on running into longtime friends or leaving a meet-up to fate. Having a dedicated meeting spot to connect with friends, sponsors, and/or followers was helpful for us. If you are a prospective yacht buyer, figure out which vessels fit your needs and budget ahead of time, so you can spend more time evaluating and touring those types of vessels.
Collect Information. The amount of information you will learn at the show may be overwhelming, which is why I recommend taking notes! I use the note pad in my phone to help keep my thoughts and findings safe for reviewing later when I can sit down and digest all of the information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, the vendors are there to talk about their businesses and boats; it is the perfect time to get clarity on your most convoluted inquiries! On business cards, write down what you talked to that person about, so you can remember later. Chris and I met a lot of wonderful people at the boat show and were sure to swap information via sail cards, which are essentially business cards for boaters sharing their contact and vessel information. When I got back to our hotel that night, I went the extra mile to send “thank you” emails to the people we met, extending gratitude for their time and sometimes to follow up on collaborations and sponsorship opportunities.
Don’t buy right away! With all the latest technologies and gear at a discount it can be tempting to buy right away. However, if you walk away from your initial urge to buy and are still thinking about the item at the end of the day, circle back and make the decision then. Usually, you don’t have to purchase big ticket items at the show to benefit from the special boat show pricing. If you’re a serious buyer and nice to the representatives, most sellers will give you the boat show price for a purchase made shortly after the show. It certainly never hurts to ask, but don’t expect it.
Stay hydrated—and bring snacks. Pack a reusable water bottle to avoid plastic waste and keep yourself well hydrated to avoid burnout. The kind bartenders at the show will fill it up for you if you are unable to locate a refillable water station. Bring some high-energy snacks. With all the commotion it can be hard to remember to drink water or eat, but if you make it part of your to-do list, your body will thank you.
Prepare for the Weather – Rain or shine, boat shows will go on! It’s almost tradition that it rains at least one day of the Annapolis boat show, so even if the weather report says “clear and sunny” be prepared for a squall – you know how it goes. A light rain jacket, small umbrella, or your stylish Xtra Tuff boots might save the day, it did for us!
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