Hoist the anchor and full speed ahead: Interboot setting course for its 61st edition

The sun is shining, the wind is picking up, and the 61st Interboot is ready to cast off and set sail. Around 250 exhibitors in six halls will also be on board from September 17 to 25, 2022. They will be presenting their products, accessories, and industry innovations in the powerboat, sailboat, and recreational sports sectors. One of the hallmarks of the Interboot in Friedrichshafen is making it possible to experience water sports in a tangible manner, and after two years of ups and downs due to the coronavirus crisis, the International Water Sports Exhibition can once again show the cut of its jib: “Despite the pandemic, we were able to continuously and successfully host the Interboot. This is a basis we can now build on for the future. In the upcoming edition of the fair, we are finally planning to raise the Interboot flag at the harbor again, and more extensive opportunities for trying things out are also possible for all water sports fans, both on the open-air grounds and in the exhibition halls,” says Messe Friedrichshafen Managing Director Klaus Wellmann and Project Manager Felix Klarmann. In addition to the testing and shopping experience, trade show guests can expect a varied program of informative lectures as well as practical seminars and workshops.

At Interboot, the entire spectrum of water sports will be on display in six halls, in Outdoor Area West, and on the Fair Lake. Vendors of maritime fashion, lifestyle apparel, accessories, and supplies will round out the shopping experience. Experts from the free Charter & Cruise Advice Booth and the Sailing & Travel Competence Center will provide tips, information, and ideas to all travel enthusiasts. Lectures, seminars, and workshops will get water sports fans ready for their next adventure out on and in the water. “The number of exhibiting companies registered is at last year’s level, with many big brands from the last edition back on board. The Interboot Harbor invites you to linger and try things out, and we are going to be able to relaunch popular activities like the standing wave and the SUP Team Challenge this year,” Project Manager Felix Klarmann is pleased to report. As a new feature of the fair, the VIP parking spaces directly in the hall enable an exclusive trade fair experience.

SUP & Grill tour on Lake Constance

To get everyone in the mood for the Interboot, the SUP & Grill event will be touring the region on the first three weekends in August. On Saturdays and Sundays, a floating pontoon will be making stops along the German shore of Lake Constance. SUP fans can paddle by and get free snacks from the grill as well as a free beverage. The beats of an on-board DJ will ensure additional summer vibes. It is not necessary to pre-register for this event. 

A trip to paradise as the SUP Team Challenge prize

This competition is about nothing less than a chance to visit paradise: With the SUP Team Challenge, teams of two will compete against each other in completing a course that tests their skills on the stand-up paddle board in the Test Pool of Hall A5. The winners will fly to the Caribbean to participate in the second British Virgin Islands SUP Challenge next year. There they will spend a week completing stages of between 10 and 15 kilometers, traveling from island to island with idyllic beaches and turquoise blue water all along the way. The competitors will be accompanied and supported by a catamaran of charter company “The Moorings.” Those who are interested in facing this challenge can register www.interboot.com/the-interboot/board-and-trendsport/sup-team-challenge

Exclusive trade fair experience with the VIP parking ticket

Arrive relaxed and in style: With the new VIP parking ticket, your arrival at the fair becomes an exclusive event in itself. It costs just 49 euros and includes parking in Hall A2, admission for two, and a gift of wine at the booth of regional winegrower association Winzerverein Hagnau in the West Foyer. These tickets are only available online. www.interboot.com/visitors/tickets-online

Wave-riding fun: board sports and lifestyle in Hall A5

Action and fun take center stage also when it comes to board and trend sports. In addition to wakeboards, SUPs, surfboards, and the like, you will find the equipment, bodywear, and accessories that belong to the surfing and SUP lifestyle in the casual ambiance of Hall A5. There will be an SUP Test Pool for those who want to take a plunge on site, and fans of surfing can take advantage of the standing wave of the Interboot Surf Days. Boards and wetsuits will be provided to participants. A fixed time and date for this fun in the cool water can be booked online in advance, but it is also possible to take advantage of the offers spontaneously on-site.

Testing area on the Fair Lake

The Fair Lake next to the halls gives everyone a chance to try things out. At the trial sailing activity, interested water sports fans will have the opportunity to experience sailing. Inclusion is in the foreground with the integrative mini-12 sailboat program, where people with handicaps can learn how to safely handle these unsinkable boats that also cannot capsize. Safety will also be the highest priority at German Lifesaving Society demo presentations that will also take place there. A highlight of the Fair Lake will be the demonstration of the rescue dog team, which will rescue a person from the bottom of the lake. The Fair Lake is also available for trying out canoes, kayaks, and other sports equipment.

Interboot Harbor nails its colors to the mast

The Interboot Harbor on Lake Constance exudes a distinct maritime flair. Guests will find docks with sailboats, motorboats, and electric boats there, and those interested in making a purchase are invited to take the various watercraft on display for a spin. Classic boats can be admired during the entire fair at the Classic Boat Pier. Boat owners will be on hand to answer questions about their vessels, technology, and history. These rare specimens can be admired in all their glory during the Classic Boat Regatta on September 17, 2022. Visitors will also have a chance to enjoy a relaxing sundowner by the lake after the fair closes for the day, for which the Interboot Harbor offers the ideal setting.

Nautical Switzerland presents itself at jointly sponsored booth

Hall B1 is firmly in the hands of the Swiss.  Under the banner of Suisse@Interboot, the Swiss will be presenting their motorboats and yachts and inviting the public to learn more, talk shop, and make purchases. As usual, all visitors from Switzerland will receive free admission on Interboot Thursday.

Artisanal boat construction on Lake Constance

In Hall A3, regional boat builders will be presenting themselves at a large booth jointly sponsored by the Lake Constance shipyards. Visitors will be able to talk to boat building experts, obtain information, discuss technical issues, and admire the beauty crafted by domestic boat builders.

The ABCs of water sports at the Interboot Academy

The Interboot Academy will be offering a platform for all active water sports enthusiasts, with practical workshops for refreshing your knowledge about VHF radio and electronic navigation as well as a plotter seminar. A new offering this year is a seminar that provides tips on finding the perfect blue water yacht. And the Academy also has a lot to offer in terms of hands-on learning: in addition to sunset cruising and sailing on weekends, there is a course for fine-tuning your harbor maneuvering skills so you can pull up to the dock without stress in the future. Tickets are available at www.interboot.com/visitors/tickets-online

Hone your instincts during trailer training

Steely nerves are also required when parking and maneuvering on land: At the Trailer Training powered by Mazda, water sports professionals and novices can practice maneuvering boat trailers under the guidance of experts in Outdoor Area West. 

Wanderlust ahoy at the Charter & Cruise Advice Booth

Water sports fans who want to get specific tips and ideas for their next trip out on the water will find just the right information at Interboot’s Charter & Cruise Advice Booth. Jürgen Strassburger and Michael Amme will be providing anyone bitten by the nautical travel bug with the opportunity to have a free consultation on their next sailing or motorboat excursion. www.interboot.com/the-interboot/travel-charter/charter-tour-advice

All fans of sailing and motorboating can also find a way to get away from it all right next door at the Sailing & Travel Competence Center. In addition to classic daysailor concepts and alternative sailing solutions, a wide array of dream destinations will also be presented.

IBN Action Area

At the IBN Action Area in Hall A4, Coach Oliver Ochse and other speakers will be providing interesting and informative advice about Lake Constance as a water sports region as well as practical sailing tips.

Get your sea legs on the International Ocean Film Tour

The depths of the world’s oceans and snow-capped glacial landscapes will captivate Interboot visitors as they enjoy the popular International Ocean Film Tour. Starting at 6 pm on Friday, September 23, five short films featuring action-packed kite surfing and breathtaking wave riding as well as conquering of ice canyons will be shown. Admission is included in the fair ticket price.  www.interboot.de/oceanfilmtour

Compete for prizes in the inflatable boat slalom event and the Interboot Trophy

On the first Interboot weekend, participants in the German Youth Championship in inflatable boat slalom will be offering up exciting head-to-head contests on a variety of different courses marked by buoys. To win the title of German Champion, starters need to demonstrate not only speed but above all skill in the individual maneuvers. The championship is organized by the German Motor Yacht Association.

As is tradition, the Interboot Trophy will again begin on the first weekend of the fair. In view of the Württemberg Yacht Club in Friedrichshafen, experienced crews piloting top-notch regatta sailboats of the J/70 class will compete for victory for the 18th time.

Diving deep with the InterDive

The InterDive trade fair, as a parallel event on the second Interboot weekend (September 22 to 25) will feature an entire hall for divers and snorkelers.  For the 10th time, leading manufacturers of diving equipment and accessories ranging from snorkels and complete diving equipment to insider tips for fantastic diving destinations will be presenting a wide range of products in Hall B5.