Trade fairÖppet Varv 2026 – a world premiere and 20 new sailing yachts in Ellös

Hauke Schmidt

 · 14.08.2026

Trade fair: Öppet Varv 2026 – a world premiere and 20 new sailing yachts in EllösPhoto: Hallberg-Rassy
During the Öppet Varv, the Hallberg-Rassy marina is completely full.
From 21 to 23 August, Hallberg-Rassy in Ellös will be opening the shipyard gates for the 33rd time. This turns the small village on the Swedish island of Orust into a hub for the sailing community: Öppet Varv 2026 is far more than just an in-house exhibition. Alongside Hallberg-Rassy yachts, there will be numerous new sailing boats from other manufacturers, as well as second-hand yachts and equipment on display. Admission is free.

What makes Öppet Varv so special is that visitors can not only view the latest yachts, but also take a look behind the scenes at a working shipyard and watch boats being built. A total of 16 Hallberg-Rassy yachts – models 340, 370, 400, 44 Mk II, 50 and 69 are currently in active production. The site at Ellös harbour belongs to the shipyard and is transformed into a multifaceted boat show during the event.

World premiere at Öppet Varv 2026: HR 44 Mk II

One of the highlights is the world premiere of the Hallberg-Rassy 44 Mk II. Shipyard manager Magnus Rassy has revised the design in 29 areas. The changes include larger saloon windows, a horizontal woodgrain finish in the interior, lowered bulkheads between the saloon, galley and navigation area, and white-painted wooden panelling on the inside of the hull in the compartments.

Also on display for the first time as part of Öppet Varv is the Hallberg-Rassy 370. The Hallberg-Rassy fleet is complemented by the following models 340, 400, 40C, 50, 57 and that 69-foot flagship.

YACHT tests of the Hallberg Rassy yachts on display

An impressive range of sailing boats, from Arcona to X-Yachts

However, Öppet Varv is by no means limited to Hallberg-Rassy models. Several other shipyards use the event to showcase new yachts. The event therefore offers a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in modern yacht building.

Most read

1

2

3

4

5

Arcona 385
Photo: YACHT / Nico Kraus
A selection of the sailing yachts on display

Arcona is exhibiting three boats: the Arcona 385, the Arcona 435 Mk II – which YACHT has already tested – and the new Arcona 50 model. Linjett is represented by the 34, the 39 and the brand-new Linjett 36. YACHT has The Linjett 36 was recently put through its paces in the Stockholm archipelago.

Dehler is exhibiting the 38 SQ, which impressed in the major YACHT performance cruiser comparison test with the best value for money. X-Yachts is exhibiting the tried-and-tested X 4.0 and the new X 4.9 Mk II. Other exhibitors include Hanse with the Hanse 410, Sirius with the Sirius 35 DS, Garcia with the Exploration 45, Heyman with the 42 PPH, Italia Yachts with the 12.98, and Sweden Yachts with the Sweden Yachts 42.

Smaller boats are also on display: the RS Aira 22 and RS Aero 7 dinghies round off the range. The Najad 451 AC can be viewed in two versions – with an oak or mahogany interior.

Reviews of the other yachts

Second-hand boats, brokers and equipment

As well as the numerous new boats, Öppet Varv also offers a wide selection of second-hand sailing yachts. Several boat brokers, including Berthon Scandinavia, Båtagent, Navark Yacht Brokers and Yacht Dreams, are bringing a variety of second-hand boats to Ellös. The range includes, amongst others, a 2016 Najad 570, a 2023 Bavaria C38, and several Linjett and Grand Soleil models.

This makes Öppet Varv an attractive prospect even for prospective buyers who are not exclusively looking for a new yacht. Visitors can directly compare different yacht designs – from modern new builds and tried-and-tested production models to high-quality second-hand boats.

The exhibition programme is rounded off by numerous exhibitors specialising in yacht equipment. Among others, Garmin, Raymarine, Simrad, B&G, Victron Energy, Torqeedo, Seldén, Spinlock, North Sails and Starlink will be represented. On display will be navigation and electrical systems, autopilots, sails, fittings, safety equipment and other solutions for life on board.

Opening hours and admission

Öppet Varv 2026 is open on Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. On Sunday, visitors can explore the site from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free on all three days.

All the information, as well as the regularly updated list of exhibitors, can be found at oppetvarv.se.


Event details:

Date:

  • Date: 21–23 August 2026
  • Friday and Saturday: 10.00–18.00
  • Sunday: 10.00–16.00
  • Admission: free

Location:

Share article:
Hauke Schmidt

Hauke Schmidt

Test & Technology editor

Hauke Schmidt was born in Hanau, Hesse, in 1974, but moved to the coast at the age of an Opti and grew up sailing dinghies and tall ships. School and semester breaks were used for extensive Baltic Sea cruises. During and after his oceanography studies in Kiel, he took part in various international research trips to tropical and polar regions. The focus was on ocean currents and their influence on climate change. Eventually he was drawn back to his home coast and to YACHT. He completed a traineeship there and has been working as an editor in the Test & Technology department since 2009. His core tasks include equipment and boat testing, as well as practical topics relating to electronics, seamanship and refits. As a passionate DIY enthusiast, he loves to spend his summers on the water with his family and winters working on his boat

Most read in category Yachts