What’s New from the Düsseldorf Boat Show 2026

The boot Düsseldorf 2026, held from 17 to 25 January, once again confirmed its role as a key platform for the international sailing industry. Although it takes place far from the sea, the show represents each year the first major opportunity to see up close the latest developments in the world of sailing yachts and multihulls — including world premieres, emerging market directions, and yachts freshly recognised by Europe’s most prestigious awards.

This year’s message is clear: boatbuilders are focusing on real performance, intelligent design, and genuine open-sea capability. Here are the most relevant developments from the world of sailing:

Sailing enters a new era of real-world usability

Across the various sailing-dedicated halls, the trend was unmistakable: designers and shipyards are no longer chasing short-lived solutions, but refining concepts that truly work at sea. This value becomes even stronger when such innovations are presented as world premieres or validated through independent testing — as is the case with the European Yacht of the Year 2026 awards, assigned by a jury of European nautical journalists.

The new Beneteau benchmark — First 60 world premiere

One of the most anticipated moments of the show was the world premiere of the Beneteau First 60, officially unveiled in Düsseldorf as the new flagship of the First range dedicated to performance cruisers.

At 60 feet, this yacht represents a decisive step toward integrating true sailing performance with long-range cruising comfort. The hydrodynamically optimised hull and a deck layout designed for efficient sail handling mark a new phase for high-performance cruising yachts. Its debut at boot Düsseldorf further confirms the show’s role as a launchpad for models aimed at the international market.

Displayed alongside other sporty and cruising-oriented models, the First 60 delivers a clear message: versatility and sailing enjoyment can coexist even on large yachts — a fundamental evolution for sailors seeking ocean-going capability without sacrificing sporty sensations.

Also bearing the Beneteau name, the First 30 was on display as well. This compact yacht won the European Yacht of the Year 2026 – Performance Cruiser (Monohull) award. Praised for making performance sailing accessible on a manageable platform, the First 30 combines responsive handling with comfortable interiors, suitable for both weekend sailing and longer cruises. An award that confirms how performance sailing can be both engaging and practical.

Together, the First 60 and First 30 clearly express the Beneteau philosophy for 2026: a coherent range capable of covering everything from sporty coastal sailing to offshore cruising.

First 60 – © Beneteau Group

Catamarans in the spotlight: Excess 13 and Lagoon 38

Multihulls were impossible to ignore — not as a secondary option, but as a central expression of today’s sailing demand.

Excess 13 – German premiere and award-winning yacht

The Excess 13 attracted significant attention from both the public and the media. Presented as a German premiere, it represents a more dynamic phase in cruising catamaran design.

The model also won the European Yacht of the Year 2026 – Family Cruiser, an award recognising its ability to combine liveable spaces, ease of handling, and sailing quality. A layout designed to enhance both life on board and the sailing experience makes the Excess 13 a benchmark for the new generation of multihulls.

Excess 13 at boot Düsseldorf 2026

Lagoon 38 – regional premiere

Another standout in the catamaran world was the Lagoon 38, presented as a German premiere. This new version introduces ergonomic improvements and an even more rational layout in one of the most in-demand size segments, confirming that catamarans are now central both in charter fleets and private ownership.

These premieres show how catamarans continue to evolve toward ever-higher standards of comfort, ease of use, and overall quality.

Lagoon 38 – © Lagoon Catamarans

Bluewater and luxury: Pure 42 and Wauquiez 55

Two monohulls awarded at the European Yacht of the Year highlight the depth and diversity of sailing innovation in 2026:

Pure 42 – Bluewater Cruiser

The Pure 42 received the European Yacht of the Year 2026 – Bluewater Cruiser award and was also presented as a world premiere.

Built with lightweight yet robust materials and equipped with a hydraulically lifting keel, it excels in autonomy and offshore capability. It is a yacht designed for sailors who want to undertake long ocean passages in complete safety, while maintaining an engaging sailing experience.

Pure 42 at boot Düsseldorf 2026

Wauquiez 55 – Luxury Cruiser

The Wauquiez 55, winner of the European Yacht of the Year 2026 – Luxury Cruiser, represents excellence in high-end sailing. Designed for experienced owners, it combines refined interiors, carefully studied ergonomics, and a hull engineered to sail efficiently under sail, without compromise.

Wauquiez 55 at boot Düsseldorf 2026

Our thoughts on the Boat Show

Taken together, the world premieres and award-winning yachts at boot Düsseldorf 2026 outline a sailing industry that:

• Evolves comfort and performance in parallel
• Confirms the central role of catamarans in modern cruising
• Responds to growing demand for true offshore capability
• Combines refined design with real-world usability

These are not abstract concepts, but production models that have been presented, tested, and recognised by industry professionals.

Looking ahead: experiencing these yachts in charter

Many of the yachts unveiled and awarded at boot Düsseldorf 2026 are already attracting the attention of leading charter companies and will soon be added to fleets worldwide. This means the innovations seen at the show will not remain on paper: you will be able to experience them first-hand on your next sailing holiday.

Would you like to stay updated on new fleet additions, standout models, and the best boats for each destination? Subscribe to our newsletter to receive curated insights and stay up to date with the most exciting yachts on the market — perfectly suited to your next adventure at sea.