Test drives with the latest boats, discussions with experts and a special setting on Lake Schwerin characterise the event, which now attracts attention far beyond the region. This year, however, the meeting was organised under a special banner: The Pilipenko family business, the oldest marine company in the state capital, was celebrating its 40th anniversary. The company is now run by Tony Pilipenko, the second generation of the Pilipenko family. The 41-year-old has been Atlantic Marine's general importer for Germany, Austria and the Netherlands since 2013 and has also been the exclusive German dealer for the US brand Boston Whaler since last year.
First a test drive, then the decision to buy
The Atlantic Marine Days have always offered the opportunity not only to view boats up close, but also to test them extensively. "A test drive is essential for a purchase decision," says Tony Pilipenko - and this concept attracts hundreds of visitors every year. Last year, around 800 interested parties travelled from all over Germany and abroad to test drive boats directly on Lake Schwerin.
High visitor numbers
This year, twelve different models were on display, including open sports boats, day and sun cruisers from Atlantic Marine as well as several models from Boston Whaler, considered by many to be an icon of motorboat construction. Despite changeable weather forecasts, Tony Pilipenko was satisfied: "Even on Sunday, many visitors came - some of them well equipped with Frisian mink and wellies. We had a higher number of trade visitors than ever before. And the backdrop of Schwerin Castle remains unique for such events."
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
