ST. MICHAELS, Md., Aug. 14, 2026 – A Labor Day weekend tradition on the Eastern Shore, CBMM’s Charity Boat Auction returns Saturday, Sept. 5, offering great deals on donated boats of all shapes and sizes in support of CBMM’s mission.

Dozens of vessels, including powerboats, sailboats, and paddlecraft, will be auctioned off to the highest bidders on CBMM’s waterfront campus. Several top-quality vessels will have reserves, while the rest will be offered with no minimum.

The doors open at 8am, providing an opportunity to browse the inventory before the auction begins at 11am.

Registration for in-person bidding and auction tickets are available at cbmm.org/BoatAuction and at the door. Online registration closes Friday, Sept. 4, at 9am. Bidders pay a $5 paddle fee. CBMM members receive free admission into the auction, while non-members pay $5 until 11am and then general admission rates apply.

For the official rules, auction details, absentee bidding protocols and registration, and inventory updates, visit the auction page.

For two-plus decades, the Charity Boat Auction has transformed donated boats into vital support for CBMM. This is the flagship event of CBMM’s Charity Boat Donation Program, which accepts and sells gently used boats year-round. Every sale helps CBMM explore and preserve the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region, and make this resource available to all.

Many of the auction vessels are already listed online at cbmm.org/BDP. Whether you’re looking for a sleek powerboat, a classic sailboat, or a vessel with some history, this year’s auction lineup offers plenty to explore. Highlights include a pair of sporty Chris Craft Corsairs, a 2012 Cobalt 296 bowrider with twin MerCruiser 350 engines, a well-maintained 2011 Jones Brothers Cape Fisherman 23, and adventure-ready sailboats like a 1981 Downeast 38 and a 1989 O’Day 35.

The morning gets underway at 8:30am with a flea market-style tag sale featuring a variety of used boating gear. Guests can also grab a bite from a local food truck or enjoy coffee and beer as they take in the auction action.

Prospective buyers have several different ways to check out the inventory, starting with a preview exclusively for CBMM members on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 5–7pm. To get your Member Night invitation and become a part of the Chesapeake story, visit cbmm.org/memberships or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or druzicka@cbmm.org.

The auction boats will be available for public view at CBMM on Friday, Sept. 4, from 10am–6pm. Regular admission rates will apply until 3pm that day, and gates will open for free from 3–6pm.

For additional questions about the auction or available inventory, contact CBMM’s Charity Boat Donation team at boatdonation@cbmm.org.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs are prohibited during CBMM festivals and special events, including the Charity Boat Auction.