DOCKTALK Maryland Boatbuilders and Dealers Expo
W
ant to see custom boats and the Marylanders who make ’em? Then, here’s another great reason to celebrate spring in Cambridge, MD. The brand-new Maryland Boatbuilders and Dealers Expo April 10-11 will celebrate the many boatbuilders, dealers, and other people who make boating and boats happen across the state. Organizer Kirsten Strohmer of MTS Broadcasting says, “Cambridge is my own town and boasts a fantastic venue called Sailwinds Park situated right on the Choptank River. When Martin Hardy of Composite Yacht asked us about using the park for a boatbuilders’ event, we jumped at the chance. He told me that Maryland is one of four states known for boatbuilding; the other three are Florida, Maine, and North Carolina. He also told me the history of boatbuilding in Cambridge. I was so interested in all of this that I thought, ‘Marylanders need a way to celebrate our
water,” Strohmer adds. “I’m very excited for this year’s show and can’t wait for next year!”
The Real Deals Fresh from the pages of PropTalk’s Boatshop Reports, here are some of the boatbuilders you’ll be able to meet and greet during the Expo: R5Reid Bandy of Bandy Boats in Annapolis (bandyboats.com), R5Tom Campbell of Campbell Custom The Visitor’s Center at Sailwinds Park in Cambridge.
The Grand National Waterfowl Hunt Club’s Statue at Sailwinds Park.
rich history and give our boatbuilders the attention they deserve.’” “Martin gave me names and numbers of builders, I went through PropTalk Magazine for more names and numbers, and I made lots and LOTS of calls. The response from the boatbuilders has been full of excitement and positive energy! Nine builders are bringing their custom work for display inside Governors Hall. Outside, we’ll have boat dealers, custom fishing rods, custom lures, kayaks, canoes, jet skis, and anything else related to water recreation. Cambridge Main Street will even have a boat swap on a portion of the campus! Of course, we’ll have crab cakes, fried oysters, cream of crab soup, subs and sandwiches, beer, soda, and 14 April 2010 PropTalk
Yachts in Oxford (campbellsboatyard.com), R5Martin Hardy of Composite Yacht in Trappe (compositeyacht.biz), R5George Hazzard of Wooden Boat Restoration in Millington (woodenboatrestorationllc.com), R5Jerry LeCompte from Dockside Boat Works in Cordova (docksideboatworks. com), R5Pete Mathews of Mathews Brothers in Denton (mathewsboats.com), R5Joe Reid of Mast and Mallet in Edgewater (mastandmallet.com), R5John Swain of Schooner Sultana fame in Chestertown (sultanaprojects.org), and last but not least: R5Tom Weaver of Eastport Yacht Company in Annapolis (eastportyacht.com). For years, these master shipwrights have been making boats that charm the socks off customers. Don’t be shy; click to their websites to learn more about the people
who make dreamboats happen. Then, meet them at the Expo; they’ll be waiting for you. And, Saturday at 1 p.m., don’t miss Swain’s 20- to 30-minute slide presentation on the Sultana’s construction.
More about the Expo All weekend long, you’ll see sportfishers, hydroplanes, trawlers, Jon boats, sailboats, and more. Check out fishing and recreational gear and an array of boating supplies. Be part of the public boat swap, which benefits Cambridge Main Street, the town’s goodwill ambassador, if you will. The action (in the form of indoor exhibits and exhibitors) will all happen at Sailwinds Park—rain or shine—April 10-11. With admission a mere $5, it’s the best deal in town. Doors open at 9 a.m. While you’re there, chat up PropTalk staffers; we are one of the proud sponsors of this new event. And, if you want to swap a boat, call Jim Duffy at (410) 228-0020 or e-mail him at office@ cambridgemainstreet.com.
About Sailwinds Park This Visitors Center is much more than a place to appease the information needs of visitors. Sure, it’s got a wealth of helpful staff and colorful, printed materials to answer any question you might have about what’s going on all over Dorchester County throughout the year. What makes this place special is its meandering paths and waterfowl sculpture along the waterfront, its expansive views across the Route 50 Bridge over the Choptank River, and the many festivals and concerts by big-name talents that are hosted there. It’s also safe to say that the facility boasts the biggest tot lot (kids’ playground) on the Bay and probably the galaxy, for that matter. For more information, visit sailwindscambridge.com and tell them PropTalk sent you.
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