ANNAPOLIS SAILBOAT SHOW

[Bob23]

Anybody going? Amazingly, the Admiral has expressed some interest in attending this show. Maybe it's the lure of the City of Annapolis and the cool shops there. I usually try to attend on Saturday and would love to meet up with other Compac-o-nauts.
http://www.usboat.com/us-sailboat-show/home
Bob23

[capt_nemo]

Yea, we used to go to RV shows to look at all the neat NEW Motorhomes, only to convince ourselves that we were perfectly happy with the one we currently had.

Guess it could work the same with sailboats!

No Motorhome now, just three (3) boats - 2 sail and 1 power!

capt_nemo

[MHardy]

I might be there. Trying to work out the details with a buddy. Hope it works out, as I have not been before. I was glad to see that Com-Pac will be there.

[Bob23]

   That would be cool. Our plans have changed a bit as we will most likely be there on Friday to meet the infamous PeterG and his Admiral. Long time readers will remember Peter as a most knowledgeable 19 sailor who has had many boats and many tales.
   We met Peter and Becky at the very first Tice's Shoals Rondayvoo and have been friends ever since. We've shared many pizzas and much wine together and always had a great time. Of course the Rondayvoo has morphed into the current Barnegat Bay Bash!
   Hope you can make it, MHardy. I can PM you my cell # so we can meet up. I haven't been to the show in a few years. I tend to walk by the megaboats and gravitate towards the smaller row and sail vessels. Of course you'll find me at the Compac group, the Adirondack Guideboat guys and the Good Old Boat magazine booth. And maybe the bar.
   I'm really excited that the Admiral will be going. Although her ulterior motive may be to prevent me from buying another boat!
Bob23

[Bob23]

ANNAPOLIS SHOW REPORT:
  On Friday, the Admiral and I jumped in our old Camry and made the 3 1/2 hour journey from our abode to the show. Our plans were to arrive around 10: 30, meet up with Peter and Becky, (aka Pedro and Ann) longtime members here and hang out together. We arrived a bit late due to some rain and good old NJ traffic but arrived at the show eager to see what there was to see.
  Note: This was Linda's first sailboat show and not being all that interested in boats in general, it was a big step for her...I really appreciated her being there although her ulterior motive might have been to prevent me from buying anything!
  Now I have no interest in 90 foot catamarans or boats that are longer than my house and cost 4 times as much so there is plenty for me to walk right by. But the first boat I did spy was the Sage 17 which, in my opinion is destined to become a legend in the small boat world. Designed by Jerry Montgomery, it has a carbon fiber deck, open interior and is a pleasure to look at with the simulated lapstrake hull. A fine boat, she is.
  Of course we had to gravitate toward the Compac area but I was disappointed to learn that the 23 Pilothouse was not to be there. But there was an Horizon Day Cat, a Picnic Cat and a Suncat, I think. Also, initially there was no sight of the Hutchins Brothers but on a second visit, there was Rich Hutchins. I recognized him but I always call him Gerry. As you converse with him, you get the feeling that you're talking with an old friend of 20 years. Apart from building great boats, here is a man who loves talking to people and is not just there to sell boats. We also learned that apparently he is a rum guy. Hopefully someday in the future I'll be honored to buy him a drink!
  Speaking of which, soon after we met up with P&B via cell phone, and seeing it was indeed lunchtime, Peter announced he and Becky had secured a table at the Pussers Inn where a "proper Painkiller" could be had. Indeed, they know how to make Painkillers there! After 2, he and I were feeling no pain! Peter and Becky and I met at the very first Tice's Shoals Rendezvous and have remained friends ever since, enjoying many pizzas and much red wine together. Even though they have vacated the Garden State for a warmer climate, we hope to see them again soon.
  After lunch, we staggered out into the intermittent showers, ducking into the tents when the conditions deteriorated. As I mentioned, large boats do not excite me so I was happy to see the Roger Crawford Mellonseed, although we missed seeing Roger himself. When I stumbled upon the Adirondack Guideboat guys, I knew I'd arrived! There, on display, was my exact boat, a 15' Kevlar Guideboat in Maroon. Just a wonderful craft, as beautiful and graceful standing still as on the water. I tried to help sell one to a few younger girls who were admiring the boats, but I don't think they were convinced. My only regret was that the Guideboat area was kind of off the beaten path...you had to look for it to find it. I'll email the owner with my thoughts.
  Of course we had to stop at the Good Old Boat magazine stand to gab with whoever was there. I was handed some freebees and upon announcing that I was a long time subscriber, a feeling of com radire was felt. I expressed my approval that the mag was increasing it's focus on smaller boats and was assured it would continue. The last time I was at this show, around closing time, Karen Larson herself broke out the box wine, someone else on the staff brought out a guitar and soon the air was filled with music and fun. I felt as if I were with family!
  Because we left before the show was over, there was to be none of that this year. But there's something almost magical about walking the docks among so many fine vessels. Large, small, cheap (?) or expensive...they are all worthy of a look and look we did. Soon, it came time for us to part as we and Pedro and Ann had about a 3 hour drive ahead of us. After we left, we decided to walk the town a bit- the Admiral, unbeknownst to me, had done a bit of internet searching and found some antique shops within walking distance. Clever girl, that Admiral! We checked out a few, bought nothing but had a nice walk on some classic old brick streets and sidewalks. Soon we were back in the car sitting in some wonderful Annapolis traffic to the tune of 3 miles in about 1 hours. I have no patience for this baloney but I knew we were in trouble when Linda began to complain. To the tune of "We don't settle for this in NJ!" Eventually, we were up to cruising speed and even though it rained almost all the way home, we had a great time. Nothing like a sailboat show to break the monotony of life! Next year, we'll get a place to stay over and attend the show for 2 days! Not a word of this to the Admiral, folks!
Bob23

[MHardy]

I was at the show on Saturday and Sunday. It was my first time there and I had a blast. I echo Bob's comments about Rich Hutchins (a great guy) and the Painkillers (a great drink)!

Lots of big boats - some beautiful, some not so much. Many were too modern for my liking. No idea how people afford them. My favorite was the Island Packet.

[capt_nemo]

Had a 1990 Island Packet 35 for 10 years while based on the Chesapeake. Cruised up and down the East Coast several times, wintered in Key West, and took it to the Bahamas for several months.

A really great boat to live aboard and sail, built for "Blue Water". Fully understand why you were so attracted to it.

capt_nemo

[Bob23]

Glad you made it to the show! I think you may have had better weather although even in the rain it was great fun.
Aren't the IP and Compac distantly related?
Bob23

[Tim Gardner]

The 19 & 27 were designed by the owner of Island Packet yachts, Bob Johnson.

TG

[brackish]

Additionally, I believe the hulls and decks for ComPacs are laid up at Island Packet just down the road. 

[HeaveToo]

Hrm....This explains why I find the Compac 23 so appealing.  I love the Island Packets. 

[MHardy]

The exhibitor showing the Island Packet was Island Yachts, who charters/sells Island Packets out of St. Thomas.  The owner is from a small town in NC about an hour from me. THAT vacation is now on my bucket list!

http://www.iyc.vi/bareboat.htm