For five days, the exhibition centre in Friedrichshafen was transformed into a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The 64th edition of the international water sports trade fair Interboot attracted around 37,900 visitors who were interested in motorboats, sailing yachts, trend sports and accessories. Compared to the previous year (2024: 40,100), the trade fair recorded a slight decline in visitors, which the organisers attribute to the current economic and geopolitical situation. Nevertheless, the exhibiting companies were satisfied with the number of visitors and the business deals concluded. Forward-looking topics such as sustainable shipping, digitalisation and promoting young talent were the focus of the event.
Positive response from exhibitors
Yannick Nürnberger, Managing Director of Europe Marine, was very satisfied with how the trade fair went: "We had an extremely large crowd at our stand, especially on Saturday. You can tell that we are at a trade fair that takes place in southern Germany and I can therefore speak of a very high-quality audience with high purchasing power. A number of sales were concluded and, as every year, we are expecting good post-fair business." Philip Schröder, representative at Roto Nautica, also reported surprising sales successes: "The time of impulse purchases has actually been over for more than ten years. But there were people who were so convinced by the product that they wanted to buy it on the spot. So we are very satisfied with how the trade fair went."
Digital innovations and sailing simulator
The AC40 sailing simulator, which was presented by the two America's Cup participants (Youth & Women's Team Germany) Lukas Hesse and Jesse Lindstädt in sailing hall A3, was very popular. "It was really cool at the Interboot," said the two. "Our spot right next to the presentation stage was great and the hall infrastructure is really nice with the bright glass fronts. From young children who already sail Opti, or even those who have never sailed before, to adults - we had a lot of people with us who wanted to try out the simulator." Sonja Meichle, Managing Director of Ultramarin Meichle + Mohr, confirmed the popularity of the simulator: "The AC40 simulator was in high demand. The series of lectures also attracted people to the sailing hall."
Varied programme in the Interboot harbour
Despite fewer hours of sunshine, the Interboot harbour also attracted visitors with numerous test drives, harbour gastronomy and a varied show programme. The Motorboat Driving Training - Ladies only supported by Pantaenius and Boote Pfister was particularly popular and was almost fully booked in the run-up to Interboot. Vanessa from Kluftern, one of the participants, was delighted: "It was a great opportunity for us women and I really enjoyed it so much. I signed up for the intensive course straight afterwards. Thank you so much, it was a really great experience." The free two-hour courses were also very well received. Round trips with the MS Altenrhein. One visitor, Brigitte Zimmer, commented on Google: "The boat trip on the MS Altenrhein was a real highlight."
Outlook for the next Interboot
The next edition of the international water sports trade fair will take place from 23 to 27 September 2026. Project Manager Felix Klarmann was satisfied with the outcome of this year's event despite the slight decline in visitor numbers: "We have placed great emphasis on making Interboot just as attractive for experienced water sports enthusiasts as it is for newcomers. The response has shown that we are on the right track."
