This year, Yachting TV attended the world’s largest yacht and watersports trade fair in Düsseldorf, which lasted nine days.
During the event, we had the opportunity to meet with numerous exhibitors, industry leaders, and our long-term partners from across the global yachting community.
The fair served as an outstanding platform for insightful conversations about current trends, new technologies, and the future of the yachting industry. We discussed upcoming projects, potential collaborations, and long-term visions that will shape our content and partnerships moving forward.
We are grateful for every meeting and look forward to strengthening existing relationships while building new ones as Yachting TV continues to grow and evolve internationally.If you want to know where the yachting world is heading, you don’t look at the water; you look at the dry docks of Germany in January.
This year, the YachtingTV crew embedded itself in the 85th anniversary of Boot Düsseldorf, a luxury marathon spanning 16 halls and hosting over 1,500 exhibitors.
From the frost-covered banks of the Rhine to the tropical humidity of the superyacht halls, we didn’t just walk the docks—we sat in the boardrooms, joined the private unveilings, and spoke with the visionaries who are literally carving the future of the ocean out of carbon and glass.
Hall 6: The Superyacht Cathedral
Our journey began, as it always must, in Hall 6. This is where the physics of the show truly defies logic. Seeing a 28-meter Sanlorenzo SD90 indoors is a religious experience for any yacht lover. We had an exclusive sit-down with the Sanlorenzo team to discuss their “Roadmap to 2030.” The SD90 isn’t just a boat; it’s a floating laboratory for sustainable materials, featuring recycled interiors and a hull optimized for hybrid cruising.
Just a few steps away, the Bluegame BGX83 made its world debut. Founder Luca Santella personally walked us through this “game-changer.” Standing on the expansive beach club—now even larger than its predecessors—Luca explained that scaling up to the 24m+ segment was a “natural evolution” to allow for a dedicated flybridge helm and enhanced crew quarters without losing that “open-sea” connection.
The Powerhouse Presentations: Beneteau & Sunseeker
The energy reached a fever pitch on the first Saturday morning. Groupe Beneteau held a massive press conference where they unveiled not one, but five world premieres. Our highlights?
- The First 60: This is the largest sailboat in the history of the First range. Seeing it in person, the Lorenzo Argento design is breathtaking—it’s aggressive yet incredibly elegant.
- Gran Turismo 50 Alpine Limited Edition: A stunning collaboration that brings automotive racing DNA to the water. The finish on the hull is a deep, metallic blue that had every camera in the hall flashing.
Moving over to the Sunseeker stand, the atmosphere was electric. We were present for the world premiere of the Manhattan 56. It’s a masterclass in evolving a legend. They’ve managed to find even more volume in the salon, and the new “Beach Club” transom featuring an integrated barbecue and fold-down bench is going to be the envy of every marina in the Med this summer.
Innovation That Actually Matters: Hall 10
We spent a full afternoon at the Blue Innovation Dock (BID) in Hall 10. This is where the “boring” stuff—batteries, fuel cells, and circular composites—becomes incredibly exciting.
- The Frauscher x Porsche 790 Spectre: We caught up with the team behind this all-electric beast. Using the same 800-volt technology found in the Porsche Macan Electric, it isn’t just a toy; it’s a glimpse into a silent, high-speed future.
- Greenline 42: This was a standout world premiere. With 10 solar panels integrated into the roof, it can power all onboard systems without ever starting a generator.
Behind the Scenes: The Meetings
What you don’t see in the brochures are the hours of conversation in the VIP lounges. Our team had productive meetings with the leadership at Princess Yachts, who confirmed a record-breaking sales start to the show, and Azimut, where we discussed the “Deck2Deck” terrace system on the new Fly 82. These meetings aren’t just about specs; they are about understanding the why behind the design—the desire for more privacy, more light, and more meaningful connection with the water.
We also spent time with Saxdor’s CEO, Erna Rusi, discussing the rise of the 460 GTC. The Finnish yard’s growth is nothing short of a phenomenon, and seeing their flagship dominate Hall 4 was a testament to their “adventure-first” philosophy.
A Heartfelt Thanks
As we pack our gear and head toward the airport, we want to extend a massive “Danke” to everyone who made this visit possible.
- To the Messe Düsseldorf team for the flawless logistics of the world’s biggest indoor show.
- To the PR teams and Shipyard CEOs who gave us their time during the busiest week of their year.
- To the designers at Zuccon, Pininfarina, and Philippe Briand for walking us through your sketches and inspirations.
Your passion is what fuels our content. Whether it was a quick espresso in a hidden lounge or a deep-dive technical tour of an engine room, the time spent with you is invaluable.
The YachtingTV Verdict: 2026 is the Year of the “Intelligent Yacht”
The “Bigger is Better” mantra is being replaced by “Smarter is Better.” The boats we saw this week are more efficient, more connected, and more focused on the owner’s experience than ever before.
