Top Tips for Visiting a Sailboat Show

One of the most exciting aspects of the sailing industry is coming together with other sailboat owners, vendors, and—of course—sailors! Sailboat shows are an excellent place to learn more about the latest and greatest sailboats, ask questions to industry experts, and make friends along the way. 

If you plan to visit a sailboat show, it’s helpful to know what to expect beforehand. Go Sail Virgin Islands’ instructors and captains attend sailboat shows every year and are happy to help! Here are some useful tips for visiting sailboat shows. 

How to Get the Most Out of the Boat Show in Annnapolis

You can get the most out of a sailboat show by planning ahead! Knowing your budget and researching before you go can save you time and money at your first sailboat show.

Know Your Budget Before You Go

The costs of a sailboat show can add up in a hurry—from travel costs to cutting a check for a brand new boat. Knowing your budget can help.

Before you attend a sailboat show, know the costs of attending, such as:

• Tickets: Tickets for sailboat shows are usually pretty reasonable (around $30 – $50). But prices can vary depending on the day, your age, and what type of show you are attending.
• Travel Expenses: Factor in the costs of lodging, flights, rental cars, and restaurants.

• Sailboats: If you plan to buy a boat at a sailboat show, this will be your main expense. Figure out how much you can afford before you get to the show, and only meet with vendors that are selling boats within your price range.

Writing down a budget can help you decide if it’s time to buy or just browse. Sailboat shows are a lot of fun, even if you don’t plan to buy yet!

Research Ahead of Time

If you plan to make a purchase at a sailboat show, you’ll want to research sailboats ahead of time and know what you want out of your boat. You will also want to do a walk-through with vendors to identify any discrepancies between what you read on sales sheets and what you see in person.

New boats are generally in good condition as advertised. However, there is always a possibility of unforeseen mechanical issues or superficial damage.

At Go Sail Virgin Islands, we look for things like:

• Cracks, scratches, and other surface damage.
• Condition of the furniture and upholstery.
• Electrical and mechanical components.
• Any damage to the sails.

Plan Ahead for the Event

To get the most out of a sailboat show, you’ll also want to plan ahead to make sure you’re prepared. Consider:

• Transportation and parking.
• How to dress for the weather.
• Water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.
• Where you will stay.
• How you will get your sailboat home.

How to Deal With High-Pressure Sales

The sailboat shows that sailing instructors at Go Sail Virgin Islands attend work with the top vendors in the industry and carefully select who is selling new and used boats at the events. That said, salespeople are often very good at their jobs and may find ways to turn the pressure on when you are on the fence during price negotiations.

It helps to: 

• Stick with your budget.
• Know what your priorities are.
• Prepare a list of follow-up questions.
• Be ready to walk away if something doesn’t feel right.

How to Choose Seminars to Attend

Go Sail Virgin Islands’ captains and sailing instructors attend sailboat seminars every year. The different sailboat shows offer seminars for sailors of all skill levels, and it’s important to decide which you plan to attend. 

Our instructors’ favorites usually cover technical subjects like troubleshooting mechanical or electronic issues. However, if you are just starting sailing, you may like courses that provide tips on using navigation systems or sailing rules. Visit the sailboat show website and decide on which classes you don’t want to miss.

Take Sailing Courses Before Your First Sailboat Show

If you plan to visit a sailboat show next year, there is still time to learn how to sail with our ASA sailing courses! Go Sail Virgin Islands can teach you the basics, or even advanced sailing skills, so you can make sailing friends or even buy your own boat in 2026!