March
Annual Burning of the Socks Ritual. Eastport Yacht Club. Sailors, known for bare feet in their deck shoes, send winter on its way when they cast off and burn their winter-worn socks.
Safety-At-Sea Seminar. Naval Academy. Held on the last Saturday and Sunday of March, the seminar is one of the most respected safety training seminars in the nation with demonstrations and exercises held on land and in water. Information: Marine Trades Association of Maryland, 301-261-1021.
April
Maritime Heritage Festival. City Dock. Annual festival celebrating Annapolis' maritime heritage, featuring a display of historic ships and vessels; annual induction into the Maritime Hall of Fame; maritime educational exhibits; music; and tours of historic sites. Next year, the event will occur April 26 to 28 to coincide with the visit of the Volvo Ocean Race Around the World. Information: 410-268-7676, www.mdmaritimefestival.com.
Volvo Ocean Race Around the World stops over in the Chesapeake Bay from April 17 to 28. Boats and crew stop in Baltimore, then Annapolis. The race restarts under the Bay Bridge, just north of the city, April 28. Information: www.vorchesapeake.org.
May
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Walk and 10K Run. Two events traditionally held on the first Sunday of May each year. The only time in the year that pedestrians are permitted on the bridge. Unparalleled views.
Friday Evening Beer Can Sail Races. Off Annapolis Harbor. Two seven-week casual sail racing series begin early in the month. The races are a great way to meet new friends, get out on the water and learn new skills. Information: www.east-portyc.org.
Wednesday Night Race Series. Off Annapolis Harbor. Series begins early in the month and runs into September. Competitive local sailing, great finish-line viewing in front of Annapolis Yacht Club and Spa Creek Bridge, and requisite post race socializing. Infonnation: www.annapolisyc.org.
June
Annual Eastport Yacht Club Spring Cotillion. Eastport. An informal event known for its rum punch and live band, held to raise money for the club's sailing programs, which include youth sailing and races that support charitable causes. This party launches the biennial Annapolis-to-Bermuda and Annapolis-to- Newport races. Information: 410-267-9549, www.eastporty-c.org.
Build-A-Boat Challenge. Annapolis Yacht Club parking lot. A competitive but tongue-in-cheek boat-building contest and race. Teams build boats with plywood and adhesive in one day and challenge each other on the water the next. Information: www.annapolisyc.org.
