boot Düsseldorf confirms revised hall layout for 2027

boot Düsseldorf returns from 23 to 31 January 2027 for its 58th edition, with more than 1,500 manufacturers, retailers and destinations expected to exhibit. Organisers anticipate over 1,000 boats and yachts, alongside equipment and activities covering diving and board sports.

Director Petros Michelidakis says: “In 2027, boot will impress with an enormous variety of models, water sports and travel inspiration. We are once again expecting over 1,000 different boats and yachts. This is a clear vote of confidence for our home port of Düsseldorf. Manufacturers are clearly drawn to Düsseldorf with their product portfolios. Here, in recent years, they have been able to close deals and win new customers despite a general slump in orders.

“In economically challenging times, a business driver such as boot is a key factor in revitalising the market. We see ourselves as a partner to the international industry: we pick up on current trends and provide the platform to present them to a large, interested and knowledgeable audience.”

Revised hall layout for 2027

Construction at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre means visitors will find a different hall layout for the next two editions. Hall 9 is being modernised and will remain unavailable until boot 2029.

RIB and dinghy/tender exhibitors previously based in Hall 9 will move to Motorboat Hall 17. The Motorboat Walk will start there and continue through Hall 1 to Halls 3 and 4. Superboats will occupy Hall 5, superyachts Hall 6, and brokers and designers Hall 7a. Hall 7 will house maritime art.

A protected, covered walkway through Hall 9 will connect the main north entrance with Halls 10, 11 and 12 during construction.

Michelidakis says: “We are, of course, designing the walkway in the ‘boot’ look and feel, making it attractive for our guests. Our new hall layout ensures a quick route both for visitors wishing to move from Halls 4 and 5 to the Eastern Halls and for those entering via the North Entrance. Our colleagues at the Caravan Salon have already had positive experiences with this, which we can now put to good use.”

“Our booking situation for motorboats, superboats and superyachts is once again excellent. We have used the past summer months to hold many face-to-face discussions addressing the individual requirements of the exhibitors. The excellent communication with manufacturers and dealers is the foundation that underpins the international success of boot Düsseldorf. In 2027, we will once again welcome exhibitors from almost 70 countries on board. This booking situation is unique worldwide,” explains Michelidakis.

Water sports and equipment

The Technology Centre in Halls 10 and 11 will feature engines and propulsion technology, boat equipment and accessories. Visitors can also find refit information and clothing.

Surfing and paddling will move to Hall 12, where the pool will be extended to 65 metres. A new two-level skimboard course and the Surf Academy will also be based there. The World of Paddling area will include a new canoe channel running around an artificial island, alongside a high-rope climbing park.

International athletes will take part in the programme, which includes four competitions. Organisers also plan to offer more activities for visitors to try.

Diving exhibitors will be together in Hall 13, covering equipment and diving destinations. Stage presentations and practical sessions will cater for divers of different experience levels.

Michelidakis says: “The diving hall is fully booked! All the leading manufacturers and retailers are taking part, and over the nine days of the fair we will once again be offering the international diving community a spectacular celebration, good business opportunities and informative exchanges.”

Visitors planning a trip on the water can head to Destination & Boat Life in Hall 14. This section will cover holiday destinations and boat charters, as well as marinas, houseboats and services from nautical organisations and associations.

Sailing boats will occupy Halls 15 and 16. The Sailing Centre’s stage programme will cover international regattas and cruising, with speakers discussing their experiences in the sport and life on board.

In Hall 10, the blue innovation dock will feature technologies being developed by exhibiting shipyards. Run in cooperation with the European Boating Industry (EBI), it brings together industry representatives, investors and policymakers, with contributions from technology specialists and the media.

Marine conservation projects will also feature through the Ocean Tribute award. boot launched the award eight years ago, and organisers say it was the first marine conservation prize at a trade fair.

boot Düsseldorf is the world’s largest yacht and water sports fair, citing more than 200,000 visitors from over 100 countries and nearly 1,500 exhibitors across Halls 1 to 17. The event covers sailing and motorboating alongside water sports including diving, surfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddling, skimboarding and canoeing. Workshops and practical activities cater for recreational participants and professionals.

Tickets and visitor access

The exhibitor database for boot Düsseldorf 2027 will be available from the end of October. Tickets are already on sale at the boot website.

Visitors who sign up for free boot.club membership can buy a €21 ticket valid for two days, with a reduced price of €16 for school pupils and students. Children aged 12 and under enter free.

Standard single-day admission costs €23, with a reduced rate of €16. An afternoon ticket costs €13 and is valid from Monday to Friday between 2pm and 6pm.

Trade visitors pay €28 for one day or €44 for two days. These tickets allow entry from 9.30am and include access to the three B2B lounges in Halls 7a, 10 and 14. All quoted prices apply to online purchases.