Interboot Trade Fair, Friedrichshafen: Boats, trends and water sports to try out
Michael Good
· 16.09.2026
Once again this year, Interboot is offering a first glimpse of the trends for the coming season. The traditional water sports exhibition in Friedrichshafen will once again take place over just five days. This shorter format has already proved popular with visitors and exhibitors in previous years.
From Wednesday 23 September to Sunday 27 September, Interboot will be taking place across eight exhibition halls, on the exhibition lake and in the Interboot harbour. In addition to the boats and equipment on display, the exhibition is placing greater emphasis on practical activities, advice and opportunities to try out water sports for yourself.
Sailing boats, equipment and advice in Hall A3
Visitors can once again look forward to a wide selection of boats on display. Sailing yachts and dinghies, as well as equipment suppliers, can be found, as usual, mainly in Halls A3 and A4. In Hall A3, the focus is also very much on maritime travel, charter and trip planning. A free charter and sailing advice service is on hand to help both beginners and experienced sailors choose their sailing destinations and prepare for their next trip.
Numerous talks and workshops on the event stage in Hall A3 round off the programme. At the Interboot harbour on Lake Constance, a variety of sailing and motorboats will also be on display in the water. Visitors can experience some of the models on display for themselves during trial runs and test sailings. In addition, there will be the ‘Sailing Days’ organised by the German Sailing Association.
New E-Boat Area and handy refit centre
Another key focus is on water sports that conserve resources. In the new E-Boat Area in Hall B2, various suppliers are showcasing electrically powered boats and alternative propulsion systems. The range extends from small fishing boats with electric motors to fast carbon-fibre foilers. Lightweight construction, efficient hull designs and modern battery systems are set to demonstrate how energy consumption on the water can be reduced.
Sailors are likely to find the new Refit Centre in Hall A4 particularly interesting. There, experts will demonstrate in a practical way how to maintain, repair and preserve older boats for as long as possible. The programme ranges from dealing with typical GRP damage and professional boat painting to repairing deck coverings. Modern techniques such as 3D scanning and 3D printing will also be showcased. These can be used, for example, to reproduce spare parts that are no longer available for older boats. Visitors will have the chance to try their hand at these techniques in a number of workshops.
Women in sailing and water sports
With several prominent guests in attendance, Interboot is also putting the spotlight on women in water sports. Olympic athlete Alina Kornelli will be offering pump foil courses on the exhibition lake over the weekend of the fair and will give talks about her journey in competitive sport.
Also in attendance are the 49erFX sailors and European Junior Champions Elena Stoltze and Katharina Schwachhofer. They will be sharing insights into their training and regattas, and aim in particular to inspire girls and women to take up sailing. In addition, a free motorboat handling course specifically for women will once again be held at the Interboot harbour.
Shows and hands-on activities
In addition to the traditional trade fair themes, the programme of activities is being further expanded. The standing wave is returning to Hall A5, and visitors will also be able to have a go at skimboarding. Demonstrations, shows and an international canoeing competition are planned on the trade fair lake. Teams from Germany, Austria and Switzerland will compete in canoes they have built themselves, powered by cordless screwdrivers.
On Friday and Saturday, the International Ocean Film Tour will also be making an appearance at the fair. Running alongside Interboot, the InterDive diving fair will take place in Hall B5 from 24 to 27 September. Both events can be attended with the same admission ticket.
Opening hours and prices
Date: Interboot will take place from Wednesday 23 September to Sunday 27 September 2026. From Wednesday to Saturday, the exhibition halls will be open from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm, and on Sunday from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Prices: Day tickets for adults cost 18 euros in the online ticket shop and 22 euros at the box office. The afternoon ticket is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 3 pm and costs 9 euros online or 11 euros at the box office. On Sundays, a ‘last-chance ticket’ is available from 2 pm at the same prices.
Further information: interboot.de
The latest innovations at the Interboot trade fair:
Saffier SE 28 Leopard
Versatile and designed from the ground up for ease of use. The new model from Saffier is a daysailer, club racer and weekend cruiser all in one.
Length 8.40 m; width 2.70 m; from 136,255 euros
Sunbeam 29.1 with swivel keel
Not just of interest to Lake Constance: at Interboot, the Austrian yacht builders are unveiling their 29.1 model with a swivel keel for the first time.
Length 8.50 m; width 2.49 m; from 141,600 euros
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology