Annapolis Boat Shows Sold to New Owners

The owner of the famous Annapolis Boat Shows has sold his share of the events to five locals.

C. Ed Hartman II announced that he was selling United States Yacht Shows, Inc.—the company that organizes the boat shows—to his general manager, Paul Jacobs, and four other locals who have a keen interest in continuing the legacy of the shows, according to an update on the Annapolis Boat Shows Facebook page. Hartman had been owner of the shows for the past 30 years.

The new owners are: Bob Crain, of Applied Lighting; Sheila Jones, manager of the Annapolis Boat Shows; Mary Ewenson, of Spin Sheet/Prop Talk; Paul Jacobs, general manager of the Annapolis Boat Shows; and Peter Trogdon, of Weems And Plath.

Whether it's professional or personal, each of the new owners have an investment in the annual United States Sailboat and Powerboat Shows, which draw thousands to Annapolis each year.

Annapolis Mayor Josh Cohen told SpinSheet that he was excited about the prospect of new owners.

"The new ownership team members are local, accomplished, and well respected throughout our community," Cohen said in a prepared statement.

This year's boat shows will continue without a hitch in October, and by this time next year, the new ownership will be fully in place, according to The Capital-Gazette.

Hartman told The Capital that a rift between he and Annapolis Mayor Josh Cohen led to him selling the show. Hartman was one of the voices opposed to a new retail building at the site of the former Fawcett building during a lengthy public hearing in July.

Around that time, Hartman began the process of selling his mansion on St. Helena Island. The home, accessible only by boat, is currently on the market for $4.95 million. 

The Annapolis City Council is set to vote on a lease continuing the boat shows to 2014 and beyond on Monday, this time under new management.