Annapolis boat shows let GLCC tell its story
By Commodore Joe McKeown
Each October, thousands of powerboaters and sailors from around the world gather on the docks of Annapolis, Maryland, for two of the most celebrated events in North American boating: the United States Powerboat and Sailboat Shows.
This year, the Great Lakes Cruising Club proudly shared two seminars with attendees, showcasing not only the beauty and adventure of cruising the Great Lakes but also the strength and camaraderie of our GLCC community.
Both shows had standing-room only in the seminar tent for the GLCC presentations. Our sessions became a spirited outpost of the inland seas in the sailing and boating capital of the East Coast. Attendees including lifelong Great Lakes sailors to cruisers curious about heading inland and enjoying the sparkling, clear, fresh waters we tend to take for granted in the Great Lakes.
Attendees stopped by to learn about the Club’s resources, Harbor Reports, webinars, and our extensive network of members who make cruising the Great Lakes such a rich and rewarding experience.
Representatives from the GLCC, including yours truly, Commodore Joe McKeown and my daughter, Annapolis resident Meredith McKeown, shared stories of favorite anchorages, explaining the value of our Harbor Reports, and highlighted the GLCCSchool educational programs that help sailors of all experience levels explore the Great Lakes confidently and safely. The Club’s presentations drew smiles and sparked many conversations — proof that our reputation as “the friendliest club on the Great Lakes” extends well beyond our home waters.
The GLCC’s participation in events such as the Annapolis Boat Shows plays a vital role in the Club’s outreach and growth. It gives us a chance to connect with potential new members, strengthen our ties with the broader cruising community, and remind the boating world that the Great Lakes offer some of the most beautiful and diverse cruising grounds anywhere.
Special thanks go to the team from the Annapolis Boat Shows who helped organize our presentation at no cost to the GLCC, and to the many members who stopped by to say hello and show their support. Thanks also to Mark Gagyi and Dave Spencer for their help with the presentation. Their enthusiasm and knowledge make all the difference — and help ensure that the GLCC’s flag continues to fly proudly wherever sailors and boaters gather.
Annapolis was a good learning experience, and we anticipate presenting at both shows again in 2026. As we look ahead to the next season, the success of our presence in Annapolis is a wonderful reminder that while our home waters may be freshwater, our spirit is truly ocean-wide.