2012 Annapolis Sailboat Show Reports Solid Turnout on the Docks

Organizers of the 2012 Annapolis Sailboat Show (U.S. Sailboat Show) estimate that 50,000 people attended and dozens of new boats were sold at the 43rd edition of the annual event in Maryland. There were more than 600 exhibitors, and organizers said attendance equaled or slightly exceeded that of the 2011 show.

“On Friday, we sold double the amount of product of any day of any show,” said Dave Nickerson of Scandia Marine Products.

“I want to say how impressed we at Dream Yacht Charter were with the layout of Vacation Basin,” said Scott Farquharson, the company’s North American director. “We are most excited about next year’s show and want to reserve our same spot immediately.”

Boat show organizers reported standing-room-only audiences in seminars and said the show’s Take the Wheel program sold out all three days, produced at least one boat sale and welcomed people from 30 states, Brazil and Canada.

“We met with folks from around the globe,” said John Miklovis of Steiner Binoculars. “We heard time and time again how people plan their buying decisions around Annapolis.”

Winners of best-in-show awards at the sailing industry breakfast included Jeanneau America, Tartan Yachts, Dubarry, Zim Sailing, Alerion Yachts and Harken.