The Annapolis Sailboat Show returned in 2026 with a modified layout due to the renovation of the City Dock Resilience and Revitalization Project. The project, which will last until 2027 and will cost $100 million, aims to solve flood problems and create a green and cozy park along the waterfront. The Annapolis Boat Shows President Mary Ewenson has collaborated with the city to ensure that the exhibition continues, even if in a different configuration. The event, which will take place in a renewed area, will be an opportunity to visit a more accessible public area and to discover the latest news in the nautical sector.
A renovated layout for the public
The layout of the exhibition has been modified to include new parking areas and spaces for the public. The exhibition will extend through Dock Street, Compromise Street and the traffic circle, marked in red on the map. Some stands previously located in halls A and B will move to hall C, wider and suitable to accommodate sellers. Visitors looking for a specific equipment manufacturer can consult a map or ask teachers for more information. The project has allowed to maintain the same exhibition spaces without reducing the number of exhibitors.
A more accessible and familiar area
The renovation includes the installation of a high park and a beautiful and modern welcome center. The goal is to create a more accessible area for visitors, with spaces dedicated to socializing and events. In addition, the project involves replacing paved areas with a green park, which will be accessible all year round. The collaboration between the Annapolis Boat Shows and the city has allowed to find new spaces for stands and for the public.
The closure of the Pussers, an iconic bar for sailors, aroused feelings of nostalgia, but the project brought two new restaurants that will be open in time for the exhibition. Visitors can find four bar areas within the site, including one in the new Susan Campbell Park. Mary Ewenson commented: “No one of us loves a flooded event, but we are excited about the project to raise the level of City Dock and create a family park. ”
The exhibition, which will take place in 2026, will be an opportunity to visit a renewed area and to discover the latest news in the nautical sector. The collaboration between the Annapolis Boat Shows and the city has allowed to find new spaces for stands and for the public, keeping intact the event as one of the most important in the world. The project aims to make City Dock a permanent attraction for residents and visitors. The renovation of the City Dock Resilience and Revitalization Project brought significant changes to the exhibition layout, but also improved the visitor experience. The Annapolis Sailboat Show, with its new design, represents an evolution of the nautical sector and an opportunity to discover the latest technologies and products. The exhibition will take place in a more accessible and familiar area, with spaces dedicated to socializing and events.