The premieres of boot 2017, which ended yesterday, ranged from foiling speedsters and cozy gaff cutters to elegant luxury cruisers. The interest in the innovations at this year's water sports fair on the Rhine was correspondingly high: Those who wanted to view the new models had to be patient with many manufacturers - at least on the weekends - or even better, make an appointment.
More than 1,800 exhibitors from 70 countries presented their products, including 1,800 boats and yachts, in 17 exhibition halls to a top-class, very international audience. 242,000 people interested in water sports came to boot during the nine days of the exhibition. With around 5,000 visitors fewer than in the previous year, the trade fair recorded a slight decline, but the audience was particularly international:
For sporty sailing: dinghies in the Sail Center in Hall 15
Boot visitors traveled to Düsseldorf from 70 countries. The leading countries of origin are the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and France. This year, however, there was also a great response from the Eastern European countries and Russia. The Asian overseas regions also increased significantly in terms of visitors to boot 2017. "We spoke to visitors from the USA, Australia, Japan, Canada, Turkey and, above all, many Scandinavians. It is simply the best boat show in the world: Here is the range, that makes the trip worthwhile, people like to go here. And that leads to good sales for us boat builders, "says Hallberg-Rassy shipyard manager Magnus Rassy.
To be amazed: New sailing yachts were presented in two halls
For the exhibiting companies, the fair was a promising start to the new season. "After the successful business in 2016, our companies went to boot with high expectations, and these were absolutely fulfilled," says Jürgen Tracht, Managing Director of the Federal Association of the Water Sports Industry (BVWW). "We had highly qualified people at the stands who were determined to buy. We were particularly impressed by the international origin of the visitors. The industry recorded excellent sales in almost all market segments," said Tracht.
To dream: blue water lecture
Even those who just wanted to get information got their money's worth: a chair rarely remained empty during lectures in the sailing center or at the YACHT stand, many people interested in charter offers or opportunities for sailing with them were drawn to the halls for themed water tourism. And the equipment halls were also very busy.
Anyone who bought a new ship at boot 2017 can look forward to the coming season all the more. On the other hand, it will take a while until the next boot: It will take place from January 20 to 28, 2018.