Helsinki International Boat Show, Vene 25 Båt, held from February 7–16, 2025, at Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, is the largest boating event in Northern Europe.
This year, the show presents several new features and, most importantly, more motorboats and sailboats than ever before. The fishing section has also expanded with a more diverse offering.
Around 85% of the boats at the Vene 25 Båt show are manufactured in Finland, and several new boat models will be launched during the event. The Finnish boat industry is internationally respected, and Finnish expertise is highly valued abroad.
While the boat show is primarily a national event, it also attracts visitors from abroad. The Vene Båt show is the only event where visitors can experience the full spectrum of boating under one roof – from new motorboats to classics, sailing, equipment, and services such as boat clubs, marina services, and boat maintenance. Fishing and water sports are also strongly represented.
Read Also: Helsinki International Boat Show was visited with a genuine purpose
This year, five large sailboats will be showcased at the exhibition: Beneteau Oceanis 37.1 and Beneteau Oceanis 40.1, Nautor ClubSwan 43, Hanse 410, as well as X-Yachts X4.9 MkII. The exhibition features over 400 motorboats, including tens of new models.
Among the highlights are the open boats Silver Hawk SCX & BRX in full aluminum, the modern leisure boat AMT 150 R in fiberglass, the Yamarin Cross 55 BR available in both standard and fishing versions, the latest generation of holiday boats Aquador 400 HT, the versatile adventure boat Saxdor 340 GTWA, the foiling and highly fuel-efficient Arronet Arrofoil 25 Cabin, as well as the modern ‘mini-superyacht’ XO EXPLR 44. The largest and most expensive boat at the show this year is the Sunseeker Manhattan 55, which is 17 meters long, nearly 5 meters wide, and weighs 27 tons.
The classic boats section (MYS) features, among others, three restored Riva boats, while the wooden boat builders’ section showcases an electric boat.
The show also features rower Jari Saario’s new rowing boat, with which he plans to row around Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America at the end of 2025 and continue toward Cape Town, South Africa. The rowing project is called Horn to Hope. Saario will showcase the boat daily at his stand.
“Last year, we received feedback that there were too few smaller boats at the show. This year, we have more of them, as well as large sailboats – a total of five yachts. The boat show aims to inspire even those who dream of boating – and our message is clear.
Boating is a fantastic way to socialize and enjoy nature. It is neither difficult nor necessarily expensive, as boat clubs offer opportunities to get out on the water even without owning a boat. This year, 28 boat clubs will participate in the show’s Boat Clubs´stand (Seuratori), where they will present their services and inspire visitors to take up boating. Additionally, the Start Your Boating Life program will take place on Sunday, February 9″, says Sales Manager Kalle Mäkelä from Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. “Everyone is guaranteed to find a boat that suits them at the boat show.”
Another new feature at the boat show is the Archipelago´s Harbors (Saariston satamat) area, where guest harbors are showcased.
In addition to the Open Boat, Excursion or Commuter Boat, and Leisure Boat of the Show, this year also sees the selection of the Sailboat and the Fishing Boat of the Show. At Venemestari’s Wharf (Venemestarin telakka), three boats will compete for the first time in the competition A New Life for the Boat, where nearly unusable boats have been restored to fully functional condition. The boat show also features an exhibition of innovative boating equipment that has been awarded the DAME Design Awards.
More fishing boats are on display than ever before, and in the fishing area, fly fishing has taken on a stronger role alongside spin fishing and trolling.
The boat show features five program areas, along with additional activities at the Finnish Sailing and Boating Federation´s (Suomen Purjehdus ja Veneily ry) stand. In the Sailing Harbor, sailors share stories about their journeys. The program in the Sailing Harbor, which includes topics such as the Baltic Sea, is organized into themed days.
At Venemestari’s Wharf, boats are restored, and visitors receive tips on boat maintenance. The program at Totalvene’s Mess (Totalveneen Messi) focuses on new boat models, travel destinations, and safe boating. The Alutroll-Tohatsu Stage in the fishing area features various fishing programs, while the Aalto Area’s activity pool is dedicated to SUP paddling, canoeing, and fishing. The exhibition also features a fly fishing track and a diving pool.
The boat show runs for ten days and marks the start of the boating season
The Helsinki International Boat Show, Vene 25 Båt, will be held from February 7–16, 2025, at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre organizes Northern Europe’s largest boating event on behalf of the Finnish Marine Industries Federation, Finnboat. The John Nurminen Foundation is the event’s sustainability partner for 2025. For the first time, the Helsinki Outdoor & Hunting Fair will be held simultaneously during the opening weekend, from February 7–9, 2025.
