Annapolis Boat Show - Thursday Oct 8th - Monday 12th
Each year, the Annapolis Harbor is filled with vessels and vendors of all shapes and sizes. The days mentioned above are for sailboats. The following week, is for power boats.
Guess which week Marcia and I attended?
I went alone on Thursday and we went back on Friday and Sunday. Wear comfy shoes and be patient. Alot of people come thru.
The harbor is not very wide but it is long, and they bring in temporary floating docks and tents to house the event. In addition to the docks, there are floating platforms where tents and booths are erected. Indeed, it is a fun place to be.
I went alone on Thursday and there was not many people at that time. VIP Day. Which meant I paid a few bucks more for the ticket. I walked all the docks, went thru every tent and past every vendor. I did not stop long nor linger. Except for 15 minutes for two hot dogs. Four and a half hours later, I was back where I started. It is -that- big.
Impressions
If, you want to spend money, any amount of money, there is someone here that will take every bit of it and smile all the while. Need more? There are hawkers that will loan you the money. All you can borrow. Right there too. One vessel was listed at $4,950,000 and, they made even larger ones (for Lome Linda folks - that means the larger ones are more expensive - lots more expensive).
Marcia commented the only thing missing was a flag vendor. She is right.
We bought deck shoes. I ordered a more efficient, feathering prop for Empty Pockets. And we decided to add a jib furler to our little puddle jumper. Which then will lead to new sails to replace those ordered so long ago. . I came really, squeaky close to buying a sextant. But did not. Could have saved a hundred dollars. And, after a year or two and some practice, I would know how to use it to determine latitude and longitude. From my back yard, or the open ocean.
The most impressive boats were those made on the coast or Europe. Oyster, Morris, Hinckley, Alden, Bristol and others that are low production vessels with interiors made with care and precision, the old fashioned way. By hand with eight, nine or more coats of varnish. Indeed they are very, very beautiful. Beware tho, some are billed as "Day Sailers", meaning they are not Blue Water vessels.
We were inside an Oyster 65 with impeccable woodworking. Roomy and the largest galley we have seen in a boat that size. Three bedrooms (staterooms?) and three bathrooms.
Tim's favorite. A Sabre 38. Designed by the same fellow that did the Precisions he favors so. Roomy and nice, he, Terri and family would like it.
We toured most of the Catalinas. Skipped the 37 but now wished we would not have. Impressive build quality compared to thirty years ago.
But I keep returning to the solid reputation, sensible design and realistic open ocean safety of a Hallberg-Rassy. What a fine vessel for our needs.
Until then, us'ens and our Empty Pockets will have a lot of fun. Maybe a bit at Lake City and then, on The Bay. Our first guests on the Bay will be Roger and his wife. We look forward to it. We really do ...
A Sampling
Tall Ships of Days Gone By
And ...
Later ...