Once again this year, Interboot is offering an early glimpse of the trends for the coming season. The traditional water sports exhibition in Friedrichshafen will once again run for five days. This shorter format has already proved popular with both the public and exhibitors in previous years.
From Wednesday 23 September to Sunday 27 September, Interboot will be taking place across eight exhibition halls, on the exhibition lake and in the Interboot harbour. In addition to the boats and equipment on display, the exhibition is placing greater emphasis on hands-on activities, advice and opportunities to try out water sports for yourself.
Boats, equipment and advice
Visitors can once again look forward to a wide selection of motorboats on display in Halls B1 to B3. As usual, sailing boats and equipment suppliers can be found mainly in Halls A3 and A4. In Hall A3, the focus is also very much on maritime travel, charters and trip planning. A free charter and sailing advice service is available to help both beginners and experienced skippers choose sailing areas and prepare for their next trip.
A wide range of talks and workshops on the event stage in Hall A3 round off the programme. In addition, various sailing and motor boats will be on display in the water at the Interboot harbour on Lake Constance.
E-Boat Area and practical refit centre
Another key focus is on water sports that conserve resources. In the new E-Boat Area in Hall B2, various suppliers are showcasing electrically powered boats and alternative propulsion systems. The range extends from small fishing boats with electric motors to fast carbon-fibre foilers. Lightweight construction, efficient hull designs and modern battery systems are set to demonstrate how energy consumption on the water can be reduced. This hall also hosts the special exhibition ‘My First Boat’.
For boat owners with a knack for DIY, the new Refit Centre in Hall A4 is likely to be of particular interest. There, experts will demonstrate in a practical way how to maintain, repair and preserve older boats for as long as possible. The programme ranges from dealing with typical GRP damage and professional boat painting to repairing deck coverings. Modern techniques such as 3D scanning and 3D printing will also be showcased. These can be used, for example, to reproduce spare parts that are no longer available for older boats. Visitors can get hands-on in a number of workshops.
Women in water sports
With a number of high-profile guests, Interboot is also shining a spotlight on women in water sports. Olympic athlete Alina Kornelli will be offering pump foil courses on the exhibition lake over the weekend of the fair and will give talks about her journey in competitive sport.
Also in attendance are the 49erFX sailors and European Junior Champions Elena Stoltze and Katharina Schwachhofer. They will be sharing insights into their training and regattas, and are keen to inspire girls and women in particular to take up sailing. In addition, a free motorboat handling course specifically for women will once again be held at the Interboot harbour.
Shows and hands-on activities
In addition to the traditional trade fair themes, the programme of activities is being further expanded. The standing wave is making a comeback in Hall A5, and visitors will also be able to have a go at skimboarding. Demonstrations, shows and an international canoe race are planned on the trade fair lake. Teams from Germany, Austria and Switzerland will compete in self-built canoes powered by cordless screwdrivers.
On Friday and Saturday, the International Ocean Film Tour will also be making an appearance at the exhibition. Running alongside Interboot, the InterDive diving exhibition will take place in Hall B5 from 24 to 27 September. Both events can be attended with the same admission ticket.
Opening hours and prices
Date: Interboot will take place from Wednesday 23 September to Sunday 27 September 2026. From Wednesday to Saturday, the exhibition halls will be open from 10 am to 6 pm, and on Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Prices: Day tickets for adults cost 18 euros in the online ticket shop and 22 euros at the box office. The afternoon ticket is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 3 pm and costs 9 euros online or 11 euros at the box office. On Sundays, a ‘last-chance ticket’ is available from 2 pm at the same prices.
Further information: interboot.de
Ralf Marquard
Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE