Boot Dusseldorf is the world’s largest boatshow. Held every year (or every year in which there’s not a pandemic going on), the show attracts nearly a quarter-million visitors. With round trip flights from London for less than $50 each, it was an easy trip to justify. And while we’re definitely not in the market for a brand new boat, we tend to love all things aquatic.
And all things aquatic is exactly what we found at the show. There were big boats, bigger boats, and then the really big boats. There were medium-sized boats, small boats, and tiny boats. There were boats powered by diesel and gas, driven by the wind or the sun, moved by paddles or oars, by flippers, or by arms or legs, and even boats driven by waves. Most of the boats floated on the water, but there were also boats for under the water, and boats that flew above the water on foils. If it ever touches the water, you’ll likely find it at Boot.
We had a great time trying on the new boats for size, chatting with salespeople about boat construction techniques, and watching kids sailing dinghies in a giant indoor pool with wind generated by a bank of fans. And that was before being able to wander through two exhibition halls dedicated to engine parts, marine electronics, and various shiny stainless pieces of boat jewelry.
We spent a great time over two days exploring nearly all of the sixteen different exhibition halls (although we have to confess we couldn’t bring ourselves to visit the Nautical Art display). Hopefully we can be back again one day.
