60th Interboot trade fair casts off for a grand tour
July 20, 2021 | Friedrichshafen, Germany—The international water sports exhibition is braving the choppy waters of the coronavirus pandemic. Last year, it was one of very few trade fairs that even took place – under very unusual circumstances. This September will bring a special edition of the rendezvous for fans of sailboats, motorboats and watery fun: The 60th Interboot will lure around 250 exhibiting companies to Friedrichshafen, Germany, in order to celebrate the latest products and trends. "Following the extraordinary circumstances of last year, we're all the more pleased to be able to celebrate this special occasion. Six decades of Interboot underscore the significance of this trade fair for the region," said Klaus Wellmann, CEO of Messe Friedrichshafen. In addition to shopping opportunities, the public can expect specialist presentations and practical tips from experts as well as exciting highlights. As befits the momentous occasion, a special exhibit will take visitors on a journey through six decades of water sports.
For fans of stand-up paddling, it will begin even before the official kickoff in September, with SUP & Grill. The center of this event will be a floating pontoon, which will be anchored at different locations near the shore of Lake Constance on various weekends. SUPers are invited to come alongside for free barbecue and a cold drink. A DJ will be spreading good vibes around the raft to encourage people to stay a while. No registration is necessary. It is not required that visitors bring their own SUP boards, but it is recommended. Find out all of the dates, locations and further information here: WWW.INTERBOOT.DE/SUP-N-GRILL
The international water sports exhibition presents: anything and everything fun that floats! This September, sailing and motor yachts, electric boats, rubber boats, dinghies, canoes, kayaks, kite-, wake- and surfboards, motors, electronics, clothing, and accessories of all kinds will be on show in six exhibition halls, the foyer, and the West outdoor area of the Friedrichshafen exhibition grounds. "We hope to give back the industry the meeting spot it deserves. After a whole year without a big water sports exhibition in Germany, everyone involved is incredibly excited," reported project lead Dirk Kreidenweiß. For the first exhibitors, preparations for the 60th edition of the water sports trade fair are already well underway: "For Sunbeam Yachts, an Austrian boat building yard, the Interboot has been one of the most important trade fairs for decades. In fact, this year we'll be celebrating the world premiere of our new Sunbeam 32.1 at the Interboot. We're looking forward to September and getting lots of visitors," said the CEO of Sunbeam Watersports GmbH, Andreas Schöchl.
Consultations on charter and sailing trips
Anyone in need of tips or inspiration for their next sailing trip or cruise can find all the information they need on various regions at the charter and sailing trip consultations. Whether it's the Canaries or Turkey, Greece or the Caribbean: Experienced experts such as Michael Amme and Jürgen Straßburger will be happy to pass on their knowledge for free. For a personal consultation, it is recommended that you register here: WWW.INTERBOOT.DE/CHARTERBERATUNG
Expert advice in practical terms
Sailing and motor boating fans ought to make sure to visit the West Foyer. There the Sailing and Travel Competence Center will provide useful tips all about the dreamiest destinations, classic daysailing ideas, and alternative sailing solutions. The IBN Activity Area will also host presentations all about sailing and traveling. For inspiring workshops and interesting seminars, be sure to visit the Interboot Academy, where the program will have something for everyone, including Bobby Schenk's seminar on bluewater sailing, other presentations on astronavigation, Mediterranean charters, and sunset cruising and sailing, as well as refresher courses on VHF radio, radar plotting, and harbor maneuvering. These events are subject to fees. Please register at the following link: WWW.INTERBOOT.DE/ACADEMY
Up close and personal trailer training
Last year's event was booked up, so this year those interested will have another opportunity to learn about and practice driving with a boat trailer. Experts will be on hand to help you practice using and maneuvering with a trailer. You can register at WWW.INTERBOOT.DE/TRAILERTRAINING or at the event.
Cast off for the Interboot Trophy
Friday the 18th and Saturday the 19th will see sails being hoisted for the 17th annual Interboot Trophy. This highlight for fans of high-class regatta sailing will see the crews cross the starting line right in front of the Friedrichshafen waterfront. This will be the third time that the Interboot Trophy will be contested in J/70-class boats and overseen by the Württemberg yacht club.
Experience the surfing lifestyle at the trend sports and boarding area
Fans of boards of any kind mustn't miss Hall A5, which will be fully devoted to surfing, kiting, wakeboarding and waveriding. In addition to boards, there will be clothing, accessories of all kinds, and the latest fashions and trends to purchase. Visit the Beach Cinema for vacation vibes, with exciting movies all about waves and water. Visitors large and small will definitely be drawn to the large tryout pool for stand-up paddling.
Ocean Time
On Friday, September 24, at 6 p.m. in Hall A2, the best four highlights of seven years' worth of ocean films will thrill the audience with Hawaiian surfing, kiting and SUP action, boat chases in iceberg fields, and hard-hitting competitive sailing. The International Ocean Film Tour, whose mission is to raise awareness and support for the protection of the ocean, has been a fixture at Interboot for years now. The entrance fee is included in the exhibition ticket.
Go under at the InterDive
Fans of water sports who prefer to be in instead of on the water shouldn't miss the InterDive, a parallel event that will take place on the second Interboot weekend: from Thursday, September 23, to Sunday, September 26, in Hall B5. Whether it's diving equipment or useful info on your next destination, between the exhibitors' booths and the interesting presentation program, you'll be able to find whatever you need.
From Saturday, September 18, to Sunday, September 26, the Interboot will be presenting the entire world of water sports. Tried and tested hygiene and safety protocols will be in place. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Friday to Sunday. Tickets are available online only. Day tickets cost 13 euros, with a reduced rate of 10 euros. Family tickets are available for 29 euros. Children between six and 14 years of age will be admitted for five euros. Find out more online at WWW.INTERBOOT.DE, WWW.FACEBOOK.DE/INTERBOOT, www.instagram.com/interboot.friedrichshafen and #interboot.