We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: the Bay Bridge Boat Show is the unofficial kickoff to the boating season. So, you know what that means? It’s time to celebrate! The spring thaw has arrived, boats are being splashed, and we have another beautiful season on the Chesapeake to look forward to. We’ve compiled this show guide to help you plan your visit. You’ll find the show map in the May issue of PropTalk and on the Annapolis Boat Shows website (where you can also purchase tickets ahead of time to save money). It’s going to be another great boat show and we can’t wait to welcome you! Stop by and see us—Proptalk and Fishtalk will be in our usual spot, tent F44.
Bay Bridge Boat Show Details
Show Times:
Friday, April 12: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 13: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, April 14: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets:
General admission: $18 if purchased online, $20 at the gate (limited onsite box office available). Children 12 and under are free. Guests are encouraged to save money and purchase their tickets online on the Annapolis Boat Shows ticketing page.
Location:
Bay Bridge Marina in Stevensville, MD (357 Pier 1 Rd.)
Directions and Parking:
Directions: From Annapolis, head east on Route 50. After crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, take the first exit on the right for Kent Island (Exit 37), then follow the signs for Boat Show Parking.
Parking: On-site parking is $10 per car. There is also free off-site parking available at Christ Church Parish on Friday and at Kent Island High School on Saturday and Sunday. Please be sure to follow the parking signs upon your arrival. A shuttle bus will be provided to take you to the show.
FAQs
Here are a few more things to keep in mind if you’re planning to attend.
- No animals are allowed inside the show unless they are certified service animals.
- Strollers are not allowed inside the show due to safety issues; please park strollers in the designated stroller parking area.
- It is recommended that all children wear lifejackets (there are loaner lifejackets available from BoatUS).
- The show is open rain or shine.
- You do not need to print your ticket; they can be scanned from your phone.
- Backpacks and bags are allowed.
- If you leave the show, you will be able to scan your ticket again for re-entry.
- You may bring food and drinks into the show (with the exception of alcohol); adult beverages are available for purchase inside the show grounds.
Show Highlights:
PropTalk Demo Dock
If you really want to know if a boat is right for you, you must take it for a test ride. And you can do just that during the show! Just make sure to visit the Demo Dock (dock C) early in the day to reserve your sea trial. At print time, these were the boats expected to be available, but be sure to visit the Annapolis Boat Shows website for the most up to date list.
- 2022 Ocean Sport 30, Seattle Yachts
- 2023 Nimbus T11, Seattle Yachts
- 2024 Solace 30 HCS, Bosun’s Marine
- Furuno Marine Electronics (aboard a 28-foot Tidewater center console), Furuno USA
- Godfrey Sweetwater 2486, North Bay Marina
- Hurricane Sundeck 235 OB, North Bay Marina
- Invincible 33 Open Fisherman, Intrinsic Yacht & Ship
- KenCraft 21CC, Intrinsic Yacht & Ship
- Marlago 37 SS, Marlago Boats
- Sea Fox 268 Traveler, Intrinsic Yacht & Ship
- Seakeeper 1 (aboard a restored and modified 1973 Seacraft 23), Annapolis Harbor Boatyard
- Seakeeper 231 CC Heritage (with Seakeeper Ride System), Riverside Marine
- Sportsman Open 262 CC (with Seakeeper Ride System), Riverside Marine
- Stingray 23 OSX, All Star Marine
- Stingray 253 CC, All Star Marine
- SuperRib Open 30 SO, Dour Yacht Sales
Chesapeake Invasives Corner
Dive into Maryland’s fight against invasive species. Visit the Chesapeake Invasives Corner, presented by FishTalk Magazine where a coalition of departments and organizations focused on the preservation of Maryland’s natural resources effectively highlight the invaders threatening our waterways. This new area will have several features including:
- Caroline Culinary Arts Center – Blending culinary expertise with environmental awareness to combat invasive species through delicious cuisine. Featuring a cooking demo with mouthwatering dishes using invasive species as ingredients.
- CCA’s Great Chesapeake Invasives Count – Learn about how you can join this essential opportunity to help track and manage invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay. With the iAngler Tournament app, you can actively contribute to science-based management efforts while vying for exciting monthly prizes.
- Invasive Delicacies – Enjoy delicious invasive delicacies from MD Seafood and Chesapeake Culinary Center, and explore local restaurants that skillfully incorporate invasives into their menus.
- Invasive Fishing 101 – Fish & Hunt Maryland is your one-stop planning resource for your next adventure. Hear from experts and learn more about the debut of the Maryland Catfish Trail.
- Invasive Seminars – Don’t miss “The Great Chesapeake Invasives Count with CCA Maryland” on Friday, April 12 from 1:15 to 2 p.m. and “Fishing for Snakheads in Chesapeake Tributaries with FishTalk” on Saturday, April 13 from 2:15 to 3 p.m.
- Kid’s Fun Zone – Engage in exciting activities like “pin the fish on the hook” and test your skills in the casting competition held safely in the grass. Get creative at the coloring station provided by Take Me Fishing or challenge your friends to a game of Tic-Tac-Toe on the pavement.
- Take Me Fishing – Enjoy a day of family fun! Stop by their booth for fun kid’s activities, giveaways, and more.
- Unveiling Maryland’s Invaders – The Department of Natural Resources will spotlight invasive species and their far-reaching effects. Speak with knowledgeable representatives and gain firsthand insight into the detrimental impacts these invaders have on the delicate balance of our aquatic ecosystems, and what we can do to mitigate their effects.
Food and Drinks: The show features a variety of food truck dining options, beer stations, and poolside bars.
Fashion Show: Head over to the Pool on Saturday, April 13 (at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.) for a special fashion show by Shanks Golf Apparel. These Maryland-based sport outfits are made for women of any size, age, or creed. Each piece is 50+ UPF, moisture wicking, and wrinkle resistant making it ideal not just for golfing but boating as well.
Door Prizes: When you pre-purchase your tickets online or sign up at the show, you are automatically entered to win one of the awesome door prizes, including an inflatable paddleboard, sunglasses, and more.
Educational Opportunities:
BoatUS On-Water Training – The BoatUS Foundation is hosting a number of family-friendly introductory boating courses each day of the show, including Intro to Boating, Women Making Waves, Precision Docking and Boat Handling, and Open Water Boat Handling. Each course offers three hours on the water and is capped at three to four students (ages 18 and older). Courses cost $175 and include admission to the boat show. Register on the ‘Education’ tab on the boat show website or visit the BoatUS Foundation website.
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Class – Join Lynn Disque of the USCG Auxiliary for a two-hour family friendly class for all ages introducing boating safety on the water. Topics include navigation, rules of the road, boat equipment including the VHF radio, emergency equipment, weather, trailering your boat, and much more. 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 13. Purchasing a ticket for the class ($23 for adults; children 12 and under are free but must still register) includes Saturday admission to the show. (SOLD OUT)
Free Daily Seminars Presented by BoatUS – This year’s free seminars are sponsored by BoatUS and show partners. This was the schedule at print time, but it is subject to change. For more detailed seminar descriptions and for the most up to date list, visit the Annapolis Boat Shows website.
Friday, April 12: Adventures on the Water
- 10:15 to 11 a.m. Dock and Dine on the Upper Bay with John Stefancik
- 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. VHF Etiquette on the Water with John Herlig
- 12:15 to 1 p.m. How to Transport Your Boat by Way of Water and Land with Captain Don Saunders from Port to Port Yacht Transport
- 1:15 to 2 p.m. 2024 Great Chesapeake Invasive Count presented by David Sikorski with CCA Maryland
- 2:15 to 3 p.m. Light Tackle Jigging for Rockfish presented by Lenny Rudow of FishTalk Magazine
Saturday, April 13: Family Day
- 10:15 to 11 a.m. Dock and Dine on the Upper Bay with John Stefancik
- 11: 15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Women: How to Build Your Boating Skills and Confidence with Captain Cheryl Duvall and Captain Vicki Saporta of CAPCA (sponsored by Chesapeake Area Professional Captain’s Association)
- 12:15 to 1 p.m. How to Transport Your Boat by Way of Water and Land with Captain Don Saunders from Port to Port Yacht Transport
- 1:15 to 2 p.m. 10 Skills Every New/Current Boat Owner Must Master with Captain Bob Fortna (sponsored by Chesapeake Area Professional Captain’s Association)
- 2:15 to 3 p.m. Fishing for Snakeheads in Chesapeake Tributaries presented by Team Fishtalk II (Dillon Waters, David Rudow, and Mark “Cha-Cha” Nicolaus)
Sunday, April 14
- 10:15 to 11 a.m. Preparing Your Boat for Coastal Cruising with Captain Cheryl Duvall and Captain Vicki Saporta of CAPCA (sponsored by Chesapeake Area Professional Captain’s Association)
- 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tips from a Professional when Buying a Used Powerboat with Scott Berg; CBW marine surveyor, consultant, and captain
- 1:15 to 2 p.m. The Complete Guide to Your Pet Coming Aboard with Stephanie Sadler from PetMedic Urgent Care
- 2:15 to 3 p.m. Docking Without a Divorce with Captain Boomies
We Hope to See You There!
Team PropTalk and FishTalk will be at tent space F44. Stop by our booth to say hello and grab the latest issues of our publications.
For more information, exhibitor lists, and to purchase tickets or register for an educational seminar, visit annapolisboatshows.com.
Things to Do Outside the Show Gates:
Coming to town for the Bay Bridge Boat Show? Why not make a weekend of it? Here are three fun things to do in Queen Anne’s County outside of the show gates. Find more ideas at visitqueenannes.com and at proptalk.com/see-bay-queen-annes-county.
1. Get Outside.
The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC), just south of Kent Narrows, is situated on a 510-acre preserve. Visitors can explore native woodlands, tidal marshes, and meadows, all through specially designed self-guided experiences. CBEC is known as a birding hotspot, with over 240 species of birds found there throughout the year. There is no admission fee to explore the property on your own, but donations are appreciated to help maintain trails. Visit bayrestoration.org to learn more about various hiking trails and birding or pick up a trail map from the Visitor Center. To bring your dog to CBEC, you must be a member and purchase a membership for your furry friend (memberships cost $35 for individuals and $20 per dog).
The Cross Island Trail offers a safe avenue for non-vehicular transportation. It is 6.5 miles long, spanning east to west from Terrapin Park to the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center at Kent Narrows, with future plans for expansion. The trail wanders through farmlands, meadows and woods accented with ornamental trees. Flanked by park benches, the trail crosses several creeks with wooden bridges, offering a spectacular view of waterfowl and wetlands. Portable toilets are available year-round. There is no entrance fee and dogs are allowed on leash.
Terrapin Nature Park is an award-winning 276-acre park that features a 3.25-mile oyster chaff walking trail which meanders through wildflower meadows, wetlands, tidal ponds, woodlands, and sandy shoreline. The trail provides a unique vantage point for viewing an incredible variety of waterfowl, wildlife, and plant species. A gazebo is located along the sandy shoreline providing a spectacular view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Park benches are located along the trail, which also features several bridges and two observation blinds overlooking the tidal ponds. The trail connects to the County’s Cross Island Trail system. Nearby parking for the Cross Island Trail system is available at Old Love Point Park.
2. Play Golf.
If you would like to play golf waterside and arrive by boat, check out Queenstown Harbor Golf Course on Queenstown Creek (38 degrees 59.92 N, 76 degrees 09.75 W). Queenstown Harbor Golf is home to a world-class driving range and practice facilities that are open to the public and ideal for the amateur and pro golfer alike. The River Course is consistently rated as having some of the best golf in Maryland and the Washington, DC area. Reopened at the beginning of 2011 after a thoughtful and extensive renovation, several holes were moved closer to the Chester River, and all bunkering was updated to create a windswept design that mimics the natural landscape of the site, optimizes shot values, and ensures superior conditioning.
If arriving by boat, the entrance to the creek is located on the northeast shore of the Chester River between Coursey Point and Blakeford Point. The Boat House is just inside the creek behind Coursey Point. Upon entering the creek, the Boat House, consisting of two large white structures, is located directly starboard (right) of the #3 day marker (a green square sign on a pole with the number 3 painted on it). Be sure to check the tide level and the draft of your vessel before attempting to dock. Please tie up at the newly renovated docks; do not enter the Boat House. And be sure to call ahead to ensure a golf cart is waiting for you upon arrival. Water and electricity are available dockside, and if you are playing golf, there is no daytime docking fee. Overnight docking is $2 per foot. Learn more at qhgolf.com/visit/#boat.
3. Try Your Hand at Sporting Clays.
Situated on the banks of the Wye River, the Point at Pintail is nationally recognized as a premier location for sporting clay tournaments and outings. Sporting clays is often referred to as “golf with a gun.” Instead of sinking a ball into a hole, shooters aim to break targets along a designated course. Shooting options include 25 diverse shooting stations offering an exciting array of targets. A well-maintained golf cart and walking path meanders through 55 acres of picturesque landscape accented with natural vegetation, scenic river views, and an assortment of distinctive gazebos. Whether you’re experienced or a novice, this place offers something for everyone with a variety of packages and lessons. Reservations are highly recommended. Find pricing details and more information at pointatpintail.com (there’s even a Cast and Blast half-day fishing charter and sporting clays package).