Boot Düsseldorf, the world’s largest indoor boat and watersports show, took place from January 18 to 26, 2025, attracting industry professionals, boat enthusiasts, and exhibitors from around the world. The event once again proved its reputation as a key platform for showcasing the latest innovations in the boating industry.
We went to the biggest boat show in the world, and guess what? We got completely lost!
Exhibitor and Visitor Numbers
Boot Düsseldorf 2025 was a massive event, featuring over 1,500 exhibitors from 67 countries. The show attracted more than 200,000 visitors from 113 countries, highlighting its global appeal. Spanning 220,000 square meters across 16 exhibition halls, it stands as the world's largest indoor boat and watersports show.
European Yacht of the Year 2025
A highlight of Boot Düsseldorf 2025 was the announcement of the prestigious European Yacht of the Year 2025 awards. Dubbed the "Oscars of yachting," the awards were presented during the opening evening on January 18. A jury of leading yacht test experts from 12 countries evaluated the nominees, resulting in winners across five categories:
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Family Cruiser: Hanse 360
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Performance Cruiser: J/40
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Luxury Cruiser: Contest 63CS
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Multihull: Nautitech 48 Open
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Special Yacht: Swallow Yachts Bay Cruiser 21
Trends and Innovations
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Sustainability remained a major focus, with numerous manufacturers showcasing electric and hybrid-powered boats.
- Luxury yachting saw strong representation, with top brands unveiling their newest models.
- Watersports, including diving, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddling, continued to attract significant interest.
A Closer Look at the Beneteau First 36 at Boot Düsseldorf 2025
One of the most talked-about sailboats at Boot Düsseldorf 2025 was the Beneteau First 36. This high-performance, lightweight cruiser is designed for both racing enthusiasts and those seeking comfortable cruising experiences. The First 36 stands out with its innovative design, emphasizing speed and agility, while offering a surprisingly spacious and modern interior. For an in-depth look at this remarkable vessel, including its unique features and a walkthrough with a company representative, check out the following video:
Looking Ahead
Boot Düsseldorf remains a key event for the boating sector, setting the stage for the 2025 charter season. The next edition is already scheduled for January 17–25, 2026, promising even more innovations and networking opportunities.