ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW! YES!

We arrived in Annapolis a day before the famous International Boat Show started. That gave us time to get checked into the hotel and revisit our favorite spots in Annapolis. I first arrived in Annapolis in 1980 aboard my Islander 30' sailboat, Kahuna, that I sailed from Morro Bay, California through the Panama Canal, around the Western Caribbean to Flordia, and up the Chesapeake Bay to Annapolis. It was love at first sight, and I have been returning ever since. BUT, this is my first Annapolis Boat Show, and it's a big deal!

Sarah's first request was to change to a water view room!

Our room conveniently overlooked Jeanneau Yachts. The high flying red flags helped us spot the boats Darrell has been selling in San Diego. He loves his job at Cruising Yachts so much, he decided to work the show one day. I went shopping. First, we toured the United States Naval Academy, as always. One of my favorite spots to walk. Beautiful grounds, handsome men and women cadets, graceful Officer Quraters with happy Blue striped awnings, and of course, we visited the naval marina with their sailboats.

Marching cadets headed for the mess hall at 12noon.

A perfect chapel for a military wedding.

Residence Quarters for Officers. 

Looks like the fifties, yes? Lovely.

One of a dozen fine academy sailing yachts.

This pretty much sums up our motto.

LIVE LIFE! GO BOATING!

Darrell spent a day with Jeanneau America learning all about their new spiffy, sleek, fast-sailing designs. He was very impressed and glad to be associated with the company, and more specifically, Cruising Yachts with 3 offices in California.  I must say those French folks took extremely good care of their representatives (and wives). Great parties with plenty of CRAB and flowing cocktails. I ate fresh crab everyday. Had oysters too. Cruising Yachts is also very generous with their Yacht Consultants, more cocktail and group dinner parties were hosted. Best of all, it's a fun crew. Very Fun!

This Jeanneau Beauty sold the first day!

 Fifty-feet plus Big Boat Beauties. 

Darrell also sells Bali Catamarans. Sold one like this to a darling family this year, who are ready to move up! Don't blame them at all. I love these boats with their modern layouts, and exceptional luxurious interior space for living and entertaining. I told Darrell to sign me up! They also have a exterior living space at the bow, featuring a passthrough window from for easy serving from the galley! Clever! And Practical. Oui?

Darrell and I will always be attracted to sailboats, this 5 spreader rig was no exception. Sorry, she's not for sale, just visiting the harbor. Most likely headed to the Caribbean for the winter. Wouldn't you?

Several days of BOATS, BOATS and more BOATS, made us thirsty. We walked through town and over to our favorite wateringhole, McGarvey's, for a precursor to the evening, before meeting up with Cruising Yachts pals for sushi and sake.

Plenty of outside cafes to chose from.

Hygge is at every turn.

 Our Favorite, McGarvey's

Also our favorite, a Gin Martini and a Cosmo

 Cruising Yachts Crew

Sushi vanished in seconds

Yours truly, with a glow, headed for another party.

After a few more days of a few more Boats, and a few more parties, we headed to Saint Michaels to recoup and mellow out before returning to San Diego. The setting, ambiance, deep war history, wooden boat building, hot dogs and music in the park, the Chesapeake Maritime Museum, The Inn at Perry Cabin featuring a 65-foot Hinckley and Alerion sailboats for their guests matched our memories. We felt no disappointments with the development of a tasteful and fun small marina, restaurant, and pool. Foreshadowing for next blogpost. It's the kind of lazy spot that makes one stop and wonder....