Antique Boat Festival: An Annapolis Fathers’ Day Tradition
Even if you are not a father or a boating fanatic, you will find the Annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival & the Arts at Navy Point intriguing. Much like antique and vintage car shows that appeal to almost anyone, the passion these old restored boat owners feel is contagious.
The Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS) hosts the waterfront event. Growing bigger each year, it attracts some of the regions most stunning classic boats including Chesapeake Bay-related boats as well as other maritime gems like this year’s toy outboard motor collection or native dugout canoes. Of course, as with any Annapolis party, there will be plenty entertainment, food, and drink.
Antique & Classic Boats You’ll See
The juried competition format of this festival draws the most admired boats in the region from runabouts to yachts. Look for wooden classics, vintage race boats (see video at right for one favorite), work boats, hydroplanes, and more. Top vintage brands are always represented such as Chris-Craft, Gar Wood, Trumpy, Lyman, and Donzi.
We hope to see the log canoes that made an appearance last year. They are a regional adaptation of the traditional Native American dugout canoes and in the Chesapeake area from the 18th through the 20th century were used as an all-purpose vessel to harvest oysters, transport goods, and to transport people.
Beyond the Boats
Boating History
Look for free Boating History Seminars. Recent topics have been “Collectible Cabin Cruisers 1940 to 1970,” “Master Restorations by Moores Marine,” and “Antique Boat Upholstery.” You are sure to learn something and be entertained.
Ski Boat Theme
This year’s show will feature vintage ski boats and water skiing memorabilia. The show organizers promise you’ll see some of the earliest ski boats manufactured. If you are really into the water skiing theme, be sure to check out Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s “At Play on the Bay” exhibit in the two-story exhibition building. The display includes a 30-foot Owens cruiser and more than 400 historical marine artifacts, photographs, and video footage.
Toy Outboard Motors Galore
Perhaps you are a toy enthusiast more than a boat fan? This show is for your. The Toy Outboard Model Group will holding its annual meeting during this show so attendees will be treated to an impressive variety of more than 1,000 toy outboard motors.
And There’s Art
Along with the Mid-Atlantic’s largest gathering of antique and classic boats as well as toy outboards, the festival includes a juried art exhibit at the Arts at Navy Point pavilion. More than 70 fine artists and craftspeople display their work and vendors offer nautical-themed decor for your boat or home.
Flea Market
A nautical flea market along the Fogg’s Landing side will offer a wide-ranging array of unrestored classic boats and motors ready to be your project. Along with other maritime-themed items, the nautical flea market will be the source for regional foods, local music, and a waterside bar and deck.
Festival Information
When: Friday, June 15th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturday, June 16th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; and Father’s Day, Sunday, June 17th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, 213 North Talbot Street, St. Michaels, Maryland 21663, 410-745-2916
Admission: See festival ticket pricing that runs $5 for members and $15-18 for non-members. The festival includes two-day admission to CBMM’s special and permanent exhibitions, including the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, where guests can climb to the top for views of the Miles River and St. Michaels harbor. Buy tickets.
Book an Annapolis day sail or weeklong Chesapeake Bay charter with us to celebrate your dad!
