Key moments of 2021

Here, in this most nautical of settings, one of the largest shows dedicated solely to sailing is unveiled with units of all sizes, from dinghy sailing to cruising catamarans, the sector that interests us, of course. Many boats are here making their premieres, and the number of manufacturers who have set up their headquarters in the seaside town is countless. The atmosphere remains friendly, between business and pleasure, for even though the boats are stationary, we are among sailors.
Then comes the after-show. Ignoring the logistical performance, in only one night, the show is already half dismantled... Americans sure know how to do this. For us, the most interesting part begins. The Chesapeake Bay is suddenly filled with sail, the dozens of marinas around the city all serve as starting points for boat tests. Journalists jump from one boat to another, sometimes with future clients. The ballet is set up, one day we cross paths with a catamaran we sailed the day before, or the one whose helm we’ll take the day after. The setting is ideal, protected by the “East side”, the strip of land separating the bay from the ocean, but still benefiting from a nice breeze and a practicable body of water.
On board, the halyards are snapping, the sails are going up, the GPS is going crazy, especially on the Kinetic 54 or the Balance 482, which make the most of the slightest airs. From one multihull to the other, we observe each other, we measure each other, the racing spirit is not that far from our thoughts. Initial first tacks are quite revealing; we try to evaluate if the performance of the day is a question of men or machine.
That's the magic of Annapolis. We come here to sail, to try boats out, to test them, to compare, and all in wonderful humor...

Dominic Salander
US Correspondent