At the end of January, boot Düsseldorf will once again attract water sports enthusiasts from all over the world to the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia. From 20 to 28 January, visitors can discover and experience all facets of water sports at the Messe Düsseldorf exhibition centre, pick up information, get advice and buy everything from accessories to complete boats.
Almost 237,000 visitors took advantage of the extensive programme last year, the first edition after the coronavirus pandemic. They came from over 100 countries and the organisers were very satisfied with the result. "Despite the difficult conditions, boot 2023 was a success story," concluded trade fair director Wolfram Diener after last year's boot. And the organisers want to build on this: "boot 2024 will be a show of superlatives," says boot boss Petros Michelidakis. Spectacular world premieres and almost 1,100 boats have been announced for this year's edition in the exhibition halls. According to Michelidakis, the Superboat Hall is the only one of its kind in the world, and in sailing halls 15 and 16, the range on offer from the industry's international market leaders is unrivalled worldwide.
Sustainability is the theme at boot Düsseldorf
boot Düsseldorf is also trying to keep up with the times when it comes to sustainability. Sailors are also interested in the topic, which is particularly noticeable in the fact that more and more shipyards are offering a built-in electric motor at least as a configuration option. Environmental compatibility is also playing an increasingly important role in equipment. In Hall 11, for example, visitors will find alternatives to teak as a deck covering. Cork, Esthec, Ecodeck or Flexiteek are now actually acceptable alternatives.
As always, Halls 15 and 16 belong to the sailors. The large series shipyards and smaller manufacturers will find their place here, as will German and international start-ups. Sailing enthusiasts will find everything from dinghies to top-equipped blue-water yachts. Institutions such as the German Sailing Association (DSV) will also be on site to present their work and services to trade fair visitors. The topic of inclusion in particular will take place on a completely separate DSV stand (Hall 15, Stand E24).
A large part of Hall 13 and more than half of Hall 14 is labelled "Destination Seaside": These halls showcase the water tourism and charter industry. In addition to the country presentations of Egypt, Croatia and Mauritius, for example, the major charter providers will be providing information about their offers.
From jet skis to sailing boats
Hall 10 is intended for jet skis, tenders, ribs and fun products from the motorboat world, among other things. In Halls 10 and 11, however, there is a wide range of equipment on offer for anyone interested in boating - whether motorboaters or sailors. From oilskins and on-board instruments to marina equipment, there is space here for everything to do with accessories. Part of Hall 11 is also reserved for diving, and Hall 12 is all about underwater sports. Even a small part of Hall 13 is reserved for diving. Bargain hunters can shop for all kinds of equipment here.
Halls 1 to 4 showcase small to medium-sized motorboats, fishing boats and boats with electric propulsion. The leading motorboat shipyards present their boats up to 20 metres in length here. Motorboats up to ten metres, plus outboards and powerboats will be exhibited in Hall 3. Also new in Hall 3: the "Sportfishing" area with fishing boats and the "Sportfishing Centre".
Hall 4 is traditionally the location of the Scandinavian motorboat builders. Solutions for alternative drive systems can also be found there. The manufacturers of superyachts are represented in Halls 5 and 6. Those interested in even larger motor yachts should visit Hall 7a, where they will find information on everything longer than 33 metres.
Hall 7 is dedicated to maritime art. Renowned and up-and-coming artists and galleries invite visitors to view their works with motifs from the world of shipping, as well as decorative objects ranging from worked driftwood to model ships.
The surfing scene will meet in Hall 17 on almost 10,000 square metres. In addition to many equipment suppliers, our sister magazine SURF will also be represented with its own stand.
Info about boot Düsseldorf
New for travelling by public transport: unlike in previous years, the ticket for boot is no longer valid for the tariff area of the Rhine-Ruhr transport association. Visitors are therefore advised to buy a "Düsseldorf ticket" for their visit to the fair. This is valid for the entire Düsseldorf city area. The trade fair offers large car parks for car travellers. A free shuttle bus service will start there and take visitors directly to the trade fair entrances at short intervals. Via the on the website www.boot.de Car drivers can purchase their parking ticket in advance at the ticket shop.
