The biggest statement at this year's boot Düsseldorf comes from Plymouth in England. "Princess Yachts," explains trade fair boss Goetz-Ulf Jungmichel, "is not only once again bringing the largest exhibit to the trade fair with the 98 motor yacht, the shipyard has also booked a very veritable stand in Hall 6 with over 2000 square metres." The British company will be exhibiting a total of nine yachts at the 45th boot Düsseldorf: the models of most interest to BOOTE EXCLUSIV readers are 72, 82 and 98 Motoryacht - all with a similar look and equipped with a flybridge and a very high-quality interior. Princess even developed the interior of the 30 metre long flagship together with Fendi Casa. This is no coincidence: both brands belong to the luxury goods group LVMH.
Princess' competitor Sunseeker is somewhat more restrained, but presents a very interesting 22-metre format with the Sportyacht 68, which, with a top speed of 45 knots, should particularly appeal to owners with a penchant for speed. Those who like things a little quieter might prefer to take a look at the 22.60 metre Manhattan 73, also from Sunseeker in Poole.
Incidentally, these British exhibits clearly illustrate boot's focus on large yachts. Anyone looking for a format between 20 and 30 metres in length is in good hands at the trade fair. In addition to the English "top dogs", Ferretti Group representative Lengers Yachts will be showing three completely different concepts for beginners and intermediates: the 21 metre long Ferretti 690, the 20 metre long Pershing 64 and the 22.60 metre long Mochi Craft 74.
Also travelling from Italy is the Arcadia 85, which will be familiar to boot visitors from the past. However, the shipyard, which regularly realised direct sales in Düsseldorf, revised the layout of the yacht and created an even larger, contiguous area on the main deck. Also new on the Rhine are the Azimut 80, which is presented in detail on page 120 of this issue, the 20-metre Dominator 640 (see issue 6/13) and the Continental III Raised Pilothouse by Wim van der Valk from the Netherlands. The 27.60 metre long two-and-a-half-decker is celebrating its world premiere at boot and is definitely worth a visit - preferably a scheduled one.
Just like another world premiere, which is located in Hall 16. Oyster Yachts will be showing the Oyster 825, successor to the successful 82, for the first time. 15 percent more interior volume, available in two versions (Deck Saloon and Raised Saloon) and finally another large yacht under sail at the world's largest indoor boat show.
Drettmann from Hall 6 will be presenting an equally exciting exhibit: the Bremen-based yacht builders, who now have their boats built by Acico Yachts in Enkhuizen, will be bringing along the original stern section of a 24-metre explorer that is currently under construction and is due to be delivered at the end of 2014. Among other things, the drives, so-called e-pods - electrically powered nacelles - have been installed.
Of course, Hall 7a is also fully booked with designers, suppliers and shipyards for the really big projects. Among others, Nautor, Baltic, Royal Huisman, Vitters, Serigi and Overmarine (in Hall 6) are waiting for owners and those who would like to become owners.
