The trade fair in the Rhine metropolis has always scored with large numbers and is rightly regarded as one of the most successful boat shows in the world. Three years ago, more than 250,000 water sports fans from 106 countries visited the show, enjoyed a colourful supporting programme, dreamed of large yachts in Hall 6 and placed numerous orders with the exhibiting shipyards and companies.
There is a lot to see again this year. Visitors can expect a particularly large number of new products in "Superboat" Hall 5 and the superyachts located next door in Hall 6. "These two halls are fully booked, we even have a waiting list and have had to move some of the exhibitors closer together," explains boot boss Petros Michelidakis with satisfaction. "Hall 5 is dedicated exclusively to the growing market for tenders, weekenders and chaseboats, the 'super sports cars of the sea', so to speak." Brands such as Wally, Brabus Marine and Frauscher are at home here.
As every year, Hall 6 will once again act as a crowd-puller. "A visit to the Superyacht Hall is a must for boot visitors. Nowhere else can you get so close to large new yachts," says Exhibition Director Michelidakis. The British brand Sunseeker, which is bringing the largest yacht to Düsseldorf with the 28.06 metre-long Sunseeker 95, will provide the show superlative. Particularly interesting: Meros, a company specialising in co-ownership programmes, has docked with the British brand in Hall 6 and is offering shares in the Sunseeker model to customers who want to share the yacht with others in order to save on purchase and maintenance costs. The variety of formats with lengths of around 70 feet is greater than ever this year. Yacht brands such as Princess, Fairline, Sirena Marine, Sanlorenzo, Bluegame, Absolute, Galeon and the Ferretti Group have numerous new products on show.
Martin Hager
Editor in Chief YACHT
