Business & Tech

44th Annapolis Sailboat Show Launches Thursday

Prepare for an invasion of masts in the sailing capital of the world this weekend.

The largest downtown event of the year will make shore Thursday in Annapolis—make way for the 44th annual United States Sailboat Show.

Hundreds of vessels and thousands of visitors from around the world will gather for the show, just as they did last weekend for the powerboat show.

Last week's powerboat show reported the highest attendance in five years—since the economic downturn, according to Trade Only Today.

Annapolis Economic Development Corporation's President Lara Fritts said the shows bring in an estimated $50 million to the city each year, and there's no sign of it slowing down. It also serves as a platform to promote Annapolis as a great place to do business, she said.

Annapolis Business Association President Sean O'Neill said the shows provide a boom for the local economy.

"The boat shows are the epitome of the kind of events this city needs," O'Neill said.

This will be the last year that Annapolis Boat Show will be run by Ed Hartman II, former owner of United States Yacht Shows, Inc. In September, Hartman began the process of selling his share of the shows to five new investors, in part over what he said was a disagreement with Annapolis Mayor Josh Cohen.

Read more on Hartman's sale of the shows.

For more information on the boat shows, including hours and parking, visit the official website.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $5 for children over 6; children 6 and under are free. VIP Preview tickets are $35. Purchase tickets online at www.usboat.com/buy-tickets.


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