Dusseldorf.
After a two-year Corona break, the water sports fair “Boot” is back. Visitors to Düsseldorf can look forward to this.
It’s not a “boat” yet, it’s still a construction site. They unload boats, tear down tarpaulins, saw stands to size; and trade fair director Petros Michelidakis admonishes a group of visitors from a kind of bridge: “Pay attention to what could be lying in front of your feet.” Today there will be no more anchors and ropes in the way: The huge water sports fair is back. Cast off, “boat”.
How is the mood on the “Boot” after a two-year Corona break?
“Everyone is happy,” says Petros Michelidakis, “euphoria has broken out.” 1,500 exhibitors from all over the world will come together in 2023.
What does such a “boot” show?
The name is the program. But there is much more: accessories and engines, maritime art (Hall 7) or holiday offers for water (sports) fans (13). There you can get to know holiday countries and destinations, experience book presentations or travel bloggers. Diving centers from all over the world present themselves, for example from Egypt and Israel, Mauritius, Oman.
The largest boat of the “Boot”?
Is in Hall 6 and is called “Sunseeker Meros Signature 25.” More than 28 meters long, 3900 hp, 25 knots fast. So that it doesn’t get boring at sea, she has jet skis with a crane, seabobs, a kind of floating donut and a multimedia system. With a price of around 15 million euros, the ship is of course only considered an “entry-level model in the superyacht segment”. But the price is irrelevant.
Why?
The German company Meros, which is in the name, manages “yacht sharing”. Each partner can purchase an eighth of the ship and thus obtain the right to six weeks’ vacation on board. Captain, stewardess and cook are included. According to one employee, the starting price is around one million pounds. Meros wants to expand in the Mediterranean.
What can you do on the “Boot” if you don’t just want to look?
In hall 14 there is an approximately 100 meter long paddling channel in the backdrop of a deep forest. In Hall 15, children can get in touch with sailing and take a ride in an Optimist, a small boat. Motor boat simulator, surf academy, swim like a mermaid. . . In Hall 12, beginners can try diving, while advanced divers can go to proper underwater training in the new diving tower.
Is there a thematic focus on the “Boot”?
Yes. Environment. Hall 10 has its own stage for discussion forums on topics such as sustainability in boat production and water sports or the environmentally friendly orientation of ports and marinas. In the exhibition area you will find, among other things, electric outboard motors, catamarans with a solar panel on the roof or boats that can no longer simply empty their waste water tank into the water.
What do I pay for the “Boot”?
The regular online admission price is 19 euros, the afternoon ticket (valid from 2 p.m.) is 10 euros. Admission at the box office costs 27 euros.
And the opening hours of the “Boot”?
From 21st to 29th January every day from 10am to 6pm. The official opening this Saturday at 9.30 a.m. will be streamed. You can find the link to it – as well as numerous details about the program – on www.boot.de.
More articles from this category can be found here: Rhine and Ruhr
