A mixture of information and entertainment, plus three days of sunshine, good-humoured exhibitors and numerous visitors. The Hamburg Yacht Festival from 6 to 8 September was a successful end to the season for visitors interested in water sports.
Many of the guests came directly by sailboat or motorboat. The In-Water Boat Show attracted them, as did the 90 or so programme items on the two stages and on the water. The party went on late into the night on both evenings.
On Friday morning, Julia Fisauli-Aalto, the second mayor of the city of Wedel, opened the event in the Hamburg Yacht Harbour with a signal from the ship's horn. In her opening speech, she emphasised the importance of the Hamburg Yacht Festival for the city of Wedel and the maritime leisure industry on the Elbe.
60 exhibitors at the Hamburg Yacht Festival
The 60 exhibitors around Hall 2 and on Pier B were satisfied. Not only was advice given, but sales were also made. Visitors spent many hours on the jetties in the eastern harbour admiring the boats or even enjoying a test drive on the Elbe.
Whether for children or adults interested in sailing, the taster sailing, RC sailing or motor boating for kids offered something for everyone. The "Yacht Festival Cup" on the Elbe could not take place due to the lack of wind, but the youngsters showed off their light wind skills at the Yacht Harbour Opti Cup in the harbour.
The expert presentations on the topic of "Safety at sea" on the stage in the harbour apron met with great interest from both motorboat drivers and sailors. Many products changed hands at the maritime flea market in Hall 4 on Saturday.
The Hamburg Yacht Festival was rounded off with delicious food and drink at the food court and the evening parties in Hall 2: on Friday at "Wedel tanzt" with DJ Robert'o and DJ Georg Rehn, on Saturday around 1200 people sang at "Wedel singt". At the marina party afterwards, the "JustForFun-Hitband" provided the musical entertainment.
Summary of the second edition of the Hamburg Yacht Festival
Heiko Zimmermann, Managing Director of Yachtfestival 365 GmbH, commented on this year's edition as follows: "Our concept of celebrating a festival for boating in Hamburg's marina is working." An event is being established that will become a fixed date in the year for everyone involved.
Next year, the Hamburg Yacht Festival will take place for the third time. The aim is for as many visitors as possible to find their way to the Hamburg Yacht Harbour in Wedel at the beginning of September.
