The Maryland State House looms in the background as sailors head into the harbor during sailboat races, held most Wednesday nights during the summer.
A cool summer breeze caresses the city of Annapolis on this pleasant Wednesday evening, gently tossing the sailboats gathered on the Severn River.
From somewhere across the harbor, a horn sounds, and the boats begin to move. At first they seem to be a confused jumble, but soon several front-runners emerge from the pack. As they race toward the city's waterfront, some unfurl huge, multicolored spinnakers to catch a sudden gust of wind, drawing gasps of awe from onlookers spellbound by the sight.
At this time of day, visitors and residents alike have begun to relax at the city's cafes and outdoor decks, abandoning their daytime activities for more leisurely pursuits. These Wednesday night races, sponsored during the summer months by the Annapolis Yacht Club, merely add a spot of color and excitement to the already lovely canvas on which this historic town is painted.
Indeed, there are always boats on the water here, whether there's a race or not. From morning until night, you can sit on one of the benches at the city's waterfront, look out toward the Chesapeake Bay, and watch watercrafts of all descriptions--from huge pleasure yachts to tiny one-person kayaks--cruise into port. Even in the middle of the day, miniature sailboats with students from the area's renowned sailing schools frolic in the harbor.
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