I went to last year’s Annapolis Sailboat Show with a familiar mission: to hunt for new products worth writing about. Amid the rows of sleek hulls and glistening gear, one booth stopped me in my tracks. It was filled with miniature boats so finely crafted, they looked ready to set sail across the tabletop.

This booth belonged to Abordage, a company that’s been handcrafting exquisite model boats for 35 years. Denis and Cynthia Cartier welcomed me with warm smiles. Their display gleamed with full-hull models, half hulls and racing replicas, all executed with remarkable precision and artistry.

I’ve built a few scale ship models myself—four, to be exact—so I look closely at the details. These were clearly in another league. Before long, I’d decided I wanted a half-hull model of my own schooner, Britannia, a 50-foot brigantine that’s carried me through many a fine adventure.

Abordage’s process blends digital precision with old-world craftsmanship. Working from an owner’s drawings and photos, this team builds incredibly accurate replicas, down to the winches, turnbuckles and pinrails. The hulls are created using stereolithography, a resin 3D-printing process cured by laser light. Sails are real Dacron cloth. Even the belaying pins on Britannia’s model are exactly where they should be.

The finished piece arrived this fall, after a journey as intricate as the model itself. It took a team of eight craftspeople and roughly 140 hours to complete, in their workshop in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic. It came packed in a reinforced crate so finely built that unboxing it felt like opening a nested set of treasures.

Today, the model sits within a mahogany-and-plexiglass display case. It’s light, elegant and easy to hang, like a painting. Mine measures 20 inches wide by 22 inches high, and graces the wall of my study.

Abordage has earned a reputation among serious yachtsmen, shipyards and yacht clubs around the world. The company has built models for Team New Zealand, American Magic and other America’s Cup campaigns. Larger self-standing models, like a 3-foot Fleming motoryacht or a 5-foot Uniesse Raptor, are museum-worthy pieces of marine art.

Prices vary depending on the boat and the level of customization. If your vessel is a production model, Abordage may already have the specs. For custom boats like Britannia, they start from scratch—and this year’s Annapolis showgoers could see the result, with my own completed model on display.

To me, this is a different kind of portrait than a painting. It holds the shape, soul and memories of a boat and its skipper. When the real Britannia and I have both moved on, I hope this little replica will endure, a perfect miniature of a life well sailed. 

Roger Hughes has been messing about on boats for a half century, as a professional captain, charterer, restorer, instructor and happy imbiber. He completed a full restoration and extensive modification of his 50-foot ketch, Britannia. 

Read more of his stories at: schooner-britannia.com

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Paul “Bo” Bollinger, President and CEO of Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB), has been named the 2025 recipient of the Annapolis Boat Shows Distinguished Service Award, honoring his extraordinary leadership and dedication to making sailing accessible to all.

Since joining CRAB’s board in 2015 and stepping into the leadership role a year later, Bollinger has guided the organization through remarkable growth. What began as a small nonprofit with four boats at Sandy Point State Park has evolved into an internationally recognized adaptive sailing program based at the Annapolis Adaptive Boating Center, the world’s premier facility for sailors with disabilities, underprivileged youth, and recovering veterans.

The $3.1 million center, which opened in 2023, was made possible through partnerships with state, county, and city governments, along with significant private support. The facility also includes the Don Backe Learning Center, offering year-round therapeutic and educational programs such as yoga, art, and music.

Under Bollinger’s leadership, CRAB has expanded its partnerships and increased its service capacity by 50 percent. In 2024 alone, the organization hosted 96 sailing events serving more than 1,800 guests, with projections to exceed 2,000 in 2025.

Beyond CRAB, Bollinger has championed sailing as a platform for positive change. He founded the Wounded Warrior Sailing Regatta and co-created the Triple Crown of Charity Sailing Trophy, which raises awareness and funds for nonprofit sailing organizations across the Chesapeake.

“Bo Bollinger embodies what this award is all about: vision, leadership, and a genuine commitment to using boating to improve lives,” said representatives from Annapolis Boat Shows in announcing the award.

Bollinger’s contributions extend well beyond the docks. He has served on multiple community boards, including the Eastport Civic Association and the Bollinger Foundation, and holds a U.S. Coast Guard Master’s license. He and his wife, Elizabeth Stablein Bollinger, live in Annapolis and have two adult children and two grandsons.

The 2025 Distinguished Service Award was presented during the Sail America Industry Breakfast on October 10 in Annapolis.

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Blue skies, steady crowds, and an unmistakable sense of enthusiasm defined the 2025 Annapolis Sailboat Show, which wrapped up October 12 after four days of activity at Annapolis City Dock. The internationally recognized event once again brought together sailors, builders, and marine professionals from around the world, and by all accounts, it was one of the strongest editions in recent memory.

Despite a blustery weekend forecast, exhibitors reported robust attendance and steady sales across the docks. “Honestly, it’s got to be the busiest, most people we’ve ever had,” said Larry Graf of Aspen Power Catamarans, which debuted a new carbon tender. “Lots of people and lots of buyers. It was great. It’s a good show.”

Kevin O’Connor of Nautor Swan echoed the sentiment, noting that his team was “packed from morning till night,” a reflection of consistent buyer interest throughout the show’s run.

A highlight of this year’s event was Refit My Ride, a multi-day, live refit demonstration conducted in partnership with Oakcliff Sailing. The project showcased the transformation of Blue, a veteran Farr 40, into a race-ready platform through hardware installation and upgrades provided by exhibitors including Harken, Annapolis Rigging Company, Marlow Ropes, Interlux, Awlgrip, and Defender Industries. The initiative underscored the show’s growing focus on sustainability, education, and extending the life of existing fleets.

Educational and experiential programs also drew record engagement. First Sail workshops and demo sails introduced newcomers to the fundamentals of sailing, while free seminars on offshore cruising, weather forecasting, and technical topics played to capacity audiences.

Retailers saw strong sales as well. “Yesterday for us, it was the busiest day in our history,” said Cameron Kennedy, manager of Helly Hansen’s Main Street location. “We love a little rain and a little chill in the air … it makes us very busy.”

Complementing the main event were Cruisers University, Cruisers Creating Content, and Vacation Basin, each designed to educate and connect the cruising community.

Organizers also thanked the City of Annapolis for pausing ongoing construction at City Dock to ensure a smooth show experience.

“We are proud to produce a show that continues to elevate the industry, welcome new sailors, and support the greater boating community,” said Sheila Jones, General Manager of Annapolis Boat Shows. “The energy on the docks this year was outstanding.”

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The 2025 Annapolis Sailboat Show will host an all-new experience when Current Yachts launches its four-day Treasure Hunt on October 9–12. Designed to bring together boat show attendees, the Annapolis community, and the sailing industry, the campaign combines a traditional scavenger hunt with meaningful charitable giving. More than $6,000 in prizes from leading marine brands and local businesses will be awarded, along with $6,000 in donations to sailing-focused nonprofit organizations.

“We’re thrilled to bring this unique experience to the Annapolis Sailboat Show,” said Maryline Bossar, Current Yachts co-founder and creator of the Treasure Hunt. “We wanted to offer a fun and engaging way for attendees to explore the boat show and the city of Annapolis. The Treasure Hunt is a terrific platform as well: not only do our partners get to showcase their incredible products and services, but the nonprofits we support are able to share their mission with more people.”

How the Treasure Hunt Works

Each day of the show, Current Yachts will post new clues—online and on-site—leading participants to three “treasures” hidden around the show grounds and downtown Annapolis. Participants will use latitude and longitude coordinates to pinpoint prize locations. Daily prizes are valued at more than $1,500, and winners can also direct a $500 donation to one of three local sailing nonprofits.

Prizes and Nonprofit Beneficiaries

Participating brands include Mustang Survival, Sirius XM Marine, Latitudes & Attitudes, Newcoast, and KEEPa, along with Annapolis favorites such as Harry Browne’s, Galway Bay, and Sailor Oyster Bar.

Each of the three daily winners will direct a $500 donation to their choice of nonprofit:

• Downtown Sailing Center (Baltimore): Urban sailing education, adaptive sailing, and women-focused programs.
  
• Sail Beyond Cancer: Therapeutic sailing programs for cancer patients and survivors.
  
• CRAB (Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating): Adaptive sailing for individuals with disabilities in the greater Chesapeake region.

“This campaign represents more than marketing – it’s about strengthening the sailing community,” Bossar added. “By connecting the public and our industry partners with meaningful nonprofits, we’re investing in the future of sailing while celebrating the sport’s inclusive spirit.”

Where and When to Play

The Treasure Hunt runs October 9–12 during the Annapolis Sailboat Show. Winners can redeem prizes at the Current Yachts booth. All attendees are welcome to participate, with standard exclusions for staff and exhibitors. Participants are eligible for only one prize during the four-day event.

Daily clues will be posted each morning on Instagram at @CurrentYachts, keeping anticipation high and driving engagement on the show floor and online.

For more details about the Treasure Hunt, participating partners, and nonprofits, visit currentyachts.com.

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Aquila Catamarans, best known for its power catamarans, is making a bold entry into the sailing market with three new models designed by sailors, for sailors.

The company has announced the Aquila 44ES, 50ES and 63ES sailing catamarans, all featuring distinctive forward cockpits, hybrid propulsion and the brand’s signature one-piece construction. The new range will debut at the 2025 Annapolis Boat Show with scale models and a full display, followed by the first in-water showing of the Aquila 50ES at the 2026 Miami Boat Show.

“This expansion represents our next phase as a global boat manufacturer,” said Frank Xiong, chief executive officer of Sino Eagle Group. “We’ve proven ourselves in power catamarans, and now we’re leveraging the deep sailing experience of our team to enter this market with purpose and precision.”

Design for Cruising Life

Key design features include bridge-to-bow stairs for easy access, contemporary lines, a fixed forward cockpit that doubles as a social area, and private cabin entrances with ensuite heads and walk-in showers. Owners can also expect a spacious salon bar, Aquila’s optional patented tender crane, and panoramic windows that flood the interior with natural light.

Hybrid Ocean Drive

The new sailing catamarans feature an integrated Hybrid Ocean Drive system combining electric and diesel propulsion. The electric mode allows silent maneuvering in harbors and anchorages, with diesel power available for offshore passages. “Our hybrid system isn’t an afterthought—it’s integrated from day one,” explained Jean Raas, CEO and chief product officer. “We designed the entire propulsion architecture around this dual-power approach.”

Precision Manufacturing

Built at Sino Eagle’s state-of-the-art facility, the new models benefit from resin-infused hulls and decks, no-wood structural components, CE Category A certification and stringent quality controls. Components such as stainless steel, upholstery and electronics are manufactured on-site to ensure consistency and performance.

Sailors Behind the Scenes

The Aquila sailing catamaran program draws on the expertise of veteran designers and industry leaders, including J&J Design and a leadership team with decades of competitive and blue-water sailing experience. “This team brings decades of actual sailing experience to the drawing board,” said Raas.

Distribution

In the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, the Aquila 44ES, 50ES and 63ES will be distributed exclusively through The Catamaran Company. “This partnership brings together our sailing catamaran expertise with their proven design and manufacturing capabilities,” said Staley Weidman III, CEO of The Catamaran Company.

Pricing, delivery and international distribution details will be announced at upcoming shows.

For more information, visit aquilaboats.com.

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Each October, the Annapolis Sailboat Show sets the stage for the latest trends in sailing and cruising. The 2025 edition, running October 9–12, promises no shortage of clever innovations and gear designed to make life afloat easier, safer, and more comfortable.

Among the standouts this year is Easysea’s Flipper, a foldable winch handle that locks directly onto the winch and folds flat when not in use. It’s a space-saving solution for any sailor tired of chasing loose handles across the cockpit.

Comfort takes center stage with the debut of the BosunCloud, a foredeck lounge system that transforms unused bow space into a cushioned retreat. Sunrise Yacht Products also introduces the Sunrise Shade, a tensioned canopy designed for multihulls that offers quiet, stable sun protection.

For those chasing amps, Custom Marine Products’ latest solar panels bring shade-tolerant performance using SunPower cells, flexible enough for decks and Biminis. Meanwhile, Digital Yacht’s OneFix GNSS sensor adds sub-meter accuracy and anti-spoofing reliability for serious navigators.

Safety and durability also feature prominently. Mustang Survival unveils offshore-ready gear built with PFAS-free fabrics, while Bellingham Marine’s GoDu StartLok combines outboard security with quick-start functionality in a compact package.

Other notable products include the OGM LX Steaming/Deck LED light from Weems & Plath, a dual-purpose mast fixture; the Arntson Marine Speed Brim WindSun Hat, designed to stay put in 70 mph winds; and the Sailor’s Pillow, a floating cushion for deckside relaxation.

Visitors will also find updates in cruising education and resources. The Boat Galley launches new courses tailored to aspiring cruisers, and Carolyn Shearlock’s new book Weather Basics for Boaters offers guidance on making informed decisions beyond the forecast.

With gear spanning high-tech navigation, comfort, safety, and lifestyle, the 2025 Annapolis Sailboat Show is set to deliver plenty of inspiration for sailors eager to upgrade their time on the water.

The show runs October 9–12 in Annapolis, Maryland. Tickets are available now at annapolisboatshows.com.

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Whether you’re new to sailing or preparing for offshore passagemaking, the Annapolis Sailboat Show (October 9–12, 2025) continues its tradition of pairing a world-class boat show with a broad range of educational opportunities. Alongside the rows of new sailboats and gear on display, sailors will find programs designed to build confidence and expand knowledge.

The First Sail Workshop, presented by the American Sailing Association and SailTime, introduces beginners to the basics of sailing. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on time aboard a Beneteau First 22, giving participants a practical foundation for future sailing.

For those planning extended cruising, Cruisers University offers a multi-day curriculum taught by experienced sailors and industry experts. Subjects range from weather and navigation to provisioning and onboard systems, with courses held at the Historic Inns of Annapolis.

More advanced sailors may consider Offshore Emergency Medicine, an intensive program led by medical professionals trained in remote and maritime response. The course blends lectures, case studies, and practice scenarios, and provides certification from Wilderness Medical Associates International.

In addition, BoatU.S.-sponsored seminars on the show grounds give all attendees access to short-form sessions on passagemaking, safety, maintenance, and seamanship. These are included with admission and led by instructors familiar with the cruising lifestyle.

Educational opportunities have become a key part of what draws sailors to Annapolis each fall, complementing the chance to see the latest sailboats and equipment firsthand.

Learn more about education programs, schedules, and registration at the Annapolis Sailboat Show website.

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Bali Catamarans has once again expanded its signature line of open-concept cruising cats—this time by filling a gap in the 50-foot range. The all-new Bali 5.2 takes inspiration from the flagship 5.8 and distills the brand’s hallmarks into a 52-footer designed for both long-range cruising and serious entertaining.

The Bali DNA is instantly recognizable: the up-and-over aft door that erases the line between saloon and cockpit, a solid foredeck connected to the interior by a forward door, and wraparound spaces that keep crew moving fluidly through the boat. But the 5.2 pushes the concept further with a surprising range of configurations—from private owner’s layouts to a six-cabin version capable of hosting up to 16 people.

For sailors, that flexibility means the 5.2 can be anything from a family cruiser to a charter workhorse. “The challenge is always to find more space aboard each new model,” says the design team, and here that translates to cabins with private heads and separate showers, oversized social zones, and clever modular furniture. Even the forepeaks and crew spaces are adaptable, giving owners multiple ways to tailor the boat to their sailing program.

The styling, by Piaton-Bercault, takes cues from luxury apartments, with rounded cabinetry, a large U-shaped galley, and an XXL dining table seating 12. The forward-facing chart table doubles as an office with an ocean view and integrates the latest touch-screen controls for managing comfort systems and resources.

On deck, the rooftop lounge and helm station mirror the flagship 5.8’s elevated social space, while a hydraulic swim platform at the stern creates a BeachClub feel. Under sail, a 94 m² square-top main pairs with a 70 m² overlapping genoa for balanced power, with a Code 0 option for light air days. For motoring, twin Yanmar diesels up to 115 hp each ensure solid performance.

And for U.S. sailors eager to step aboard, the Bali 5.2 is anticipated to make its stateside debut at the Annapolis Sailboat Show this October. With its blend of space, performance, and open-living innovation, it’s shaping up to be one of the most talked-about new cats of the year.

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The Annapolis City Dock in Maryland welcomed sailors from across the mid-Atlantic region for the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show from April 25-27.

More than 50 boats were on display, making this the nation’s second-largest all-sailboat show—after the Annapolis Sailboat Show that’s held in the fall. Show organizers say the number of sailboats on display here dwarfs what showgoers find at major national events including the Miami and Newport international boat shows.

Highlights at this year’s Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show included the US debut of the Temo 1000 electric outboard, a follow-up to the French manufacturer’s Temo 450. The Temo 1000 has increased power (with a motor equivalent to 3 hp) as well as a blade or rudder configuration for large tenders or sailboats up to 26 feet length overall.

Also new at this year’s show was a First Sail Workshop, where attendees could take a 45-minute introductory sailing class followed by 90 minutes of on-the-water instruction. There was a lot of interest in this program—which was sold out before the boat show’s opening day.

There also were plenty of entry-level sailboats on hand, with more than a dozen boats smaller than 26 feet long on display. The goal, according to show organizers, was to help bring new people into the sport.

Show organizers also placed a renewed emphasis on competitive sailing, with showgoers able to check out purpose-built racers like the Melges 15 and Rondar 640 Viper, and participate in programs like Dawn Riley’s Oakcliff Collaboration Tour.

Sponsors for this year’s show included Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, LaVictoire Finance, BoatUS and the Marine Trades Association of Maryland.

“Between the boats, the seminars and the incredible energy downtown, the weekend was a celebration of everything we love about sailing,” Annapolis Boat Shows President Mary Ewenson stated in a press release. “It was the perfect kickoff to another unforgettable sailing season.”

Is it too early to buy tickets for the Annapolis Powerboat Show and Annapolis Sailboat Show? Nope, they’re on sale now. Kids 6 and younger attend for free. The Annapolis Powerboat Show is scheduled to run October 2-5, while the Annapolis Sailboat Show is on the calendar for October 9-12.

Where to learn more: head over to annapolisboatshows.com

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This fall, the Bitter End Yacht Club team is hitting the road with their 1973 vintage camper, ‘The Rambler,’ making appearances at the Newport and Annapolis Boat Shows. As they celebrate their return to the water and the launch of exciting new ventures, The Rambler will serve as the hub of activity, offering attendees an inside look at the latest developments from Bitter End.

The team is excited to showcase the newest product launches from Bitter End Provisions, their exclusive line of high-quality gear designed for adventurers, sailors, and island enthusiasts alike. From innovative technical sailing apparel to rugged accessories built to withstand the elements, the new collections embody the spirit of Bitter End—where adventure meets style. Visitors to the shows can expect first looks at limited-edition items and a chance to gear up with products that capture the essence of life on the water.

In addition to product launches, Bitter End is also unveiling significant updates from their property. The newly launched beach bungalows offer a luxurious and immersive way to experience the beauty of Virgin Gorda, combining comfort with a front-row seat to the Caribbean’s natural splendor. The resort is also expanding its on-the-water offerings with thrilling activities like e-foiling, alongside classic favorites such as sailing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. It’s an exciting time to rediscover Bitter End, where adventure and relaxation seamlessly blend.

Whether a longtime Bitter End enthusiast or new to the community, attendees are invited to stop by, chat with the crew, and experience a piece of island spirit on the mainland. The Rambler is ready to roll, and Bitter End is eager to connect at the shows!

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