Neustadt: Two world premieres and 170 boats at the Ancora Yacht Festival

Neustadt is gearing up for the 17th edition of the popular festival. Around 18,000 visitors are expected on the Bay of Lübeck to view the yachts on the water. Of particular interest to visitors is the opportunity to test drive some models under real conditions on the water after registering.

World premieres from Linjett and Bavaria

This year's Ancora Yacht Festival will feature two world premieres that take different approaches: The Linjett 36 is the compact version of the award-winning 39 (to the test report) and consistently designed for single-handed use. All lines run inside the coaming directly to the helmsman and the hull was built using the vacuum infusion method with a foam core. For the first time, a fixed bowsprit for additional gennaker sail area is standard on this model.

Bavaria presents the Voyager 45 a yacht based on the proven Farr design of the Cruiser 46. Optimised for the charter business, the model is equipped with enlarged water tanks (535 litres) and a flex bulkhead system for variable cabin layout in the foredeck. The yacht is currently only available through partners in special purchase charter programmes.

From aluminium explorers to luxury catalytic converters

With the Pure 42 and the Trimaran Dragonfly 36 Performance, two current winners of the "European Yacht of the Year 2026" award are in the water. While the Pure is designed as a robust aluminium explorer, the Danish multihull is more geared towards maximum cruising speeds.

Also celebrating their trade fair premiere in German water are the Hallberg-Rassy 370which Heyman 42 PPH or the French Black Pepper Code 0.1. The spectrum is rounded off by the major French shipyards such as Beneteau, Dufour and Jeanneau as well as other brands from Sirius and Hanse to Dehler, Arcona and X-Yachts.

The catamaran manufacturers are also well represented. From the handy Bali Catsmart about the Fountaine Pajot 41 up to the established cruising catamarans Lagoon 51 or the Excess 14.

Input for everyday sailing

In the exhibition hall, the focus is on equipment and craftsmanship. In the lecture areas, there will be practical tips on topics such as GRP refit or on-board electrics, and blue water sailors will report on their experiences on long voyages.

The "Felix Sand" rescue cruiser can be visited on the quay. The crew provides insights into the everyday life of the sea rescuers.

On the beach, the Ancora Yacht Festival programme is complemented by an area for water sports beginners. Disciplines such as windsurfing and wingsurfing, cat sailing or sailing on a foiling dinghy can be practised there. Birdy Fish try it out directly. Optis are available for children. No prior knowledge is required for participation.

By the wayOur editorial team will also have a stand at the event. Visit us for a chat, we look forward to seeing you!

You can find all exhibitors here...

Dates and times

The Ancora Yacht Festival in Neustadt on the Baltic Sea opens daily from Friday to Sunday between 10:00 and 18:00. If you want to shorten the waiting time at the ticket office, use the Online advance booking for ten euros, the ticket on site costs twelve euros. Children up to the age of six have free admission to the exhibition centre. For those arriving by car, parking spaces are available near the harbour, from where a shuttle service will take you directly to the jetties.

Here is a list of the most interesting models:

• Linjett 36
• Voyager 45
• Pure 42
• Trimaran Dragonfly 36
• Hallberg-Rassy 370
• Heyman 42 PPH
• Black Pepper Code 0.1
• Bali Catsmart
• Fountaine Pajot 41
• Lagoon 51
• Excess 14