img12186Many claim that Annapolis is the center of the sailing universe all the time. Believe that or not, there's no doubt that it will be from Thursday October 4 through Monday October 8 when the 32nd Annual Sailboat Show hits town. All the usual suspects will be on hand, journalists, publishers, suppliers, equipment manufacturers, boat builders and buyers. This is the nation's old and largest sailboat show. If it has to do with sailing, you'll find it here.

Thursday October 4 is VIP day -- anyone can be a VIP, but it costs a bit more. Tickets are $25 for Thursday, the show runs from 10 AM to 6 PM. Friday through Sunday, tickets are $14 for adults, $7 for children, and any kids age 12 and under get in free. Show hours Friday through Sunday are 10 -7. On Monday, Columbus Day, the show hours are from 10 to 6.

Making their North American and/or World Debut at the show are the following boats:

A-13 RIB, A-15 Tender
Beneteau 393
Beneteau First 36.7
C&C 99
Cabo Rico 45
Cape Fear 38
Conser 47 E Type
Contest 44
Dufour Gib Sea 43
Endeavour Cat 44
ETAP 34s

Genesis IV
IMX-40
Lagoon 570
Morris 52
Seaward Eagle 32
Stellar 52
Tayana Passagemaker 46
Tayana Vancouver 460 Pilothouse
Vilm 116
X3 Racer

Seminars


The Sailing Company, US SAILING, and the United States Sailboat Show present a full schedule of sailing seminars throughout the show. All seminars are in the ballroom of the Annapolis Mariott Waterfront Hotel, and are free. Show up early, all are on a first come basis.

Thursday, Oct. 4, 2001


10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Tools of the Trade, Alvah Simon, Cruising World-Editor-at-Large and Seamanship Award winner. Gear necessities, from anchors to tools to spare parts and more.

12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Insider's Guide to the Intracoastal Waterway, Tom and Mel Neale, Cruising World-Editor-at-Large. After 19 years navigating "the ditch," Tom and wife Mel share their hard-earned lessons.

2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Understanding Diesel Engines, Larry Berlin, Engine City Tech,? Mack Boring. The diesel guru offers essential tips on trouble-shooting and maintenance.

4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Passagemaking Skills, Alvah Simon. A circumnavigator covers passage preparation, weather, watchkeeping, storm strategies, and light-air sailing techniques.

Friday, Oct. 5, 2001


10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Insider's Guide to Cruising the Bahamas, Tom and Mel Neale. Everything a sailor needs to know about this popular cruising destination.

12:00 - 1:30 p.m. The Wide World of Sailing, Gary Jobson, ESPN sailing analyst and Cruising World-Editor-at-Large. In words and film, Gary presents the stories of his recent Arctic adventure, the start of the Volvo Race, and the Sydney Olympics. Plus, an update on America's Cup 2003. Presented by Transderm Scop.

2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Understanding Diesel Engines, Larry Berlin. Trouble-shooting and maintenance for the iron genny.

4:00 - 5:30 p.m. The Wide World of Sailing, Gary Jobson. The former America's Cup winner presents the stories of his recent arctic adventure, the start of the Volvo Race, and the Sydney Olympics. Plus, an update on America's Cup 2003.

Saturday, Oct. 6, 2001


10:30 - 11:45 a.m. GMDSS and the Cruising Sailor, Michel Carr, Marine Institute of Technology & Graduate Studies (MITAGS). Definitive information on new requirements regarding VHF communications, EPIRBs, distress calls and commercial shipping.

12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Insider's Guide to the Intracoastal Waterway, Tom and Mel Neale. A veteran couple's take on rambling down the waterway

2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Tools of the Trade, Alvah Simon. The author of "North to the Night" on the necessities for a long-range sailor.

4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Northwest to Northeast, Liza Copeland, author, "Comfortable Cruising". How to cruise comfortably from the Pacific Northwest, through the Canal and on to Nova Scotia.

Sunday, Oct. 7 2001


10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Weathering an Atlantic Crossing, Michael Carr, Cruising World contributing editor. A first-hand account of a recent crossing from the perspective of obtaining and properly employing the latest forecasting tools.

12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Insider's Guide to Cruising the Bahamas, Tom and Mel Neale. Everything a sailor needs to know about this popular cruising destination.

2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Passagemaking Skills, Alvah Simon. Passage preparation, weather, watchkeeping, storm strategies, and light-air sailing techniques.

4 - 5:30 p.m. Northwest to Northeast, Liza Copeland. Comfortable cruising around and through North and Central America.

To purchase tickets, find driving directions or for other information see the Show website at www.usboat.com/shows/sbhomes.htm