Every fall, the Annapolis Sailboat Show brings together the people who make the sailing industry what it is. The 2026 show was no exception. The Murray Yacht Sales team enjoyed a full schedule of meetings with clients, manufacturers, fellow dealers, and industry professionals, along with opportunities to catch up with familiar faces and make new connections across the sailing community. The week offered a welcome mix of industry insight, new product developments, and time spent with fellow sailors.
Our Team arrived early to attend the Beneteau and Excess Dealer Meetings, where we received important market insights and product updates. The “preview day” Thursday brought sunny weather and many Gulf Coast sailors excited to see the latest in Annapolis.
Annual Sail America Industry Breakfast
One of the highlights of the Annapolis Sailboat Show each year is the Sail America Industry Breakfast. The Friday morning gathering is a welcoming and informative tradition unique to the American sailing industry, bringing together manufacturers, dealers, marina operators, sailing organizations, and other professionals to exchange ideas and recognize the people who help move the sport forward.
This year’s breakfast featured guest speakers and updates from across the industry. Representatives from the Annapolis Boat Shows discussed how they are managing ongoing city construction in and around the show area. Attendees also heard about sailing at the U.S. Naval Academy from its sailing director, along with other updates relevant to the broader sailing community.
Our own Stanton Murray had the opportunity to introduce Gino Morrelli, a 2026 inductee into the National Sailing Hall of Fame. Morrelli’s recognition was a fitting reminder of the design talent and innovation that have helped shape modern sailing.
The breakfast also recognized a longtime contributor to the Gulf Coast sailing community. Bill Coxwell, a Rockport, Texas, sailor and owner of C Cushions, received Sail America’s 2026 Distinguished Service Award. His more than five decades of service to sailing include helping establish the Rockport Yacht Club in 1969. His recognition was especially meaningful for those of us who work and sail along the Gulf Coast.
And, of course, no industry gathering would be complete without mention of our parties. Stanton reminded the room to nominate the hosts of the show’s best party for the annual Best Party Award. In keeping with tradition, he noted that the previous year’s festivities apparently hadn’t produced anything significant enough to justify awarding the trophy, citing Annapolis City Police crime statistics for last year’s show with tongue firmly in cheek. We’ll leave it to the party hosts to raise the bar for next year.
Beneteau Sailboats
Our French Friends boasted their usual, ultra-prominent location near a main entrance to the in-water show. As always, the Beneteau docks were filled with a range of new boats, serving sailors of all kinds with various lengths, designs, options, and configurations.
The Oceanis line continues to redefine what it means to live comfortably on the water. Our Gulf Coast clients love them for island-hopping in the Florida Keys, adventures across the Gulf, and dropping anchor for a long weekend. Make no mistake, these cruising sailboats aren’t just comfortable, they’re engineered for effortless handling and pure joy under sail.
For the sailor who craves adrenaline without sacrificing style, the legendary First line makes a massive statement. Blending cutting-edge racing technology with iconic design, the First range is built to dominate local Gulf Coast regattas and deliver thrilling weekend coastal cruises.
Owners Party
The Annapolis Sailboat Show is about more than walking the docks and inspecting boats. It is also an opportunity to spend time with the people who own, design, build, and support them. The BENETEAU Owners Party was a welcome opportunity to reconnect with current owners, meet new faces, and celebrate the community surrounding the brand. These conversations are an important part of what we do at Murray Yacht Sales, helping us better understand how owners use their boats and what they value in their sailing experience.
Excess Catamarans
Excess saw another busy show, with constant traffic and high energy. The Excess 11 (38′), Excess 13 (42′), and Excess 14 (45′) catamarans were appreciated by sailors with a range of backgrounds, from offshore racers who appreciate the performance aspects of the boats, to the cruising families who love the connection that the single-level layout provides.
A happy hour of their own brought press, dealers, and owners (the Excess Tribe) together for an enjoyable evening of conversation and connection. One of the notable conversations centered on the Excess 14. Thibaut de Montvalon introduced members of the press to exciting new options for the model, including the much-anticipated forward head arrangement on the starboard side. We’re calling it the “Texas-sized shower” …
As the exclusive Excess Catamarans dealer across the Gulf Coast, from Texas to Florida’s west coast, Murray Yacht Sales is always interested in developments that give our clients more ways to tailor a boat to their needs.
Looking Ahead After Annapolis
The 2026 Annapolis Sailboat Show reinforced what makes this event so valuable year after year. The boats are the obvious attraction, but the relationships, conversations, and shared enthusiasm for sailing are what keep the industry connected.
From celebrating the accomplishments of sailors like Bill Coxwell and Gino Morrelli to catching up with clients and learning about the latest product updates, our team returned with new connections and plenty of homework.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to meet with our team in Annapolis. We look forward to continuing the conversations and helping more sailors find their next adventure on the water.
Thinking about your next sailboat? Our team is here to help you find the right boat for the way you want to sail.