boot 2010 was opened in Düsseldorf on 23 January with a result that surpasses all expectations. This is the 41st time that the world’s largest trade fair for yachting and water sports opens its doors (23 - 31 January) and will see 1,568 exhibitors from 55 countries showcase the entire world of water sports. All 17 halls are filled, with 675 participants from abroad, accounting for almost half of the exhibition space. The largest exhibitor country is, as usual, the Netherlands with 152 boatyards, equipment suppliers and service providers represented, followed by Italy, France, Austria and the UK.
2009 was a very difficult year for the international yachting and water sports industry, which was bound to have an impact. Nevertheless, boot has stayed on course, despite having to contend with a decline in some areas. The number of exhibitors fell by 73 in comparison to last year, with 89,500 square metres of floor space rented, about 9% less than in 2009.
At the moment, boot can benefit immensely from the wide variety of products on offer relating to water sports of all kinds. The slow business in boating and yachting resulting from the structural and economic situation is balanced by the stable and in part even growing areas such as diving, water tourism and the charter industry as well as, first and foremost, a buoyant equipment market.
Yachts and boats of all sizes, from brand new models to classic boats as well as models and plans for superyacht projects, are showcasing by 450 exhibitors in eight exhibition halls covering about 100,000 square metres of exhibition space, amounting to about half of the entire area available at the trade fair centre, at boot, with 1,700 boats and yachts awaiting boating and yachting fans.
As always, boot 2010 in Düsseldorf is an event not to be missed by anyone wanting to get a comprehensive view of the boating and yachting market! From Ferretti to Sunseeker, from Bavaria to Hanse Yachts, the big names in the industry are all attending.
This year’s trends: Alternative drive concepts and a return to smaller boats that cater for the needs of newcomers and families in terms of price and quality. The retro look is Also enjoying increasing popularity. Apart from this, minimalist, almost futuristic lines are also evident.
Demand for luxury boats and yachts has ebbed, with a drop in sales accompanied by some major restructuring at leading yards and groups resulting in the range being presented at boot 2010 not being as broad as in the past. About 50 large yachts was showcased in Hall 6.
Düsseldorf’s Superyacht Show in Hall 7a, on the other hand, displays considerable buoyancy, with 120 exhibitors showing yacht plans, model and services catering for this highly exclusive segment, including four major joint group exhibits from Germany, France, the Netherlands and the Middle East.
There is strong demand for floor space amongst exhibitors of boating equipment, onboard electronic systems, engines, accessories and water sports wear. In Halls 10 - 12 some 350 exhibitors was presented a high quality selection of products for boats and for use on and around boats.
With over 350 exhibitors, the range on show for divers in Hall 3 at boot in Düsseldorf remains the world’s largest consumer exhibition on the trade fair circuit.
The market for surfing and trend sports is currently enjoying a most welcome revival, with several manufacturers who have been absent from boot for years to make a comeback this year.
The maritime travel market presents itself in top form at boot 2010. Some 320 international charter companies, water sports regions, tour operators and tourism organisations are on hand to whisk visitors to boot away to holiday destinations and ideal locations for sailors and motorboaters as well as well over 100 diving and surfing destinations showcased in Halls 1 and 3.
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