Dear readers,
"Eeeefinally boot Düsseldorf again - it's soo nice to be here again!" echoed from every corner of the hall on the first day of the fair. I wasn't quite so euphoric after all, even though I was eagerly awaiting the first boot in three years. And this is by no means due to the concept of the world's largest indoor boat show, but rather to the fact that the trade fair takes place in a cold and dreary January in the centre of Germany and that I have developed a slight aversion to the over-dry indoor air in 19 years of professional boot visits. It's icy outside the hall gates, too warm inside and a desert climate - a challenge for any immune system. This year I travelled with a cold - perfect, topic ticked off.
But back to the trade fair: The first weekend reminded me of the good old days of the show: full aisles, good-humoured visitors, queues in front of the shipyard stands and packed ships in all the halls. Even in Hall 6, the superyacht hall, the exhibitors were delighted with the large crowds and chased their hostesses around the decks of the large formats with many happy potential customers. All potential customers? Not at all. But this is another way of conveying the enthusiasm for life on the water.
In Hall 16, the home of YACHT, it was the same story: lots of visitors on the boats, under and around them, and numerous listeners to our presentations on the weather, buying used boats and the dream destination of Galicia. The dealers: happy! Some brands announced high double-digit sales of their latest models on Saturday evening. The demand and interest in sailing seems to be unbroken.
The figures for the first weekend published by the trade fair on Monday revealed that the impression of a well-attended show was not deceptive: 60,000 visitors streamed through the halls over two days. The boot as a weekend happening for the whole family still works after all, of course also thanks to the colourful and active hands-on programme in Halls 17 and 15 with their water basins and wind machines, which, among other things, provided wingfoil and sailing action for young and old.
An industry friend came by the YACHT stand with his nine-year-old son after a busy Sunday at the fair and raved about the open, patient and cordial stand hostesses, who almost always made it possible to visit the boats that Junior had chosen as worth seeing. The shining eyes of the offspring when asked which yacht had impressed him the most reminded me very much of my childhood, when a visit to boot was actually also part of the annual compulsory programme for my family. Including getting up at five in the morning and travelling home late at night. With bags and bags full of stickers, pens and impressions. A wonderful memory! This is how dreams are built and passions are awakened.
Although the flow of visitors slowed down significantly from Monday, this did not dampen the cheerfulness of most dealers. Some companies in equipment hall 10 reported excellent sales and order figures, despite the hall feeling empty. After all, quantity does not equal quality!
Well, there are of course other stories circulating online about this year's boot. But, to be honest, I can't understand these pessimistic and negative posts and contributions and can only attribute them to the hater mentality that is unfortunately widespread on social media platforms. It's easy to grumble there.
It should also be mentioned that the number of boats and yachts is not as large as in previous years, the stands are a little bigger and the aisles a little wider. And yet: the diversity and sometimes also the innovative strength of the ships on display offer sailing, Surf and Motorboat enthusiasts plenty of dream food.
So if you want to know whether a visit to boot is worthwhile: Definitely!
With this in mind, see you in Düsseldorf, you'll find YACHT in Hall 16! There are still two days to go ...
Martin Hager,Editor-in-Chief YACHT and BOOTE EXCLUSIV
Newsletter: YACHT-Woche
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The week in pictures:
Recommended reading from the editorial team:
BOAT DÜSSELDORF
World premiere for the Jeanneau Yachts 55
She is one of the most unconventional new releases at boot Düsseldorf: three companionways (3!), huge aft deck, sheltered cockpit - and then the foredeck! How the Jeanneau Yachts 55 reinvents the concept of the monohull, and why it could even be a success
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THE OCEAN RACE
Always up to date - daily updates
The Ocean Race fleet is currently on its way to Cape Town. After a tough first sprint leg in which Boris Herrmann's team Malizia came third, the second leg after the start turned out to be a doldrums poker game. Here on yacht.de you will find daily updates and background information on the race!
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These are Europe's yachts of the year 2023
The winners of the Boatbuilding Oscars 2023 ! This is what honours Europe's yachts of the year, according to the jury's vote
EQUIPMENT
Insolvency proceedings opened against A. W. Niemeyer
Insolvency proceedings have been opened against the long-established water sports outfitter. This is according to an official announcement published yesterday by the Hamburg district court. Business operations continue
WEST CHANNEL CLASS
"Gay Galliard" - how a British sea cruiser came to the Elbe
The search for his dream boat brought the current owner together with the West Channel Class "Gay Galliard". A relationship that he had to work hard on even before the first day of sailing
DUFOUR 41
Next space miracle from France announced
Dufour Yachts has announced a promising model for 2023 at boot Düsseldorf. The little sister from the French shipyard's new series, the Dufour 37, already proved to be a space miracle in the YACHT test
TEST LINJETT 39
Tradition meets innovation - the cruising yacht of 2023
Elegant, agile, easy to sail and with outstanding build quality. With the Linjett 39, Rosättra Båtvarv presents a modern cruising yacht as it should be today. And that's why it was named Cruising Yacht of the Year 2023
VENDÉE GLOBE
Organ donor from Boris Herrmann's Foils builds new Imoca
This morning, successful British offshore professional Phil Sharp confirmed his participation in the Vendée Globe 2024. He will be competing in a modified sister ship to Sam Davies' "Initiatives Cœur IV", which is currently being built by Black Pepper Yachts in France and Pauger. The foils for this are already travelling around the world - as a replacement for the delaminated hydrofoils on Boris Herrmann's "Malizia - Seaexplorer"
USED BOAT PURCHASE SPECIAL
The key to success - how to do it right!
Buying a second-hand boat can be a favourable introduction to sailing. If you prepare well, you can avoid trouble and disappointment. What should you look out for? Tips on choosing a boat and handling the purchase
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Newsletter: YACHT-Woche
Der Yacht Newsletter fasst die wichtigsten Themen der Woche zusammen, alle Top-Themen kompakt und direkt in deiner Mail-Box. Einfach anmelden:
