With hundreds of boat shows happening each year, I wondered which boat shows were best for sailing. So many boat shows are more like regional home shows where there are more people selling non-marine products as those selling boat products and services. If you are buying a small boat for a lake or river like a bass boat or pontoon boat, then many of these regional shows are for you. But what about catamarans and sail boats? I did some research and this is what I found.
Only a select few boat shows are focused specifically on sailing and sailboats and with the capabilities of accommodating large sailboats in the water. So What are the Best Boat Shows for Sailboats?
The Best Boat Shows for Sailboats are:
- Annapolis Sailboat Show
- Miami Boat Show
- Fort Lauderdale Boat Show
- Cannes Yachting Festival
- International Multihull Boat Show
- San Diego International Boat Show
United States Sailboat Show (Annapolis Fall Sailboat Show)
Annapolis is known as the sailboat capital of the world, so it is no surprise that is hosts one of the best sailboat shows in the world. There is a fall and spring show. Both shows take place in historic, downtown Annapolis, which is right on the water. The US Naval Academy is right downtown as well and together with the show provides a beautiful setting and atmosphere for a boat show. The spring show is a smaller, more regional show in April, but does have several nice sailboats and great seminars for those wanting to learn how to sail (first time sailors) or with interest in cruising full time (Cruisers University). The fall show is the granddaddy of sailboat shows and takes place in October. This is a very popular show with boaters that are in the United States and Canada for the summer months waiting for hurricane season to pass before making their way back south to warmer weather in Florida, the Bahamas, the BVI’s and the rest of the Caribbean. This show has more sailboats, first time sailing seminars (Learn to Sail) and Cruisers University Seminars. This is a must if you are a diehard sailor or just getting started.
Annapolis is a great town for sailing. Historic buildings and the United States Naval Academy combined with the harbor, excellent restaurants, beautiful architecture history, music, pubs and plenty of fellow sailors to share your tall tales with. I don’t think there is a better venue for a sailboat show. I love Annapolis and all that it has to offer.
Miami Boat Show
The international city of Miami hosts a large boat show with approximately 1400 boats including many sailboat and catamaran manufacturer’s being present with several in water boat showings. Catering to sailing enthusiasts, Pier 9 is a dedicated sailing specific area. The Miami boat show takes place in February, which is a great time to escape to tropical Florida for nice weather and a huge exhibitor area and many boats to see.
Miami is an excellent city to host a boat show. Enjoy the tropical February weather, Cuban and Latin food and Latin music, Latin flair and all of the nostalgia and art deco that Miami has to offer. This is a very cool place with so many quaint restaurants, bars, culture and life.
Fort Lauderdale Boat Show
The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show has been in existence for 60 years and boasts over 1500 boats, 1200 exhibitors and over 110,000 visitors. This is a huge show. It takes place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (just North of Miami) at the end of October and beginning of November each year. For those sailors that attend the Annapolis Boat Show, this is a natural follow up. If you miss Annapolis, then Ft. Lauderdale is another great option. If you are sailing south down the ICW for warmer winter weather, Fort Lauderdale is a nice stop after leaving Annapolis and before leaving the United States.
Fort Lauderdale is more than Where the Boys Are (old movie that some baby boomers may remember). It is another tropical, Florida location where a giant boat show takes place. Great food and lot’s to do provide entertainment after the show closes for the day. Come in October and miss the hot, humid (ok miss the hot) Florida summer while taking in so many boats and exhibits. Finally, if you book early, there are plenty of low cost flights in and out of south Florida.
Cannes Yachting Festival
The Cannes Yachting Festical (AKA Cannes Boat Show) takes place in mid-September each year in Cannes, France. This large, in-water boat show boasts 51,000 attendees and over 650 boats. It’s claim to fame is that it is one of the first shows of the boating year where manufacturers reveal new models and features with the opportunity to experience a sea trial of many boats on display. Anyone looking for a French made catamaran or sailboat, might have an interest in attending.
Cannes, France. So if you want to enjoy the French Riviera or are just located in Europe, then Cannes is a beautiful place to enjoy a boating and yachting festival. So this isn’t a sailboat only festival, but because so many sailboats are made in France, this one made the list. Cannes is well known for its International Film Festival and getting more known each year for its Yachting Festival. Great Food and ambience in addition to lot’s of boats on display make Cannes one of our top boat (and sailboat) shows.
International Multihull Boat Show
The International Multihull Boat Show is a show exclusively for multihull sailing enthusiasts. It takes place in La Grande Motte, France every April. This show is one of the newer shows, first launched in 2010 with the simple concept of showing off multihull boats in a single, fixed venue. It features the major catamaran manufacturers, trimarans and exhibits with over 60 boats on display.
La Grande Motte is a wonderful beach type location to experience everything multi-hull. It is a newer (1960’s and 1970’s resort location in southern France. The French love to come and experience the pyramid like architecture along with tropical plants and traffic and buildings located back from the beach. This French resort town hosts a true multi-hull show. Catamarans and Trimarans keep gaining in popularity, but are still working to gain the acceptance of sailing veterans. No worries at this show as it is all things multi-hull.
San Diego International Boat Show
San Diego is home to an awesome port, many US Naval Vessels and Naval Base and quaint city and also to a wonderful international boat show. Come one, come all sailboat enthusiasts on the West Coast of the United States. This show may be smaller than some of the other shows mentioned on this page, but with 150 boats on display, this is southern California’s premiere boat show. Did you know that Beneteau’s top North American (service) Dealer is located in Southern California. South Coast Yacht’s service is like no other and they are year in and year out a sponsor of the San Diego International Boat Show.
San Diego is a quaint, but large city based around the Bay. With its strong naval presence and influence, arts, music and food that is a cross between Mexican and American, San Diego is another great venue for a boat show and to see some of the new offerings coming this year. San Diego’s weather is almost perfect year around, but June (the month of the show) is about as good as it gets. Expect high temperatures around 80F degrees and lows in the 60F’s with lots of southern California sunshine. You can’t get much better.
Other Sailboat Shows
I know there are many other boat shows featuring sailing and sailboats. If you you have a favorite show that you like to attend, please tell us about it in the comments below. Maybe I’ll add it to the list. By the way, any boat show with sailboats, is a show worth attending.