Visitors > Gateway to Discovery > America's Sailing Capital

Annapolis is one of America’s premier maritime centers. More than four million visitors from around the world enjoy this historic seaport and the activities it hosts. Since 1970, the U.S. Sailboat and Powerboat Shows have been held annually on the City Dock.

Designated a Chesapeake Bay Gateway Site in 2001, the harbor area is the centerpiece of the Annapolis, London Town, South County Heritage Area. A popular port of call for international cruising vessels, Annapolis is equally well known for the many sailing regattas held here. It has also been a stopover site for the Whitbread and Volvo Ocean Races.

In 2006, the National Sailing Hall of Fame was established on the Annapolis City Dock, next to the United States Naval Academy.