After taking a break due to the pandemic for the last two years, BOOT Dusseldorf came back in 2023 from 21-19 January in full blast.

Floatist attended the show for the very first time, and walked around all the massive 17 halls meeting old and new faces in the maritime industry.

The halls are divided by different categories, from watersports such as kayaking to sailing yachts, to house boats, to a charter section to super yachts. (Yes, super yachts indoors!)

The show is focused on a B2C rather than B2B, with anything maritime from fenders to watermakers to little dinghy boats to diving present. Exhibitors invest a lot of time and money to be at the show, and for a good reason; anyone and everyone internationally that is into all things water and outdoors related is there, of course with special emphasis on the German market.

From a personal perspective, it was quite a grand event to visit, and from a professional perspective, it is said to be the place to see and be seen. However, as a company, Floatist went to BOOT to meet yacht charter companies and fleet operators to connect with, and we felt there was a lot less visitors than we expected. It seems like the crowd was not back to pre-covid levels, despite the organization well done and some high quality talks and panels to attend.

If you don’t mind a few days filled with German beer, schnitzel and sausages, make sure to dress warm and wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot to see!

We enjoyed our visit and are already looking forward to the 2024 edition!