boot Düsseldorf 2026 takes shape as iconic ‘Big Willi’ crane lifts yachts
Image credit: Messe Düsseldorf / Tillmann
The first of the boot Düsseldorf 2026 show’s on-water logistics took place on Tuesday (16 December 2025) on the River Rhine, signalled by its annual yacht crane operation ahead of the show taking place from 17 to 25 January 2026.
Named after the former North Rhine Minister of the interior and president of the German Sports Federation, Willi Weyer, the ‘Big Willi’ ship crane lifted four motor yachts from the water. The crane – which measures 12.7 metres in height, 11.4 metres in width, and weighs 84 tonnes – has been in operation at the site for more than four decades.
MIN recently spoke with the show director, Petros Michelidakis, about Europe’s leisure marine market, outlining his positivity ahead of the show, noting strong exhibitor demand and confirming that many of the yacht halls are fully booked.
The first yacht to be lifted was the Princess V50, a 16-metre sports yacht with accommodation for four guests. The yacht will be displayed in Hall 6, Stand B21. Visitors to the show will be able to view the model’s contemporary onboard systems and integrated Volvo Penta docking system.
The Elling E4 was also lifted. This yacht, built with Kevlar reinforcement, is certified to CE Category A (Ocean), enabling year-round offshore and transoceanic operations. The technology and insulation onboard have been hailed as one of the ‘quietest in its class’, and the yacht will be exhibited in Hall 1, Stand B18.
The third was the Princess F65 – the heaviest yacht to be lifted at approximately 40 tonnes – offering accommodation for eight guests. Billed for family-friendly trips, the yacht, measuring 20.3 metres, features a main deck layout, aft galley, dining area, saloon, and a flybridge. Visitors can see the yacht in Hall 6, Stand B21.
The final lift in the annual crane operation was for the Pearl 63. At 19 metres, the yacht has outdoor entertaining areas and an optional tender or watersport garage. Propulsion options include diesel or hybrid, with a reported speed of up to 24 knots. Also located in Hall 6, this yacht will be at Stand A22.
The Düsseldorf show will have around 1,500 exhibitors across 220,000 square metres in Halls 1 to 17, and alongside these four yachts, and more, will showcase a range of other marine equipment and water sports.
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