ST. MICHAELS, MARYLAND — The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Charity Boat Auction was Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, on CBMM’s waterfront campus. CBMM’s Aug. 14, 2026, event notice said doors opened at 8 a.m. for browsing. The live auction started at 11 a.m.

What was on the block. The museum said dozens of donated vessels — powerboats, sailboats, and paddlecraft — go to the highest bidders in support of CBMM programs. Some boats carry reserves; the rest are offered with no minimum. Inventory updates and registration sit at cbmm.org/BoatAuction; many vessels are also listed at cbmm.org/BDP. The press note listed examples including Chris Craft Corsairs, a 2012 Cobalt 296 bowrider, a 2011 Jones Brothers Cape Fisherman 23, a 1981 Downeast 38, and a 1989 O’Day 35 — CBMM’s published highlights, not a Patriot ranking.

Tickets and fees. Online registration closed Friday, Sept. 4, at 9 a.m.; registration remained available at the door per the notice. Bidders paid a $5 paddle fee. CBMM members got free admission into the auction. Non-members paid $5 until 11 a.m., then general admission rates applied.

Same-morning extras. A flea market–style tag sale of used boating gear started at 8:30 a.m. CBMM said guests could also find a local food truck plus coffee and beer on site. For safety, non-service dogs are prohibited at the auction and other CBMM festival events.

Who benefits. CBMM describes the auction as a Labor Day weekend event of more than 20 years and the main public sale for its Charity Boat Donation Program, which accepts and sells gently used boats year-round. Questions go to boatdonation [at] cbmm.org or 410-745-4992.