Enjoy Wednesday Night Sailboat Races All Summer Long Near Annapolis Waterfront Hotel

Located on the majestic Chesapeake Bay near the Atlantic Ocean it’s no surprise that Annapolis has been nicknamed, “America’s Sailing Capital”. If you have a passion for sailing and are staying at our Annapolis Waterfront Hotel then why not experience the time-honored tradition of Annapolis Yacht Club’s annual Wednesday Night Sailboat Races? These races occur every Wednesday from April 24th until August 28th and it’s the perfect way to kickoff a trip to Maryland’s capital city. Starting at 6:00pm you can find over 100 yachts flooding Spa Creek in anticipation for the weekly races.

The History of Annapolis’ Sailing Races

The Wednesday Night Races at East Greenwich Yacht Club in Rhode Island were the inspiration for starting midweek racing at Annapolis Yacht Club in 1959. While there were no prizes and no scoring in the beginning, everyone did indulge in a picnic supper after sailing. By 1967, these midweek races in Annapolis had become popular, with more than 112 boats taking part.

Today the Annapolis Yacht Club has over 1600 regular members and offers a wide range of social, cruising and racing programs. They even host international events such as the Star Class World Championship and the Rolex International Women’s Keelboat Championship. If you’ve come to Annapolis either to take part in the races or just as an enthusiastic spectator, Annapolis Waterfront Hotel offers the perfect location to enjoy all that the Chesapeake Bay has to offer.

Set Sail on the Chesapeake Bay

If you want to take to the water and enjoy the wind in your hair you too can hop on board one of the city’s 74-foot schooners, Woodwind and Woodwind II, for your own sailing experience with Annapolis Sailing Cruises. Learn to steer the boat and hoist the sails, or just kick back and enjoy the gorgeous Annapolis views while you cruise along the bay.

Public sailing cruises are two-hours long and occur four times daily throughout the summer. On the cruise you’ll be able to see the United States Naval Academy, the scenic skyline of Annapolis, the beautiful harbor and Severn River. If you fancy a tipple while on the water, their cash bar is stocked with wine and a selection of local microbrews.

All Aboard Your Next Annapolis Vacation

Grab the best seats in the house as over 130 crews race along Ego Alley near Pusser’s Caribbean Grille, our dockside restaurant, where you can also nosh on fresh seafood favorites like our famous Maryland blue crabs. The yacht club is conveniently located right next door to the hotel and you’ll also be within walking distance of the city’s most popular attractions including harbor cruises and the historic William Paca House.

Enjoy all that Annapolis summer has to offer while cruising the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. We wish you fair winds and calm seas!