The in-water trade fair started this year in perfect spring weather. The format allows motor boaters to directly compare boats in the water, which is not possible at a classic indoor trade fair. A total of 170 exhibitors presented their new products at the harbour trade fair. However, the target of 18,000 visitors was not reached this year.
Unique event
The goal of attracting 18,000 visitors to the ancora Marina was optimistic anyway, given the declining figures of the past two years. As a result, the downward trend continued this year. However, organiser Heiko Zimmermann emphasised the importance of the trade fair in providing impetus and creating new prospects for the industry.
In fact, the in-water format enables the direct comparison of yachts in the water, which is rarely possible in boating outside of specialised trade fairs. Due to its size and location on the Baltic Sea, the Ancora Yacht Festival remains unique in Germany. The challenge for the organisers remains to maintain the relevance of the trade fair for the water sports world, while the response at the jetties has noticeably decreased.
Conclusion of the exhibitors
Many exhibitors drew a positive balance. They praised the good organisation of the trade fair, the great visitor interest and the relaxed atmosphere in Neustadt. Niels Nielsen from Yachtsport Eckernförde emphasised the value of the location: "The ancora Yacht Festival is an important trade fair for us. The location offers the ideal atmosphere for presenting boats in a relaxed atmosphere." Björn Rump from Sailtec also added: "Visitor interest was particularly high on Saturday. Sunday was a little quieter - but that also left time for the important networking that traditionally works particularly well in Neustadt."
Focus on cruising yachts and trade fair debuts
This year, three manufacturers have travelled to the event with world premieres. The Dutch boat builder DaVinci is presenting the 35 HT. The 10.60 metre long hardtop yacht offers space for up to six people in two cabins and is built as a semi-custom boat. With two Yanmar diesel engines with 170 hp each in the standard version, the boat has a top speed of 35 knots. Other world premieres are the Targa 46 Triple from Finland and the Letech Jet Tender with a length of four metres. There were also German premieres in the water from Anytec, Marex, Hail and Sirena.
Practice and safety on the quay
Round 100 exhibitors presented technical accessories in the tents around the harbour basin. The lecture programme included over 90 presentations on topics such as refit and on-board electrics. The DGzRS was represented by the rescue cruiser "Bremen" and provided information about safety at sea. Visitors were also able to try out various water sports directly on the beach. The next Ancora Yacht Festival in Neustadt is planned for 28 to 30 May 2027.
Many exhibitors are likely to return in 2027, as the response was very positive. For Torsten Schmidt from the Sirius shipyard, the advance advertising paid off, attracting international customers to the jetties. He emphasised that the trade fair has established itself as a fixed date: "We particularly appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to present yachts in peace and quiet and view them directly - this is exactly the format the industry needs."
New exhibitors were also impressed by the concept. Carsten Rettig was represented in the exhibition hall for the first time with the boat portal Yachtino and recorded good traffic for the used boat offers: "Our expectations were clearly exceeded." Thomas van Nord from Yacht-Basen (Sirena Yachts) also experienced a positive premiere: "We were represented at the ancora Yacht Festival for the first time with two Sirena yachts and were delighted with the organisation and setup. The variety of motor yachts makes the event an outstanding boat show. Despite the generally tense market situation, the offer met with customers with purchasing power." Jan Spengler from broker MSP also welcomed a high-quality trade audience and summarised: "We were able to make concrete deals and are already looking forward to next year."
The models mentioned:
David Ingelfinger
Volontär