Boot Düsseldorf

Boot Düsseldorf, also called the Düsseldorf International Boat Show, is one of the biggest and most important boat shows in the world. Every year, it brings together around 1,600 exhibitors from more than 50 countries. At this show, you can see many kinds of boats and water sports equipment.

What makes boot Düsseldorf special is that it is held entirely indoors, allowing visitors to see large boats up to 180 grt close up. The show takes place each year in late January at Messe Düsseldorf in Germany and lasts for one week. It is a key event for people who love boats and water activities.

History

The first Düsseldorf Boat Show opened on November 27, 1969. It began with 116 exhibitors from eight countries, covering 11,000 square meters and attracting 34,000 visitors. The next year saw 183 exhibitors showing yachts and water sports gear on 21,000 square meters to 40,000 visitors. In January 1972, the show moved to its current Messe premises in Düsseldorf-Stockum, serving as a preparation forum for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. Canada became the first partner country in 1976. In 1979, a large diving tower was displayed. The 1981 show focused on marine science, featuring underwater photography by Swiss oceanographer Jacques Piccard.

Visitor numbers peaked in 1992 with over 400,000 people, then decreased, though the number of exhibitors stayed steady. Super yachts were introduced in the early 1990s. In 1998, Lisbon became a partner with the theme "The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future," presented by French environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau. The European Yacht of the Year Award started in 2001. By 2008, the exhibition space reached a record 220,000 square meters. In 2010, the show set records with over 150 premieres, including new designs for sailing and motor yachts using alternative fuel.

The Düsseldorf International Boat Show is a professional trade fair, displaying the latest in yacht and water sports technology. In addition to sailing and motor yachts, diving is a popular section. Being inland in the heart of the European megalopolis, it differs from other boat shows like the Salone Nautico Internazionale in Genoa, Italy, which is more focused on traditional boat displays. It partners with Kiel Week and operates boot.de, Germany's largest online portal for water sports.

Awards

European Yacht of the Year

The European Yacht of the Year Award started in 2001 at boot, thanks to Yacht magazine from Germany. Since then, it has been chosen with help from magazines in many countries, including Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Austria, England, and Spain.

European Powerboat of the Year

The European Powerboat of the Year Award began in 2005 at boot, thanks to BOOTE magazine from Germany. It has been chosen with help from magazines in Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, and Finland.