The German offshore scene is small - especially when you compare it with the one in France. Mini 6.50, Class 30 and Figaro classes - whether sailed single-handed or double-handed - are firmly established there, and the regatta fields are opulently filled.
This makes Germany's up-and-coming talent all the more committed and ambitious. At boot 2026 in Düsseldorf, the country's offshore aspirants will be presenting themselves in Hall 15, providing insights into the scene with a joint stand.
Joint appearance of the offshore scene - a novelty
Unlike previous trade fairs, where individual sailors were scattered around, the stand brings together several projects in one place. In this way, the organisers want to meet the growing demand for exchange and visibility in the German offshore scene.
To date, this has been heavily focussed on large yachts and coastal sailing. Visitors to boot 2026 will thus have a central point of contact to familiarise themselves with the sporty ocean sailing scene.
Familiar and new faces at boot 2026
This includes many of those who have taken part in large offshore projects or are planning to do so:
Nicolas Manthos: Next adventure in sight
One person who has recently attracted attention with special offshore adventures is Nicolas Manthos. The single-handed sailor from Stuttgart learnt to sail during the coronavirus pandemic. A short time later, he crossed the Atlantic in an 18-foot boat and in 2025 he broke the solo round-Island record with his Class 40 "Cheekytatoo". The next adventure is set to follow in 2026 - the World Star Race, a non-stop single-handed circumnavigation of the globe.
Hendrik Lenz: Successful mini-transat in the wake
Another talking point Hendrik Lenz. The Düsseldorf native sailed his Mini 6.50 "Monoka" to the finish line in 2025 as the best German - in the Mini Transat series ranking. He also fought his way to the top places in other highly competitive Mini races. Now, at boot 2026, he reports on his experiences on the 4,050 nautical mile Atlantic race.
Philipp Hympendahl: Now around the world
Big plans are also in the pipeline Philipp Hympendahl. In 2027, he wants to be the first German to sail around the world in the Global Solo Challenge. In recent years, he has attracted attention with various sailing adventures on his "African Queen". He has circumnavigated England and Ireland and crossed the Atlantic single-handed - both in a westerly and easterly direction. He already has the boat for the next step, a trip around the world: a Sigma 36. In Hall 15 at boot 2026, he will be talking about his adventures and what lies ahead.
Mini-Transat enters the next round
But new faces are also increasingly coming into the limelight. For example, there are three sailors in Hall 15 who are preparing for the next Mini Transat. These include Carla Hénon-Steck, Konstantin Kurzeja and Jannes Llull. In an interview with YACHT, he talked about his dream and how difficult it is to organise such a campaign:
And there are not only contributions about the Mini 6.50 projects. A Mini prototype (#419) will also be on display. This should be of particular interest to technically ambitious visitors. The Mini class is seen as an entry into international offshore racing and as a springboard for careers in higher classes such as IMOCA 60.
Offshore youngsters show more than just sailing
In addition to sailors, the Baest Agency, which provides media coverage of offshore sport, will also be on site. The Upwind podcast - known for its interviews with sailors - will also be taking part. In a lounge area, guests can exchange ideas and engage in informal dialogue.
Special guest on 25 January Cornelius Eich from Team Malizia. But there will also be numerous other panels and expert rounds on the topic of shorthanded offshore sailing at boot 2026:
The programme in Hall 15:
- 17 Jan & 24 Jan, 3 pm: German mini 6.50 sailors in dialogue. With them are: Konstantin Kurzeja, Jan-Hendrik Lenz, Victor David, Carla Hénon-Steck, Sebastian Mainz, Alisa Klauenberg, Jannes Llull
- 18.01. & 23.01. 3 p.m.Nicolas Manthos and Philipp Hympendahl talk about their projects and their plan to sail around the world
- 22.01. 3 p.m.: Digital storytelling for the yachting industry
Further programme items:
- 02 Jan, 10:00 a.m.: Live episode of the Updwind podcast with Jan Brügge (Woy-Yachts)
- 23 Jan, 13:00Live episode of the Upwind Podcast with Sanni Beucke, Topic: My way into offshore sailing
- 25 Jan, 11:00 am: Panel Talk with Cornelius Eich, TopicWhat you don't see: Financing and labour behind offshore sailing projects
Here you will find Hall 15:
