When we’re not out on the water, there’s nothing we love more than a yacht regatta, a boat trade show or any other opportunity to admire shiny new (or classic heritage) vessels in all their glory. These events are perfect for learning about the latest tech, gadgets and upgrades for your boat, as well as serving up boatloads of inspiration for your next purchase. We might be halfway through 2022, but many of the biggest boat shows of the season are still to come in the UK and around Europe. Here are our must-sees.
Boat shows in the UK
- The Southampton International Boat Show (16-25 September) at Mayflower Park in Southampton showcases everything that’s great about watercraft. Whether you’re interested in so-new-they’re-practically-futuristic superyachts, trying stand-up paddle boarding or taking your kids on a thrilling boat ride, Britain’s biggest festival of boating promises a fun day for all, from devoted boaters to their families and friends. The event is divided into four zones: “dinghies”, “classic and day boats”, “watersports” and “on the water”, with an interactive programme and much to experience at each zone.
Boat shows in France
- Cannes Yachting Festival (6-11 September), the jewel in the crown of Europe’s in-water event line-up, welcomes more than 600 boats and 54,000 visitors to the Côte d’Azur. We’ll be there, blinking back tears of admiration at the most prestigious boats ever made.
- The Grand Pavois de La Rochelle (27 September-2 October) celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022. Deemed ‘the one for real fans’, the event connects boat owners and fans from around 35 countries. Themed spaces dedicated to fishing, board sports, sustainable sailing and more are always a hit.
- The Monaco Yacht Show (27 September-1 October) places visitors among industry experts to discuss the latest in yachting. Don’t miss the ‘adventure area’ and ‘sustainability hub’ for inspiration.
- Salon Nautic Paris (3-11 December) transforms the Porte de Versailles into the largest indoor port in France. Exhibitions, talks with experts and sailing awards ceremonies make it an unmissable event.
Boat shows in Spain
- Salon Nautico (12-16 October), also known as the Barcelona International Boat Show, celebrates 60 years this year. There’s a floating exhibition of stunning yachts and catamarans and a new innovation dock that showcases future technologies and sustainable energy.
Boat shows in Italy
- Salone Nautico (22-27 September), also known as the GenoaInternational Boat Show, is a boating event with a strong focus on the future. For the third year since it was conceived, the Design Innovation Award will be given to an innovative nautical product at the event.
- Bologna International Boat Show (30 October-7 November) is a glimpse inside the supply chain of boating with an emphasis on five- to eight-metre vessels and the art of boatbuilding. Explore breath-taking examples of construction and forward-thinking design.
- Nautilia (15-23 October) is a trade fair for used boats in Latisana, near Venice. Its exhibition halls display more than 200 power and sailboats as well as accessories.
Boat shows in the Netherlands
- Hiswa te Water (31 August-4 September) takes place at Batavia Haven in Lelystad. As the largest in-water boat show in Northern Europe, there’s much to experience – sailing for kids, live performances and DJs, trial sails and some 300 boats to look at.
- METSTRADE (15-17 November) in Amsterdam is a marine equipment trade show that celebrates industry expertise. More than 13,000 exhibitors present their very best, making it ideal for networking opportunities.
Boat shows in Germany
- Interboot (17-25 September) in Friedrichshafen is a large-scale boat show intended for anyone with an interest in boating. With a variety of exhibitors, clubs to join, and even a beach cinema and stand-up paddle board test pool, it promises a fun day out.
- International Sailors Affairs Flensburg (23-25 September, or INSA, is a trade fair for boating, yachting and watersports fans.
- Boat & Fun Berlin (24-27 November) showcases more than 600 powerboats, sailing yachts, houseboats and more. You’ll come away from the leisure fair with fishing tips, sports equipment, charter advice and more.
Boat shows in Switzerland
- Salon Nautique du Léman (11-13 November), also known as the Swiss Boat Show, in Geneva connects you with like-minded boaters, marine sports lovers and exhibitors from the world’s best brands.
After attending any one of these 2022 boating events, you’ll no doubt start thinking about what type of boat you’d like to own. Continue to be inspired by browsing through the latest sailboats, powerboats, yachts and smaller vessels that could be yours.
Image credits: Southampton International Boat Show // Cannes Yachting Festival // Salone Nautico Bologna // Mc-Clic via Monaco Yacht Show
