Do you want to be the first to get to know the latest yachts or find out about the latest equipment before you buy? Take the opportunity and visit one of the most prestigious yacht shows. The annual events bring together designers, shipbuilders, vendors and yacht enthusiasts in the world’s most beautiful cities like Monaco or Dubai to marvel at the latest masterpieces, exchange ideas and network. In Germany, boot Düsseldorf is one of the world’s best-known yacht shows.
In this article we from Merk & Merk take you to the most famous yacht shows, tell you what a yacht show actually is, why a visit is recommended and what to expect.
What is a Boat Show?
A Boat Show, also known as a Yacht Show or Yacht Fair, is an exhibition or trade show event where different types and models of yachts are presented in a special environment.
During the Yacht Show, you as a visitor will get a comprehensive insight into the latest yacht designs, technological innovations and equipment features. In addition, yacht companies present complementary products and services. Everything usually revolves around yacht buying, running and maintaining for several days.
Some of the best-known yacht shows worldwide are the Cannes Yachting Festival, the Monaco Yacht Show, the Palm Beach International Boat Show and boot Düsseldorf. They also provide an excellent platform for networking, business deals and discussions on industry trends.
What happens at a yacht show?
The main attraction of any yacht show is, of course, the yachts themselves. From small luxury boats to superyachts, the latest models and designs are on display. Visitors can often go on board to see the yachts up close and inspect their interiors.
As mentioned earlier, new products and services are also introduced at a yacht show. These include navigation equipment, safety equipment, interior design, and even yacht management.
Each yacht show usually has a program with special event highlights at fixed times. Within this framework, experts give lectures or workshops on various topics related to yacht operation and ownership.
Of course, yacht shows are also a great opportunity to network with industry professionals, shipyard operators, designers, outfitters and many others. Exhibitors cultivate business relationships, demand customer loyalty and take care of new customer acquisition, sometimes with direct business deals. You can join in the excitement at those yacht shows where yacht businesses are awarded in various categories.
Side events such as cocktail receptions, gala dinners or other formal events provide further space for exchange in a more private atmosphere.
Why are yacht shows so interesting?
For visitors, yacht shows offer the advantage of gaining a comprehensive overview of the latest models, designs and technologies from the yacht industry. For industry insiders, this allows them to assess the competition and see where the market is heading.
Exhibitors at the Yacht Shows have the opportunity to interact directly with potential customers, showcase their products or services, and receive feedback. There is also a focus on direct yacht sales, or at least on strengthening the image and positioning in the market.
Through the workshops, seminars and presentations you can also expand your knowledge and learn about best practices, new technologies and industry trends. A yacht show is a special experience and a real highlight that you as a yacht lover should not miss. You can find out which yacht shows are suitable in the next section.
Which yacht shows should you attend?
Yacht shows are held all over the world throughout the year. So you are spoiled for choice. Nationally, these are quickly reached. International Boat Show offer themselves in combination with a vacation. Among the most renowned are the Monaco Yacht Show, the Dubai International Boat Show, the Palm Beach International Boat Show and the boot Düsseldorf, to name just a few of the many yacht shows and yacht events.
Cannes Yachting Festival
The Cannes Yachting Festival has been held for 40 years at the two ports of Vieux Port and Port Canto in Cannes and this year opens its doors from September 12 to 17, 2023. More than 700 sailboats or powerboats, monohulls or multihulls, ranging in size from 5 to 50 meters, will be showcased on land and in the water at the world’s leading yacht show for large sailboats. Potential yacht buyers and interested parties can find out about the numerous yachts, take a closer look at them and even take a test drive at sea.
Since the very beginning, the world premieres of the world’s best yacht builders and brokers have been a must at every annual yacht show in Cannes. Around the yacht show there are numerous events, a Luxury Gallery, where watches, jewelry, luxury cars and other high-end goods are presented, a Start-up Village as a platform for innovative start-ups in the maritime sector and brand new this year, a small boat area with yachts between 8 and 11 meters.
Monaco Yacht Show
Considered one of the most luxurious events of its kind, the Monaco Yacht Show is a must-attend event for those in the yachting industry, interested in the latest yacht innovations or looking to purchase a new yacht. From September 27 to 30, 2023, it’s that time again and the yacht show will go into the next round at Port Hercule in Monaco. Here, over three days, everything revolves around expert advice, discovering the absolute superyachts of the year and, since 2021, also the topic of sustainable solutions and environmentally friendly technologies. There is also a dedicated area for this at the Yachtshow, the Sustainability Hub, while in the Dockside Area you can enjoy the many floating masterpieces on display.
In addition to yacht builders, exhibitors at the Yachtshow include brokers, yacht designers, yacht insurance companies, ports, marinas and yacht management companies. This year will also see the unveiling of an impressive fleet of 120 superyachts and megayachts, including the highly anticipated new launches for 2023. Rounding out the Yachtshow will be daytime conferences and lectures by the industry’s top experts and most qualified professionals. These can also be booked exclusively for a consultation.
boot Düsseldorf
With almost 237,000 visitors from over 100 countries and more than 1,500 exhibitors from 68 nations, boot Düsseldorf is one of the world’s largest international water sports trade fairs. On 220,000 square meters in 16 exhibition halls, luxury yachts and motorboats are presented in addition to sailing yachts. Water sports such as diving, surfing or kite surfing also find a platform here. A stage program, workshops and meetings round off the Yacht Show. The next boot Düsseldorf will take place from 20.01. to 28.01.2024.
Palm Beach International Boat Show
As one of the most prestigious yacht shows in the United States, the Palm Beach international Yacht Exposition (PBIYE) captivates with its exclusive atmosphere, coupled with an impressive portfolio of luxury yachts, always including a luxurious collection of superyachts.
Since its inception in 1985, PBIYE has become a firm annual highlight on the global yachting scene. Year after year, yachts and high-end marine accessories worth close to $1.2 billion are presented here.
Traditionally held in March, the yacht show benefits from the ideal climatic conditions of this time of year and marks the glittering conclusion of the international boat show season. Each year, thousands of enthusiasts and trade visitors are drawn to picturesque Flagler Drive in the heart of West Palm Beach, Florida, to take a close look at the latest models. The next Palm Beach International Boat Show will run from March 21-24, 2024.
Dubai International Boat Show
The Dubai Yacht Show brings together over 1,000 renowned brands from the boat, yacht and watercraft sectors. Amidst the glamorous city, the Dubai International Boat Show creates the ideal platform to showcase impressive innovations, launch new products and forge business partnerships with international professionals and regional pioneers in Dubai Port.
In 2023, the Dubai International Boat Show set new standards with more yacht presentations and offerings than ever before. This year, however, the Yacht Show expanded once again, welcoming visitors, boat owners, captains, distributors and many other interested parties from over 60 nations.
A special industry highlight is the Yacht Show’s annual conference, which gathers 100 global industry leaders. Together, the experts address topics such as innovation, regulation and the future of sailing. The next Dubai International Boat Show will take place from Feb. 28 to March 3, 2024.
Merk & Merk at the yacht shows 2023
As one of the leading yacht boutiques, we at Merk & Merk will be exhibiting at the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Monaco Yacht Show this year. Feel free to visit our booth at one of the yacht shows and book your exclusive consultation appointment in advance. If you can’t make it, you can also visit yachts with us throughout the year. In contrast to a yacht show, you will benefit from a personal and private atmosphere. Please do not hesitate to contact us for appointment requests.