Annapolis Decides On Fall Boat Shows: Coronavirus Event Update

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The City of Annapolis canceled the two boat shows slated for this fall. Annapolis announced the decision Thursday, saying the conventions' financial gains are not worth their coronavirus risk.

The United States Powerboat Show was scheduled for Oct. 1 through Oct. 4. The United States Sailboat Show was set for Oct. 8 to Oct. 12. Both events anticipate a 2021 return.

"We are concerned about public health and the ability to maintain a safe environment downtown with the large number of visitors that the Boat Shows draw," City Manager David Jarrell said in a press release. "It is a blow to the City and will be additional stress on local businesses. But we can’t be the epicenter of a COVID-19 outbreak. It’s that simple."

The city says it has been in contact with the shows' organizers and the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, trying to find a way to safely host the show. The Annapolis government and the Department of Health recently determined that it was not possible to keep event attendees and city residents safe.

Social distancing would have been challenging at the boat shows, as participants typically hop between watercrafts tied up at a temporary 500-boat marina at City Dock.

The boat shows usually bring tens of thousands of visitors and nearly $500,00 in revenue to Annapolis, the press release says. Organizers say the events bring a combined $112 million to Maryland.

“This was a hard call,” Mayor Gavin Buckley said in the release. “No one wanted to have boat shows in Annapolis more than I did, but our first obligation is to ensure the health and safety of City residents and visitors. We take that responsibility very seriously. We will enthusiastically welcome the boat shows in future years when it is safe.”

This would have been the 51st annual sailboat show and 49th annual powerboat show.

"We understand the reluctance of governmental agencies to take any risks when it comes to health, but the reopening of the economy and the rescue of businesses in our communities must soon become a greater part of the conversation," the event organizers said on their website.

Show planners said they had "only two meetings" with the city before the cancelation. Convention directors said they had worked on creating safety protocols for months.

The Bay Bridge Boat Show is currently scheduled for April 15 to April 18, 2021 in Stevensville. The Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show is penciled in for April 23 to April 25, 2021.

Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.