Annapolis show opens as scheduled despite storm
Organizers said the 47th annual United States Sailboat Show was opening on schedule today after Hurricane Matthew was forecast to miss the Mid-Atlantic states.
More than 200 boats were in the water at the Annapolis (Md.) City Dock and Harbor and hundreds of on-land exhibitors moved in Wednesday.
Annapolis Boat Shows president and general manager Paul Jacobs told Baltimore TV station WMAR earlier this week that show organizers are experienced at handling problems caused by storms that move up the East Coast.
"We've doubled up and tripled up all of our pilings and we've brought in extra tent weights for all of our tents," Jacobs said.
Organizers said the show will be the largest in the history of the event. They said it effectively sold out weeks ago.
"We are very excited to welcome thousands of guests to our Jeanneau display," Jeanneau America president Nick Harvey said in a statement. "This year's show is setting up to be one of the best. We have 10 new Jeanneau sailboats at our display, plus one additional new yacht if we count the exciting virtual reality experience we've created for the new Jeanneau 51. As always, the show organizers made the necessary weather-related decisions for the safety and security of everyone involved."
Special show events include a Premier Launch Party; First Sail Workshops; Take the Wheel Workshop; Cruisers University; free tastings at the Hendricks Gin Barge, Nobilo Wine and Papa's Pilar Rum tents; free seminars on sailing; and a grand-prize drawing for a Moorings seven-day charter in the British Virgin Islands.
