Ancora Yacht Festival: Almost 16,000 visitors - Germany's largest inwater boat show
The Ancora Yacht Festival 2025 in the Ancora Marina Neustadt/Holstein has confirmed its position as Germany's largest inwater boat show. From 23 to 25 May, 100 exhibitors presented the entire spectrum of water sports - from wind-powered to motor-powered boats. Despite the mixed weather, 15,580 visitors came to the marina to experience 170 boats and yachts directly in the water. The mood among the exhibitors was positive and the concept of the trade fair was convincing.
Varied offer for all water sports enthusiasts
Visitors were able to experience 170 exhibited boats and yachts live in their element on the pontoons. In 110 pagodas, equipment suppliers provided information about the latest trends and technologies. Experts shared their knowledge about life on the water on the stages. The festival offered a varied programme for families: hands-on activities for children, trial sailing, surfing and foiling attracted numerous visitors. Anyone who wanted to could try out innovative steering systems for boats. The culinary offerings and the harbour night with the band Max and Friends rounded off the experience.
Scandinavia in focus
A particular focus this year was on Scandinavian exhibitors. "We focussed on Scandinavia this year. Maybe the weather had to be a bit Nordic for that, but the atmosphere was better than the weather on Sunday," said Heiko Zimmermann, founder and skipper of organiser Yachtfestival 365 GmbH. Numerous renowned Scandinavian shipyards presented their latest models.
Positive response despite changeable weather
The weather showed its changeable side during the three days of the fair. While Friday and Saturday were on a par with the previous year, Sunday brought the long-awaited rain of recent weeks. Nevertheless, the exhibitors were satisfied with the quality of the discussions and the interest shown by visitors. Thomas Dan Hougaard from Faurby emphasised: "The variety of boats in the water is fantastic, and visitors can see and experience everything first-hand. When it's not so sunny, the people who come are the ones who know what they want."
Innovations and future trends
The yacht festival provided a platform for numerous innovations and future trends in the industry. Sustainable drive concepts were a particular focus. With the battery-powered motorboats from X-Shore, there was a shuttle service from Neustadt to the yacht festival, which was used intensively. Manufacturers such as X-Yachts also presented their latest developments in the sailing yacht sector, including the world premiere of the X4³ MK2.
Promoting young talent and elite sport
The festival not only provided a stage for established manufacturers, but also focussed on promoting young talent. Lennart Burke and Melwin Fink from Team Next Generation presented their Class40, which they intend to sail around the world in the Globe40 regatta in August. "It's a great boat show to bring the scene together and a captivating experience for those dreaming of the big adventure," said Burke.
Outlook for upcoming events
The positive feedback from exhibitors and visitors confirms the organisers' concept. Heiko Zimmermann draws a satisfied conclusion: "We received good contacts with potential customers and also direct boat sales. This shows that the mood in the market is improving again and that we may have bottomed out." The next Ancora Yacht Festival has already been scheduled and will take place from 8 to 10 May 2026. The organiser has also announced the Hamburg Yacht Festival from 5 to 7 September 2025 in the Hamburg marina in Wedel on the Elbe.
