In the US, all eyes in the marine industry were most recently on the Miami International Boat Show 2023 (MIBS), and the newest debut boat models are usually launched at fall boat shows like the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) and the Newport Interntional Boat Show (NIBS). However, in Europe, no show is larger nor more important for boat introductions than "boot" - the world’s premier boat show held in Dusseldorf, Germany each January. Here, dozens of new power and sailboats are introduced to the market along with gobs of new gear. The strangest thing about boot is that it’s held completely indoors with boats (some 80 feet or longer) out of the water and up on the hard, scattered throughout a dozen giant exhibit halls.

Dusseldorf Boat Show - Boot

Above: The Dusseldorf Marina in Germany. Photo of Düsseldorf Marina by Frank Vincentz, licensed under the CC Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) license with no changes.



The show is a spectacle, lasting nine days and it celebrated its 52nd edition in 2023. This year, after a three-year pandemic hiatus, 237,000 show goers from over 100 countries visited over 1,500 exhibitors from 68 nations during the third week of January. From dive equipment to paddleboards, and superyachts to submarines, if it goes in, on or under the water in the recreational marine industry, it’s at boot. The buzz about the hottest premieres has been strong so we’re highlighting a dozen sexy new models, some of which are bound to make it to US shores soon.

Pearl Yachts 72


The UK-based builder, Pearl Yachts, unveiled their swanky Pearl 72, a Bill Dixon design with twin master cabins and two more double cabins. The yacht also features crew quarters, a tender and toy garage, and 935 gallons of fuel so you know this new model has long legs even at her top speed of 32 knots.

Princess Yachts S72


With upgraded twin 1800-hp engines, the newly launched Princess S72 is capable of up to 36 knots of speed. The plush and full-beam owner’s suite is amidships and has its own private lobby entrance. Princess is known of attention to detail and sumptuous finishes so none of the eight guests aboard will ever be roughing it on the open ocean.

Azimut S7


With a top speed of nearly 35 knots, the 71-foot Azimut S7 is still called a sportboat. The Alberto Mancini-designed model claims to reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% at higher speeds, running its triple Volvo Penta IPS 800-hp engines. Four cabins plus crew accommodations ensure that you can weekend this yacht with a bunch of friends and a professional captain and want for nothing.

Fairline Phantom 65


Fairline Yachts has a new flagship, the Phantom 65. Based on their Targa 65 model, the Phantom has already won a few European yachting awards and has been turning heads as she flies by at 35 knots. The large garage accommodates a William 345 jet tender and the showy interior design will take your breath away.

Sunseeker Superhawk 55


Powered by twin Volvo Penta D11 – IPS 950 engines, the new Superhawk 55 can zip by at a thrilling 38 knots. The versatile aft cockpit features a wet bar and multiple furniture configurations so you can personalize this yacht to your heart’s delight. This open top model can go weekending with a couple or carry a crowd for the day.

Beneteau Swift Trawler 48


For those looking to stretch their horizons, Beneteau offers the Swift 48, a trawler with a massive 215-square foot flybridge. From the optional hydraulic swim platform aft to the interior helm with a side door, everything about the Swift 48 has been designed to make distance cruising and exploration a safe and easy reality.

Candela C-8


For something completely revolutionary, check out the Candela C-8, an electric foiling boat touting the longest range of any electric production vessel. With batteries developed for the auto market, Candela claims a 57-nautical mile range at 22 knots and a 30-knot top speed. Not only can you go far, you can go in comfort while traveling on foils that just about negate any rough sea conditions below the hull.

Beneteau First 36


Focusing on performance racer/cruisers, Beneteau has introduced the First 36, a sporty sailboat that is perfect for single- and short-handed sailing. This design has racked up awards on both sides of the Atlantic and is bringing grand prix racing features to club racers as well as cruisers looking for an edge. At the show, the French builder also showcased their eco construction methods using recyclable resin and fibers.

Oyster Yachts 595


From a classic British builder comes a posh 60-footer designed to be cruised by two. The Oyster 595 is a center cockpit bluewater yacht that comes with a variety of keel and transom options. Seasoned distance sailors will make fast passages in the lap of luxury and with the supreme sense of safety that Oyster is known for.

Jeanneau Yachts 55


For opulent cruising under sail, Jeanneau has premiered the Yachts 55, a model where the owner’s suite occupies two thirds of the interior. Twin helms are positioned well forward with large L-shaped lounges tucked into the aft corners of the deck. It’s a revolutionary on-deck layout so it will be interesting to see how the market reacts.

Tecnorib Rebel 47


The Tecnorib Rebel 47 by Sacs Marine is a luxury open yacht and RIB like no other. Able to serve as a superyacht tender or standalone boat, this sexy speedster is available with stern drive or outboard propulsion packages. The tubes are neatly integrated so they’re hardly noticeable and between the upmarket interior cabin and the 38-knot top speed, this model is sure to capture the imaginations of all kinds of boaters.

Highfield 340E


All those large yachts will need a tender so Highfield Boats launched their 340 E 3.4 meter RIB and equipped it with ePropulsions’s Navy 6.0 Evo electric outboard. The recyclable aluminum hull carries five people and its environmentally-friendly motor produces little noise and requires just about no maintenance.

So Many New Boats And Innovations


Large boats are brought to Dusseldorf via the Rhine River and are hoisted out by a crane known as “Big Willi.” They’re then tucked into the show along with giant pools (some holding over 300,000 gallons of water) that are set up for windsurfing, foiling and wakeboarding demonstrations where a few lucky show attendees can try out new equipment. This year, Hall 15 offered sailing on a shallow pool with enormous fans generating an appropriate breeze for small boat tacking and gybing. There was even a lazy river where to paddle a kayak.

When nine days of the show became overwhelming, visitors could step out for some German schnitzel and brew or visit the 800-year-old cathedral in nearby Koln (Cologne).

If you’ve never visited boot, it’s worth a winter trip to Germany. If you’re boat shopping, it’s a downright must. Enjoy.

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