Annapolis boat‑show organizers ask council to secure long-term CityDock leases; public hearing closes

Representatives of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland and the Annapolis Boat Shows urged the council Tuesday to adopt long‑term lease renewals for major boat shows at City Dock, saying the events are vital to the local and regional marine economy.

John Stefanchek, executive director of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, described the shows as among the largest of their kind and a major driver of local economic activity. “Annapolis Sailboat shows the largest sailing events in the Western Hemisphere,” he said, and the combined shows account for a significant portion of the state’s recreational marine business.

Mary Ewinson, president of the Annapolis Boat Shows, told the council that the shows plan many years in advance and require lease certainty: “Our leases end in 2030 and what this next round takes us to 2036 with an option to renew through 2040. And that is correct. We could exercise that option at any time.” Ewinson and other supporters said the extended term allowed organizers to invest in logistics, marketing and event infrastructure and gave local businesses predictability.

Speakers and council members touched on the overlap between boat‑show operations and ongoing City Dock construction and operations, and organizers said they have been coordinating with city staff. No substantive opposition emerged during the hearing; speakers framed the shows as critical to the waterfront economy.

Council action at the meeting: the council closed the public hearing on O32‑25 (leases for all boat shows through 2036/option to 2040) and on the related spring boat shows item; no final lease approvals or votes were recorded at the meeting.

What’s next: Staff and council will continue review of the leases; organizers requested certainty to plan multi‑year investments.