The Annapolis Boat Shows produce four boat shows a year: the Bay Bridge Boat Show (April 12-14), Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show (April 26-28), Annapolis Powerboat Show (October 3-6), and the Annapolis Sailboat Show (October 10-14). With the spring shows right around the corner, we caught up with Peter Alexander to discuss his work in operations.
Could you please describe your work for us at the Annapolis Boat Shows.
My job at the Annapolis Boat Shows is to handle the operations and logistics. I coordinate the installation of our four shows with our equipment, our employees, multiple contractors, and public officials who oversee where our shows are located. We have three days to move in, and during that installation we literally create a working marina and mini-mall filled with boats and vendors.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I have two things about my job that are just fantastic. The first is the people. I get to work with hundreds of people throughout the year who come together to help put on the shows. Many are regulars who come back year after year, some only come for a season, but all have wonderful stories to tell. Second is the move in. Planning takes months and months and can be very tedious. But when you start moving in there is a rush of adrenaline and I just love it.
What is the hardest part of your job?
The worst part of the job is something you can’t control and that’s Mother Nature. There is nothing more miserable than a nor’easter when you are moving into the show. You only have three days or so to move in and you can’t stop for bad weather.
What kind of boating do you do in your spare time?
Currently I’m boatless. I enjoy spending afternoons and evenings on friends’ boats. I’ve been fortunate to have been able to cruise from the Bahamas to Halifax over the years and truly enjoy deliveries. In the past I’ve had a sportfisherman and a center console. I’m kind of in the market for another center console.
Did you grow up boating or take up the hobby later in life?
I didn’t grow up boating; I grew up on a horse. I didn’t discover boating until I came to work for the Annapolis Boat Shows in the late 80s. I was hooked the first night I went sailing under a full moon. It was an incredible experience.
What do you love most about living and working on the Chesapeake Bay?
I live in Eastport, and I don’t think you could find a better place to live. Surrounded by waters on three sides, it’s just heaven on earth. It’s a small little town where everyone knows you and you have everything you could possibly imagine within walking distance. I’ve been fortunate in my life to have lived from one side of this country to the other and several places in between, and life on the Chesapeake is truly remarkable.
What are you most excited about at this year’s Bay Bridge Boat Show?
The Bay Bridge Boat Show means spring is here. It’s time to get back out on the water!