March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 43 F

Spring boat show a screaming success

Spring Boatshow 2014Another picture perfect weekend in Annapolis brought nice weather and encouraging sales of sailboats and boat gear to exhibitors at the third annual Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show.  The show continues to grow in size and importance to the sailing industry.

“Our spring sailboat show is one of the largest in the country and we are pleased with the number of boats and accessories reported sold during the weekend. Every indication points to a recovery in the boating industry,” said Paul Jacobs, President of the Annapolis Boat Show.

Exhibitors noted the quality of the customer, a high level of enthusiasm and genuine interest:

“The high quality of the Annapolis Boat Show customer is impressive. The Maui Jim displays at the Annapolis Boat Shows are closing at close to 80 percent. This is the highest number of closings that I have ever seen at a boat show,” said Mike Battistoni, the Maui Jim Marketing Manger

“The crowds were good. The quality of guests…outstanding. We love the Annapolis shows. It’s a great destination and it draws from such a large region. Ever year gets better and since this is the only major spring sailboat show I expect great things to come,” said Geoff McCord, Bavaria Yachts, National Sales Manager

“We had two sales, which is really good for a three-day show, “said Jennifer Jolly of Gemini Catamarans

“In one word, awesome!” said the owner of the North Point Yacht Sales, Ken Comerford. ” I saw more young couples-families in their 30s and 40s than ever before. Its always great to see the future of sailing at a boat show. To me it means the business is coming back. We are glad to participate. We love being here.”

“We had an excellent show. Saturday was just terrific and I like the layout better this year. We sold three boats: two of the new racing sailboats that made their debut at the show – the FARR 280 One Design, and we sold a Bavaria B/One,” said Ian Gordon, FARR Yacht Sales, Sales and Marketing Manager,

David Stanton, President of American Sail, Inc. waxed philosophically on the importance of the show to the sailing industry:

“The Spring Sailboat Show is so important to the industry and to sailors generally. Although the fall show is the big show, its more orientated to the bigger boats and for buyers who can wait five to six months for production. But the industry desperately needs the spring show because it puts people into sailboats right away. It provides a wonderful opportunity for sailors who are looking for toys and products that they can put to use immediately. The value of the spring show is that it provides an outlet for the impulse buyer. I believe that this show will continue to grow and could someday very well out pace the fall show. Its that important of a show.”

Preparations are underway for the Annapolis fall shows; United States Sailboat Show – October 9-13, and the United States Powerboat show – October 16-19.  This year both shows will feature a brokerage show in conjunction with the new boat show.

[do action=”schuh”/]

Previous Article

PVA magnet bringing show to Chesapeake Arts Center (May 9, 2014)

Next Article

Law school-lite without the degree at AACC (May 17, 2014)

You might be interested in …