boot Düsseldorf sets sail for new shores with full wing! Many international shipyards and dealers will once again be using the world’s number one international boat and water sports trade fair in 2026 to present their portfolios.
“After a market-related downturn in the past two years, we were able to hold successful talks with manufacturers in the summer and can look forward to a comprehensive and promising boot 2026.
Both catamaran and large series boat manufacturers will use January to present themselves ready for the coming season. Many manufacturers have recognised that success in the market is linked to participation in boot. Because only here in Düsseldorf do we have international buyers and specialists on board, as well as thousands of sailors, motorboat enthusiasts, surfers, divers, canoeists and simply people who love holidays on or in the water,” explains boot Director Petros Michelidakis.
International shipyards and dealers are flying the flag again
As a result, the booking situation for the upcoming boot is already looking much more positive. Many manufacturers are returning to Düsseldorf and will be transforming the fairgrounds into one of the world’s largest marinas for nine days from 17 to 25 January.
Over 1,000 boats and yachts will be moored in 16 exhibition halls, showcasing the innovative power of an entire industry. From high-performance, long-running electric motors and the latest sustainable developments in propulsion systems and boat building materials to futuristic new hull designs, manufacturers’ innovations and further developments are sure to delight the public.
Large international presentation platform with exhibitors from 68 countries
With exhibitors from a total of 68 nations, the trade fair also reflects the entire global market. Not only the well-known and renowned producers, but also the diversity of manufacturers of all kinds is a hallmark of boot Düsseldorf.
“For 2026, for example, we have been able to secure one of the largest manufacturers of dinghies as an exhibitor. This is another step forward in our efforts to promote young talent in sailing. In Hall 15, we will be presenting international highlights from the world of regatta sailing as well as associations, clubs and projects for young talents.
Our aim is to anchor sailing more firmly in the range of sports on offer for children and young people and to raise awareness of this sport. After all, over the past five decades, many thousands of young sailors have learned their first tacks and jibes at the boot Sailing School,” says Petros Michelidakis. The Düsseldorf-based organisers are also increasingly focusing on the enthusiasm of younger fans for e-sailing, which can be tested at various stations in Hall 15.
The launch of the exhibitor database on 26 October is also eagerly awaited, allowing visitors to search through the 1,500 providers at their leisure. Michelidakis: “There are sure to be some old acquaintances to discover that we had to do without in recent years due to the economic situation. Not only the motorboat halls, but also the sailing halls are in good shape and we have the renowned international leaders on board. Our visitors can therefore look forward to many popular brands that represent the diversity of water sports.”
A first tour of boot 2026
A preview of boot 2026 is already whetting the appetite for more of the show. Here is the first tour:
Hall 1: popular exhibition area for medium-sized motor yachts impresses with the well-known international names in its field. Elling, Greenline, Linssen, Jeanneau, MAREX for example, are anchored here as well as Power Catamarans from Fourwinns, Dracan Boats, Aquila Boats and the Finnish joint participation of FINNBOAT with Targa, Nordstar and Sargo. Saxdor is also moving to Hall 1 because they wanted a larger stand area and this was not available in Hall 4.
Hall 3: Here, sports boats, RIBs, day cruisers and outboard motors inspire visitors. With the comprehensive information provided by the German Maritime Industry Association (VMWD e.V.), even beginners can keep track of everything here. All fishing enthusiasts will be thrilled by the Sport Fishing Center with its special boats and accessories. Among others, the big names from the sports boat and engine segment (outboard motors) such as Brunswick (with Mercury, Quicksilver, Bayliner, Searay, Boston Whaler and Navan), Roto, Honda, Suzuki, Tohatsu and Yamaha will be presenting themselves here.
Hall 4: Innovative Scandinavian motorboat builders (and many others) will be showcasing their latest developments here. Fans can look forward to Axopar, Nimbus, Quarken and X-Shore, among others. They will be joined by the Spanish company Lasai and the Turkish AIATA BOATS. Beneteau will take place also there with its outboard boats.
Hall 5: Superboats, tenders and chase boats will delight visitors to this hall with numerous highlights. These smaller companion boats for luxury superyachts have become a particularly sought-after market segment in recent years, and boot Düsseldorf 2026 will showcase these superboats in a unique exhibition. Among those on display will be such illustrious names as Schaefer from Brazil, De Antonio, Frauscher X Porsche, Fjord, Chantier YOT, Windy and Sacs Tecnorib.
Hall 6: In this light-flooded hall, visitors to boot can discover the world of international superyachts. The ‘who’s who’ of manufacturers will be mooring here in January in the luxury marina at boot. Many of these sleek beauties arrive on their own keels in December or are transported on a pontoon from Rotterdam to Düsseldorf at the beginning of January. Absolute, Azimut, BLUEGAME, Cranchi, Ferretti, Galeon, Pearl, Princess, Sirena, Solaris, SANLORENZO and Sunseeker are among those taking part.
Hall 7a: Luxurious furnishings, yacht brokers, insurers and transport companies, as well as superyacht manufacturers whose yachts exceed the permissible size in Hall 6, create the luxurious ambience of the hall. Here you will find De Valk Yachtbrokers, Deutsche Yachten, HORIZON, Lazzara Yachts, Ocean Independence, Spirit of the Ocean, Starclass Yachttransport, STEELER and Ultra Marine Europe, among others.
Hall 7: The boot art gallery shines like a maritime vernissage. Art fans can look forward to large-format paintings with nautical motifs as well as classic maritime furnishings and decorative items.
Hall 9: RIBs in all sizes and shapes are the centerpiece of the hall. There are also matching trailers and underwater scooters. With Highfield Boats, Ital Boats, Motonautica Ranieri, Pischel, Seabob/Cayago, SPX RIB, William Jet Tenders, ZAR FORMENTI and Zodiac, among others, the industry’s offerings are on display in all their diversity.
Hall 10: Cutting-edge technology is the hallmark of this hall. The focus here is on state-of-the-art inboard and engine technology. The range of technology is perfectly complemented by innovative navigation and communication systems, heating and air conditioning technology, deck equipment and boat building materials. Allpa Marine, Bukh Bremen, Dimension Polyant, Peter Frisch, Garmin, Robert Lindemann, Pantaenius, Raymarine, SVB Spezialversand, Torqeedo and Volvo Penta are presenting their products here.
Hall 11: Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the underwater world of boot. The range extends from basic equipment to diving destinations, tour operators and bases to diving media. Popular regions and products are represented by for example Elasm Ocean, the Gallipolli Historical Underwater Park, the Indonesian Joint Pavilion, Orange Bay Hurghada, Restube and White Manta Diving.
Hall 12: With its taster diving pool and diving tower for professionals and experienced divers, the ‘Dive Center’ is the underwater heart of boot. The stage, with its exciting program of underwater sports, is a magnet for all diving fans. Here, too, the latest diving technology and dream diving destinations are on board. Participants include Atlantis, Beluga Reisen, the German Bundeswehr, BtS Europe, Camaro, Cressi, Head Watersports, PADI, the Philippines Tourism Board, SDI Central Europe, Taucher.net, the Association of German Sports Divers (VDST) and Wirodive. Following the acquisition of Aqua Lung by Mares, both brands are represented together on a 500 m² stand.
Hall 13: Holiday fun on and in the water is clearly the focus here! Marinas, charter companies, travel providers or houseboats – this hall has the best offers for unforgettable and carefree holidays. The experience is rounded off by an exciting stage program full of background information, tips and inspiration for the most wonderful time of the year.
The German Automotive Club ADAC, houseboat provider Kuhnle, Kiriacoulis Mediterranean, Marina Punat, the Friuli/Venezia/Giulia region and Sarres Schockemöhle Yachting are among the crowd pullers here. Visitors can also look forward to seeing the new innovative Seaty houseboat from the Catana Group, Dream Yacht, Navigare and Floating Homes, or book their holiday in the Finnish archipelago directly at boot.
Hall 14: Paddling, Classic Forum, organisations, associations and ministries are the focus of Hall 14. Among others, the German Canoe Association, the German Rowing Association, the Water Police, the Federal Ministry of Transport, the German Weather Service and the Sea Rescue Service are on board. The Classic Forum will once again showcase some of the finest examples of classic boatbuilding, and on the last day of boot, genuine rarities will be available for purchase at auction.
Hall 15: Let’s head to the sailing area of boot Düsseldorf. The Sailing Center, with its exciting stage program, will feature not only world-famous sailing legends, but also exciting newcomers. Together with the Sailing Plaza networking platform, the boot Sailing School and the Foiling World this hall is all about the ‘soul of water sports’.
Hall 16: Sailing yachts of all sizes and classes (up to over 60 feet) and catamarans will make sailors’ hearts beat faster. Bali, Excess and Lagoon, for example, will once again be presenting their latest twin-hull boats in Hall 16. Beneteau, Contest, Dufour, CNB, Hallberg-Rassy and Solaris will also be mooring there.
Hall 17: International contests with the pros of the scene on the XXL pool will thrill the boot surfing audience. Anyone looking for new equipment can browse and shop right on site at the versatile and cool accessory stands in the hall.
Attractive lecture program and discussion forums for water sports enthusiasts and experts
But boot Düsseldorf is now much more than just a showcase for its industry. Its extensive program of lectures and seminars also provides numerous solutions to the current issues and challenges facing active participants.
Whether it’s exciting tips on blue water sailing – which more and more people appreciate as the perfect break from stressful everyday life – insider information on the most spectacular diving spots, practical knowledge for beginners or individual charter advice: boot has everything water sports fans need and more.
This is where inspiration, expertise and advice come together – perfect for anyone planning their next dream on the water. The blue innovation dock in Hall 10, in particular, is committed to the international transfer of knowledge between industry, politics, research and associations.
Not least thanks to the competent support of the European Boating Industry Association, based in Brussels, the exchange between European political decision-makers and manufacturers is an important aspect of the information offered to trade visitors at the fair. Michelidakis:”‘In 2026, we are happy to comply with the wishes of many female visitors and are planning boat seminars by women for women!”
Coveted marine conservation award: ocean tribute Award
boot Düsseldorf is also passionately committed to the protection of our oceans and waters. “We water sports enthusiasts love our element. It is vital to us and highly worthy of protection.
For me, it is therefore a completely logical consequence that boot has been committed to marine conservation for many decades. With our “ocean tribute” Award, which has become a fixture among marine conservation awards since 2018, we present particularly noteworthy projects every year.
The initiatives and ideas often originate on a small, regional scale, but develop global significance. We are particularly pleased that we have achieved worldwide recognition and receive applications from almost all coastal regions,‘ explains Petros Michelidakis. The winner of the ’ocean tribute” award is determined by a jury and public vote, presented at boot 2026 and receives a prize of €20,000 to support their projects.
‘dive award – powered by BAUER Kompressoren’ for the diving community
boot Düsseldorf also supports the diving community with another award. The ‘dive award – powered by BAUER Kompressoren’ is an initiative for a strong and sustainable diving industry. Its aim is to recognise the international diving industry for special activities. Five awards are presented annually in the categories of Personality, Destination, Innovation, Product and Climate.
Three projects are nominated per category from all those submitted. The winners of the boot ‘dive award’ are determined by public vote and the final decision of a high-calibre jury and will be honoured at boot 2026. Each winner will receive prize money of €3,000 and will also have the opportunity to present themselves and their project at boot 2026 on 23 January.
Ticket shop for boot 2026 now open – admission prices remain stable
The ‘hot phase’ of the trade fair began with the opening of the ticket shop in September. First, the best news: admission prices for boot Düsseldorf will remain stable.
The cheapest way to enjoy the trade fair to the fullest is the ticket for www.boot.club members (free membership and access to the boot.club lounges in Halls 7 and 13 with free WiFi included): it costs only €19.00 for two days of trade fair experience. Children under the age of 13 continue to visit boot Düsseldorf free of charge, while older teenagers pay €14.00.
There is also an attractive business offer for the numerous international professionals at the trade fair. With their special ticket for trade visitors (€26.00, two-day ticket €41.00), they can meet with exhibitors for individual business meetings at 9:30 a.m. in the trade visitor lounge (Hall 13). Tickets can be paid for using the usual payment methods and, starting this year, also with other online services such as Apple and Google Pay. In recent years, boot visitor tickets have been a popular St. Nicholas or Christmas gift and have been ordered in large numbers in December. Tickets are available here http://www.boot.de/2130
The world’s largest yacht and water sports fair
With more than 200,000 visitors from over 100 countries and 1,500 exhibitors on 220,000 square meters in Halls 1 to 17, boot Düsseldorf is the world’s largest yacht and water sports fair. Both sailors and motor boaters will find a wide variety of boats, dinghies, superboats or luxury yachts.
The popular water sports of diving, surfing, kite surfing, stand up paddling, skimboarding or canoeing are available at boot in all facets and with the appropriate equipment. Attractive stage programs with the stars of the scene, the latest trends and a high-caliber mix of workshops and hands-on activities, both for leisure sports enthusiasts and experts, make the fair unique worldwide.
But marine conservation and innovative, sustainable technologies will also be in focus at boot 2026. In cooperation with the European Boating Industry (EBI), for example, the blue innovation dock offers a unique dialogue format with political, economic, technological and media expertise. The next edition of boot Düsseldorf will open its doors from 17 to 25 January 2026. www.boot.com
