Despite persisting strain on Europe’s boat markets ‘boot Düsseldorf’
has attracted a strong turn-out this week, say organisers.

A total of 1,650 exhibitors from more than 60 countries
are displaying their new yachts, water sports equipment
and maritime services in the 17 halls of Düsseldorf’s exhibition centre.

Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, President and CEO of Messe
Düsseldorf, said: ‘Given the current difficult economic climate this is a great
success.

‘Many exhibitors have
announced extended ranges and are using boot Düsseldorf as the premiere
show for their new models.’

The week-long event will finish this Sunday, 26 January.

According to Jürgen Tracht, managing director of the Federal
Association of German Watersports Industries (Bundesverband
Wassersportwirtschaft – BVWW), the hopes of European boat
manufacturers for a major recovery from the 2008 financial and economic
crisis have not been fulfilled but developments point to improvements next year.

Buyers at ‘boot 2014’ are spoilt for choice, with 11 of the 17 exhibition
halls dedicated to yachts driven by sail, motor or even muscle
power.

A total of 440 shipyards, dealers and importers are presenting 1,700 vessels ranging from luxury yachts to canoes and dinghies.

The show not only offers a
huge range of boat equipment but is also said to be ‘the largest maritime travel market and the
largest diving sport fair in the world’.

On the water fun

Visitors to the boat show can enjoy activities such as wakeboarding, skim-boarding, paddle-boarding,
sailing, diving, canoeing and angling.

A new Sailing School offers live sailing fun with
dinghies under expert guidance on an indoor pool in the centre of Hall
14. Wind machines ensure sufficient breeze.

Meanwhile, boat owners wishing to gain expert advice can visit the Refit Centre in Hall 11 and find out which jobs can be DIY and when it makes sense to employ a professional.

The show is open daily from 18 to 26 January from 10am to 6pm.

Visit www.boot.de

Pictures credited to: Messe Duesseldorf