BOOT DIRECTOR PETROS MICHELIDAKIS: ‘BOOT DÜSSELDORF 2026 WILL BE A BEACON AND SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR THE INTERNATIONAL WATER SPORTS INDUSTRY’

New manufacturers and well-known industry leaders on board ‘Next January, boot Düsseldorf will be the beacon for the international water sports industry. The exhibiting industry and dealers are expecting positive momentum and a boost to the global market from the No. 1 trade fair for yachts, boats and water sports. This is what we have learned from discussions with renowned industry leaders over the past few weeks,’ says Petros Michelidakis, Director of boot Düsseldorf, describing the current situation. The months following boot 2025 have shown that a slight recovery in orders is on the horizon. Michelidakis adds: ‘Of course, we are still a long way from a return to 2019 levels, but we see clear signs that better times are ahead. Demand is extremely strong in many countries, especially for medium-sized and large motorboats.’

This mood on the global market is also having a positive effect on bookings for boot Düsseldorf from 17 to 25 January 2026.

The halls for motorboats with medium-sized motor yachts and family boats (Hall 1), engines, motorboats and fishing boats (3), Scandinavian bestsellers with alternative propulsion systems (4), super boats and speedboats (5), engines and RIBs (9) and the luxury yacht halls 6 and 7 (super yachts) are in extremely high demand and the industry leaders are once again almost all on board.

The range of equipment and accessories in Hall 10 is also well represented, where visitors can look forward to technical equipment for sailing and motorboating.

Halls 11 and 12 focus on diving and diving equipment, with the Dive Center (Hall 12) and the popular stage. Here, leading manufacturers and dealers will showcase the latest trends, and diving enthusiasts can look forward to a wide variety of products.

All water sports enthusiasts and those who want to become one can book their next holiday directly at boot in Hall 13 (diving enthusiasts also in Hall 12). Under the motto ‘Destinations & Boat Life’, there will be first-hand information on dream holidays on the water from marinas, houseboat providers and charter companies.

Canoeists will find equipment and boats as well as a picturesque test course in Hall 14. Also in Hall 14, service providers such as the ADAC (German Automobile Club) will present a comprehensive range of services for water sports enthusiasts. The water police and sea rescue services will provide an insight into their fascinating and important work, and the Classic Forum will delight enthusiasts with old (boat) treasures.

Sailing, in all competitive forms and classes, takes center stage in Hall 15 with the ‘Sailing Center and the popular networking platform ‘Sailing Plaza’ as well as the boot ‘Sailing School’. Daysailers, including those from new manufacturers, cruising sailors and classic racing yachts from well-known industry leaders will make the hearts of all sailors beat faster in Hall 16. Cool vibes and hot contests make Hall 17 the surf hotspot of boot. In the large regatta basin, the world stars of the scene compete and suppliers showcase the latest boards and outfits for the trendy surf look.

Nine themed worlds and stages with exciting programs on innovative technologies, lively reports from the world of sport and sustainability forums round off the diverse exhibition program. Visitors can also try their hand at sailing, surfing, canoeing or diving in the hands-on activities.

And the figures for the trade fair speak for themselves: more than 200,000 visitors from 113 countries, a third of whom are from outside Germany, travel to Düsseldorf for boot. 18 per cent of them are experts and professionals from all relevant areas of water sports. With its highly interesting mix of sports, business and technology, boot is also the information forum for all international media with a global reach of 1.2 billion people. And boot visitors have spending power: 39 per cent come to the trade fair with concrete investment intentions – both in the boat segment and in accessories, surfing and diving equipment. Last but not least, they appreciate their boot, as 94 per cent are very satisfied with their visit to the trade fair.