Category: Boat Shows

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Miami International Boat Show 2024

This year I was able to actually attend the Miami International Boat Show aka “DBMIBS” as my company didn’t have a display. Scott and I attended on Saturday and we visited three of the displays, including the in-water yacht show at Herald Plaza, the sailboat display and the convention center.

What the Miami Int’l Boat Show Offers

The Miami International Boat Show stands as a premier event, embodying the epitome of marine excellence and innovation. Hosted annually in the vibrant city of Miami, Florida, this nautical extravaganza is a haven for boating enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Boasting an expansive showcase of the latest watercraft, marine accessories, and cutting-edge technologies, the event offers an immersive experience for attendees eager to explore the forefront of maritime advancements.

With its strategic location at the Herald Plaza and Grande Haven marina the show provides a picturesque backdrop for the unveiling of the most coveted boats and yachts in the market. Attendees can expect a diverse array of exhibitors, from renowned boat manufacturers to accessory providers, creating a comprehensive platform that caters to every aspect of the marine lifestyle. From luxury vessels to innovative water sports gear, the Miami International Boat Show is a one-stop-shop for all things maritime.

Beyond the exhibit halls, the event fosters a dynamic atmosphere with educational seminars, live demonstrations, and networking opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a first-time boat buyer, or an industry insider, the Miami International Boat Show promises an unparalleled experience, blending the excitement of discovering new products with the picturesque beauty of Miami’s waterfront. Immerse yourself in the world of boating at this internationally acclaimed event, where passion for the sea meets the latest in marine excellence.

Cool New Products!

How cute are these Fiat boats? Could you imagine Scott and I cruising the New River in one of these and how people would react? They come in a variety of colors and start at about $122k.

Inside the convention center we came upon an electric outboard by Acel that can really get up to speed.

Need to get somewhere fast? Well six Mercury 600 Verados will help you get there!

Sailing Boat Display

From the power boat display, Scott and I took the water taxi over to the sailboat display. This is a single dock display and as a result, it was pretty crowded. We did get to tour a Dufour sailboat, which we’ll share in a few weeks.

Upcoming Boat Tours

Scott and I toured five yachts and we’ll be bringing those tours to you over the next few weeks. Our next show will the the Palm Beach International Boat Show and unfortunately I have to work this show, as we (26 North Yachts) will have two displays.

We are also headed up to Charleston, SC and we are excited to visit this city for the first time. Be sure to tune in to follow along our journey.

As always, thank you for following our journey. Please be sure to subscribe to our blog and our YouTube channel (see link below). Follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

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Looking for our Land Yacht at the Palm Beach RV Show 2023

Last month, Scott and I headed north to attend the Palm Reach RV Show. This was only the second RV show we have ever attended and it was eye-opening. The show was actually put on by La Mesa RV at the Palm Beach Fair Grounds.

Sprinter Vans

Since the weather has been so hot and rainy, we wanted to find an activity indoors and this was the perfect way to spend a Sunday! First we started with the Sprinter or Class-B vans.

These are the type of vans that most van life YouTubers are living out of. It may look glamorous on YouTube, but after looking at these, there is no way I could live in one.

Scott and I looked at the largest sprinter van and it had an unique set-up. The head (is that what you call it on an RV?) was located in the rear of the rv. This one just seemed very long and didn’t have a lot of storage. The pull down sink was pretty clever.

Revel RVs are rugged and meant to go off-roading. The interior is made to simply get you to your destination with the minimal comforts inside. Surprisingly, the can run over $200k!

Class-A RVs

We only toured a few of the Class-A buses as they were popular and pretty crowded. Honestly, after touring a few, we realized we probably would not want one, as they are really long and could be hard to park. But we found a few that certainly had the comforts of home!

This RV had an island and a dining table! Keep in mind, these Class-A buses had the slide outs completely out, making them look really roomy. However, when they are compact, it would be hard to move past the island.

Class-C Rvs

Next we ventured onto Class-C RVs and these seem to be more of our type. They are not too big to maneuver and you can still easily park them. Here are a couple that were interesting, but not necessarily our type.

The RV below has a murphy bed, so you would have to make the bed every day and put it away. It did have lots of counter space however.

The RV below here, had a premade bed, but you will notice, there was no privacy between the bed and the kitchen.

Our favorite Class-C RVs

After touring a few, we stumbled upon two RVs we really liked: The Entegra and the Thor Motor Coach. These were both around 25′ long and they had lots of comforts in side, plus outdoor entertaining outside. Below is the Entegra Odyssey and it had a price tag of $127,000.

The Entegra RV also had a murphy bed behind the couch and it faced a large tv and fireplace. However, there was no privacy for the bed, so you would have to install some kind of curtain.

Our favorite of all of the RV’s was the Thor Motor Coach 25′. This retailed for $122,000 and it had all of the comforts we love. The bed was a full walk around, it had movie theater seats facing a large tv.

I think buying an RV when we retire could definitely be something we would do, if we don’t buy a boat. It would allow us to travel and enjoy the adventure, just on land. Plus we were surprised by how affordable they are compared to yachts.

As always, thank you for following our journey! Please subscribe to our blog and share your comments. You can watch the full episode on our YouTube channel (see link below) and please follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney. Coming up we tour some famous sites in South Florida and we’ll bring you along!

Cheers, Scott and Ally

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2023 Palm Beach International Boat Show

This year, Scott and I were able to attend the 2023 Palm Beach International Boat Show together. Last year, he was still in Seattle and for the past year, I’m always working a show. In March I left OneWater Yacht Group to join 26 North Yachts as their CMO, so I had time off to attend the show with Scott.

Just like last year, the weather was hot and unforgiving. We arrived to the show when they opened and walked the super yachts first.

This is a very upscale show and here you can find not only your next yacht, but your Bentley too.

Vendor Tents at 2023 Palm Beach International Boat Show

As you can see by the map below, there are a few vendor tents at the 2023 Palm Beach International Boat Show, but not nearly the size as the ones at the Fort Lauderdale or Miami International Boat Shows.

Check out this cool “bar set” from Docktails. Next boat we get, we are installing this!

So many cool things at the 2023 Palm Beach International Boat Show

From vintage yachts, to slick cruisers to fast boats; you will find everything at the Palm Beach Show. Since the layout is not nearly the size (Thank God) as Fort Lauderdale, you can cover the entire show in one day easily.

Since the layout is not nearly the size (Thank God) as Fort Lauderdale, you can cover the entire show in one day easily. That was especially nice, since it was so hot the day we attended.

2017 Hatteras 75′ Tour

Scott and I were able to tour so many awesome yachts and we were thrilled to get a tour of this 2017 Hatteras M75 yacht featured by 26 North Yachts. As you know, we’ve toured two other Hatteras yachts – one was a hoarder home and the other was an older 52′ Hatteras. This yacht at the show, was absolutely stunning and we could definitely live on this boat. For a full tour, be sure to check out our YouTube episode posted this week (see video at the end of this blog).

The 2017 Hatteras M75 Yacht offers a sleek and contemporary design, spacious living areas, and exquisite finishes. With its four beautifully appointed staterooms, expansive flybridge, and advanced navigation systems, the M75 delivers an unforgettable yachting experience. Discover the epitome of elegance and comfort on the water with the 2017 Hatteras M75 Yacht.

After leaving OneWater Yacht Group, I took some time off before joining 26 North Yachts. Scott and I took a last minute vacation to Barbados, so be sure to tune in to follow us on that adventure.

As always, thank you for following our blog! Be sure to subscribe to our blog and YouTube channel for future tours and adventures. You can also follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

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Trawlerfest in Stuart Florida!

Back in March, Scott and I attended Trawlerfest in Stuart, FL. Trawlerfest is a big event in the PNW and we have never been before, so we thought this would give us a great opportunity to tour some trawlers. Recreational trawler boats are typically designed for long-distance cruising at a slower pace, with a focus on fuel efficiency, comfort, and safety. They are often equipped with a displacement hull, which allows them to travel at low speeds while using less fuel. As a result, they are very slow and their cruising speed is less than 10 knots, which is why we haven’t been interested in buying one.

We decided to head to Stuart, FL to check out the town and see what Trawlerfest had to offer. Stuart is less than 2 hours north of Fort Lauderdale. Trawlerfest was held on Hutchison Island, west of the city at a very small marina. Scott and I stayed at the Marriott Hutchison Island Golf Resort, so we could walk to the boat show.

Trawlerfest in Florida

When we arrived to the show, it was not what we were expecting. Remember, for the past year we have been attending major large shows like Fort Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach.

They had a simple check-in tent with a few surrounding vendors in the hotel’s parking lot. (not sure why the first few photos have a strange filter on them, making them look like they are from the 1960’s?)

The actual boat show, was only on the first dock (this photo is actually pretty old, as the other dock was ruined by a storm).

Touring the boats

Overall, there were about twelve boats to tour at the show. There were a couple of Nordic Tugs (see our most viewed video here, where Jeff lives on a 32′ tug). In addition, there was an old Californian, a new Fleming, Greenline and a Ranger Tug.

The first boat we toured was a Ranger Tug. Having never been on one, we were actually pleasantly surprised by its features. The galley offered plenty of space, a large fridge and freezer and lots of daylight.

Under the settee, you will find a pantry and the washer/dryer!

1989 48′ Californian

Next we decided to tour a 1989 Californian. This boat really reminded us of the Ponderosa we stayed on in Gig Harbor, WA back in December 2021. For 48′ this yacht had the space and feel of a 60′ yacht.

Though this was a 1989, she was in very good condition. In fact, the owners actually live aboard this yacht and it shows the love they have given her.

The salon was nice and roomy, the galley had tons of space and the master stateroom had a full walk around bed.

2016 Fleming 65′

When Scott and I first moved into our slip at Elliott Bay Marina, we became friends with our neighbors Doug and Jules who owned a 75′ Custom Delta. Jules was an avid yachter and always told us to buy a Fleming (she doesn’t know our budget! LOL). This yacht is for sale for $3,800,00. Finally, we had the opportunity to tour one and it did not disappoint.

The galley was bigger than our kitchen in our apartment! Imagine the spread you could put on this counter?

This yacht had an 11′ center console tender on the flybridge, yet there was still plenty of room up top.

2003 Nordic Tug 42/44

I have a friend who lives near Jupiter, so I texted her to see if she would be at the show (because she is in the marine business) and she replied that she was not going, but that her dad had his 42′ Nordic Tug in the show. Scott and I were talking as we walked towards the dock and I said “we need to find Sea Gypsy, that’s Katie’s dad’s boat”. Suddenly, the man in front of us, turned around and said “I’m Katie’s dad”. LOL! He and his wife are from the PNW and recently finished cruising the Great Loop. Now they are heading home and selling their tug.

For only 32′ this tug has tons of big boat space! It’s perfect for just two people.

If it had been closer to Fort Lauderdale and had a slip, we would definitely consider buying her!

That’s a wrap!

The entire show took us about an hour to tour. Since it was a smaller show, the boats tended to get pretty crowded and we didn’t feel like fighting the crowds on all of them.

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

After the boat show, we walked about a mile to the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. This is a 57-acre marine life nature center. When we arrived, they were feeding sting rays and we got to feed them by hand!

We then walked the nature trail to the ocean. The walk took about 15 minutes and was pretty cool. However, be sure to wear your bug spray!

There is lots of information when you reach the beach and you can continue to walk down the beach. We chose to turn around and go back.

Back at the nature center, you can walk all around the turtle sanctuary.

If you haven’t been to Stuart Florida, I will tell you it’s a very sleepy town. There’s not much to do, especially on Hutchison Island. Your only option for dining on the island is the restaurant at the Marriott or another cafe’ which was only open for lunch. It did look like a great place to play golf and just unwind. I don’t think we’ll be heading to Stuart anytime soon.

As always, thank you for following our journey! Please subscribe to our blog and our YouTube Channel (link below). Follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney. Soon, we’ll be heading to the Palm Beach Boat Show and then Barbados! So tune in.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

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Quick update on Boating Journey

Since our last post, a lot has happened and we wanted to give you a quick update. Right after the Miami Boat Show, I (Ally) spent three days in Miami on a photo shoot for Sunseeker. Then in March, Scott and I attended Trawlerfest in Stuart, FL and the Palm Beach International Boat Show. In the upcoming episodes and blogs, we’ll go into details and take you on some great tours.

In addition, I accepted a new position as Chief Marketing Officer with 26 North Yachts here in Fort Lauderdale. Since it will be a while before I can take any vacations, we took a week off and headed to Barbados (more on that later).

Boat Tours and Trips

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be bringing you lots of great boat tours, including a Sunreef 68 Catamaran, Riviera 64 Sports Motor Yacht, Fontaine Pajot 67, Leopard 53 Catamaran and much more. We’ll also take you on a quick tour of both boat shows and bring you along on trip to Barbados.

As always, thank you for following our journey. Be sure to subscribe to our channel (link below) and blog to stay updated. You can also follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

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Yacht Tours at the Miami Boat Show

Last month, we attended the 2023 Miami Boat Show. This is a great show to see every kind of boat or yacht in the industry. As we mentioned in our last blog, they have a number of different displays at the show, so it a show to put on your bucket list.

You can find all of our yacht tours on our YouTube channel. Thank you to all of you who have subscribed and are following us! Wow, has our channel grown and we are truly grateful.

2023 Lekker 44

Our first yacht tour was a 2023 Lekker 44 from the Netherlands. Per their website “When LEKKER’s founder (Meindert Wolfraad) travelled the world, he discovered that the Amsterdam way of living appealed to people everywhere. Moving around on your own terms, taking control – whether it’s on the road, the canals or open sea. The freedom to move your own way. So that even the most free-spirited people don’t get caught up in everyday life.” This was a pretty cool boat that is not only comfortable, but very fast with a top speed of 57 mph.

2023 Privilege Signature 580 Catamaran

You might remember that we chartered a 43′ power catamaran last year during our trip to the British Virgin Islands. While it was a nice cat, the “guest sleeping quarters” were extremely tight and uncomfortable. Our next yacht tour was the Privilege Signature 580 and you have plenty of space on this yacht! (of course this would be a lot more expensive to charter too). This yacht we could live on and cruise the world.

2022 Azimut 72 Fly

If 58′ isn’t big enough for you, check out our next yacht tour on the 72′ Azimut Fly. This yacht has four staterooms, four heads PLUS crew quarters! Powered by twin MAN V12 1400hp diesels, her top cruising speed is 32 knots! Her exterior has been designed for luxury and comfort, as you relax on under the canopy on the bow’s sun pad. Cruising on this yacht through the Bahamas would make a dream vacation.

Cool surprise!

During the show, I passed by Captain Sandy Yawn a number of times. We’ve tweeted back and forth here and there. I had just finished reading her book, “Be the Calm or Be the Storm”. This is a fantastic read and I highly recommend it. Here’s a quick link to the book. When I saw her in the lobby of my hotel, I had to stop and tell her how much I enjoyed her book. She then said, “let’s get a photo”. What a fun surprise!

What’s next for us?

We’re excited for what 2023 has on our plates. This week we’re headed to the Palm Beach International Boat Show and since Ally isn’t working the show, we will be doing the tours together. Why isn’t she working? Tune in and find out what her next adventure is. Next week we leave for Barbados and it’s our first visit there. Barbados is known for their amazing snorkeling and beautiful beaches, so this is a much anticipated trip.

As always, thank you for following our journey. Please be sure to subscribe to our blog and our YouTube Channel (link below) and follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

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Miami International Boat Show 2023

Earlier this month, Scott and I attended the Miami International Boat Show for the first time. We did come down here in 2015, but that year we could only find the display on Collins Avenue. That was the last year the show had a display on Collins. I was working the show, so I arrived on Sunday, February 12th to help set up the show. It really is amazing how the show actually comes together. I had a great view from my room at the Marriott of One Herald Plaza and the Venetian Marina.

At the Venetian Marina, we found a Sunreef Power Catamaran. Scott took a tour of it, which you can see on our YouTube channel next week. Apparently, the interior was very interesting, so tune in.

Big Yachts & Huge Displays

I was working in the Sunseeker display and this was the largest display they have had in over 30 years. In addition, we had on display a Sunseeker 90 Ocean and 95 Yacht. Now a days, seeing a large yacht doesn’t seem to phase me.

One thing that is different about Florida boat shows compared to others, like Seattle is the displays include luxury buildings and VIP lounges.

Beyond Yachts

Comparing the Miami Show to the Fort Lauderdale show, I would say the on-the-water show was smaller and more intimidate. They had a large tent with vendors and places to dine (where Fort Lauderdale didn’t have the food court per se). To access the Windward VIP lounge, you had to purchase a VIP ticket.

Scott did a great job showcasing all of the different vendors in our latest episode, to so be sure to watch it.

Miami Beach Convention Center

I had a breakfast later in the week at the Miami Beach Convention Center and then I walked the show. Even though I’m used to an indoor show, everything in this display seemed bigger.

Yachts After Dark

On Friday night, IYBA hosted a “Yachts After Dark” event. Here displays who participated hosted guests with cool lighting, cocktails and appetizers.

If you haven’t been to the Miami Boat Show, I definitely recommend it. In fact, Scott was able to meet up with the new owners of our Bayliner 4087, who were attending the show from Seattle. There’s so much to see and the venues are great.

One highlight for me, was meeting Captain Sandy in my hotel. I’m currently reading her book “Be the Calm, or Be the Storm” and it’s a fantastic read.

As always, thank you for following our journey. Next week, Scott will take you on some great yacht tours and we have some cool trips coming up including Trawlerfest in Stuart, FL. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel (video below) and follow us on social media @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

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The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2022

Last month Scott and I attended the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show for the very first time. This is a five day show held at the end of October and while I worked the show, Scott got a chance to tour it.

This show is so large that it’s the largest in-water boat show in the world and includes seven locations. We only visited the Bahia Mar exhibit where I was working. See photo above.

There’s no way I can possibly describe the show in a blog, as it’s just massive and you’ll see I say that over and over in our YouTube episode. The Bahia Mar exhibit included brand new boats and yachts from manufacturers and brokerage yachts and superyachts. Plus, it had huge displays of vendors everywhere you turned. The best part about the electronics tent is they kept it cold as a meat locker. This was a very pleasant treat as it was extremely hot during the show.

Super Yachts Everywhere

They had a super house boat – if that’s what you call it? I wish we would have toured this!

Unlike most shows we have attended, this is a manufacturer show, similar to an auto show. The manufacturers go all out to build massive VIP tents that are actually air conditioned (well, at least Sunseeker was where I was working!).

No matter if you are looking for a center console, a catamaran or a yacht, the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show is where you will find your boat. This has been one of the best things about moving to Fort Lauderdale, is the access to so much boating!

Tour the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show on our YouTube Channel

If you plan on attending the show, give yourself at least three days to cover the show and that’s probably just for Bahia Mar. Scott was there two full days and he barely touched the display. I had displays from one end of the show to the other and over five days I walked 42 miles! We want to thank Informa and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show for welcoming us as Influencers to the show – it was quite the experience. Until next year!

As always, thank you for following our blog and please be sure to check out our YouTube channel (see video below). Please be sure to subscribe to our channel and follow us on our next adventure. Next week we’ll share more boat tours from the show and later this month we go on our very first cruise! Stay tuned.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

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2003 Westship 103′ Sportfish Tour

Scott and I had the rare opportunity to tour a Westship 103′ Sportfish a few weeks ago. Yes, you heard me right! This yacht is 103′ long and there are only two in the world including this one! We have never been on a sportfish before and this tour totally shocked us. This yacht is absolutely stunning and beautiful!

Exterior Tour

Since we have never been deep sea fishing or spent time on a sportfish, we won’t attempt to use the right lingo in the description or tour. This yacht is for sale by OneWater Yacht Group and there is a full detailed description on the listing here.

Right now, the yacht is docked at the owner’s house just north of Fort Lauderdale. Imagine owning a home on the water with space for a 103′ yacht? What I loved immediately are the steps to access the yacht.

On the stern, you have a large entertainment area plus two very large freezers. Where do they get ice to keep their fish cold you ask? This yacht comes with an ice-maker and an ice crusher!

On the lower deck, you will find all of the space for deep sea fishing, including a custom fishing chair in the center. There is also a live well on the lower level.

The walk arounds are nice and wide, which I love. However, most owners who own a yacht of this size have crew that handle their lines.

On the bow, they are storing a 17′ tender using a heavy duty crane.

Interior Space

You enter the interior, by pressing a button to open the slider doors. The doors open with air pressure and automatically close behind you.

Heading up to the captain’s bridge, you will find a huge helm station with gorgeous captain chairs. The leather of these chairs is as soft as baby skin!

The bridge is also a spot more entertaining. Imagine going fishing, then hanging out up in the bridge watching your favorite football team!

Head back down stairs and you find a beautiful salon and wet bar. This yacht is almost twenty years old, but it doesn’t show it. The soft goods are timeless and this yacht smells great!

If you prefer to dine inside, the dining room has space for six to eight guests. Remember, this is a fishing boat! What fishing boat has a dining room like this? Well, the Westship Sportfish obviously does.

The galley is located next to the dining room and this galley is larger than the one in our apartment!

Sleeping Quarters

Next we head down to the sleeping quarters. Here you will find four staterooms. Two are mirrored with twin beds and forward you will find a VIP stateroom with an island berth.

The master stateroom on this Westship Sportfish has more storage than our apartment too!

Engine Room

There are crew quarters and if you watch the video (see below), Scott will take you on a tour. You access the engine room through the crew quarters. This yacht is powered by twin MAN MTU 16V2000M91 diesel engines with 2000HP. Scott is over 6′ tall and he was able to stand in the engine room!

We hope you liked this tour. For more details, be sure to watch the full YouTube video tour.

As always, thank you for following our blog! Be sure to subscribe to our vlog on YouTube and follow us on social media @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney. Next week we head to FLIBS (Fort Lauderdale Int’l Boat show) for our first time ever, so tune in next week.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

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United States Sailboat Show 2022

Scott and I returned to Annapolis to attend the United States Sailboat Show last week. This was the third time we have attended the Sailboat Show. I know, you’re wondering why would we attend the Sailboat Show and not the Power Boat Show? Well, we’ve attended both in Annapolis and honestly the Sailboat Show has a better vibe and we enjoy it more. It was also nice to attend the show as an attendee and not an exhibitor. It’s difficult for me to completely enjoy a boat show, when I’m working it.

Press Passes

Now that our YouTube channel is growing (we have almost 5500 subscribers) and have a legitimate media company, we are able to get press credentials. To us, that’s a pretty cool thing! We’ve worked really hard on this blog and vlog since 2015 and it’s nice to see our hard work paying off.

Scott and I headed to the show first thing Friday morning to get a jump on the crowds. Our plan of attack would be to tour our favorite catamarans on Friday and mon-hulls on Saturday. We definitely found some favorites, so tune in over the next few weeks and we’ll take you on a few tours.

Being from Seattle, we are not used to seeing so many catamarans. At the Boats Afloat Show in Seattle, we were lucky if two catamarans were on display. This weekend, we had our pick of over thirty catamarans to tour.

The weather was absolutely perfect for the show. Blue skies and mid-70’s temperatures. Sometimes I do miss that.

Vendors, Vendors and Vendors

If you are looking for boat parts, clothing, financing, insurance, lessons or vacation charters you will find them here. Scott and I talked to a number of sailing companies that offer lessons in the Caribbean and we are seriously considering getting our ASA101 thru ASA 107, plus ASA 114 Catamaran Cruising next year.

Scott talked to the Annapolis School of Seamanship about getting his 100-ton Captain’s License. They have a great program and it’s too bad they don’t have a satellite office here in Florida.

Meeting Other YouTubers

The highlight of the weekend for us, was meeting the YouTube channels that we support through Patreon. (We also have a Patreon account, but we only have one supporter – LOL – Some day.) During the show, we were able to head over to the YouTube booth and meet three of our channels. As soon as we arrived, we immediately ran into Beau & Brandy from Beau and Brandy Sailing and Gary and Brooke from Sailing One Life. They happen to be friends and ironically, we have had two near misses with Beau and Brandy.

The last two times we have visited St. Thomas, we had planned on meeting up with Beau and Brandy. However, on both occasions, they were flying back to the US! It was so nice to finally hug each other and meet in person, rather than Zoom.

We found Gary & Brooke’s channel thru Beau and Brandy. Gary and Brooke have made it thru the Panama Canal and now are in Mexico. That’s a bucket list for us (the canal that is).

At the end of the YouTube booth we found Lihn, Teal and Emma from Onboard Lifestyle. These guys are from Seattle and they lived on Lake Union right below our first apartment in DT Seattle. Teal is amazing when it comes to boats, so this is a channel you will want to subscribe to and start from the beginning!

A trip to the Annapolis Sail Boat Show wouldn’t be complete without a pain killer from Pussers!

DT Annapolis

This was my second trip to Annapolis this year, as I was there back in April for work. I love Annapolis and I especially love the history and quaintness of downtown. There are tons of cute shops, restaurants and bars.

My Favorites

I couldn’t resist a few of my favorites during our visit too. Every dog we encountered I had to say hi! Isn’t this gal a cutie?

I will also admit, I miss one of my favorite boating brands, Boston Whaler. I couldn’t resist getting a photo!

Patreon Meet-Ups

One benefit of being a Patreon of a channel, is the personal connection with the creators. We have monthly Zoom calls and local meet-ups when they are in town. We’re hoping to connect again with Brooke and Gary when they head to Florida next month.

Our first meet up was with Beau and Brandy at a location walking distance from the show. We didn’t know what to expect and it was so cool to meet everyone we talk to each month on Zoom. Beau and Brandy moved from New York to Florida and had never sailed before. They never took sailing lessons before buying a sailing boat This is a channel you want to start from the beginning!

The following day we had a meetup with the crew of Sailing Parlay Revival. Colin and his crew bought a hurricane damaged Lagoon 450 after Hurricane Irma, repaired it and now they are sailing around the world. Bucket list!

Our last Patreon meet up was with Brooke and Gary of One Life Sailing. I thought the event was 4:30pm to 6:30pm and at 4pm I looked at my calendar and said to Scott “Oh crap! Their event is 3pm to 5pm!” We were so bummed that we missed out on most of the meetup. We did get to spend time with Gary’s parents and get their perspective on their son’s sailing adventure. They are so supportive of their journey and that is so cool to us! Thank you to Brooke and Gary for giving us all t-shirts! What a fun surprise.

All Good Things Must End

What a fun weekend we had and I really needed this. It was awesome to meet everyone and and spend time at the Sail Boat Show. I can’t wait until next year!

If you didn’t notice, we also have new Boating Journey swag and you can also order swag for yourself. Check out our link here!

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be showcasing some of our favorite boats, so be sure to tune in and check them out. In addition, we just launched our new store! So if you are interested in getting some Boating Journey swag, check it out here!

As always, thank you for following our journey! Be sure to subscribe and also subscribe to our channel on YouTube (see video below). You can also follow us on social media @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally