Düsseldorf-25: Trends in the Yachting Market

The Düsseldorf exhibition is the largest yacht show, where industry trends become clearly visible. Our team traditionally represented the Beneteau and Lagoon shipyards. However, we also aimed to understand what is happening in the yachting industry. Is it experiencing a new surge of development, or is it facing a crisis? Let's break it down. This review will focus solely on the sailing yacht segment, though most trends are similar across the industry.

Boot 2025 Summary in Numbers:

• The exhibition was attended by approximately 200,000 people. This is less than the previous year (214,000) and far from the record-breaking 2019, when 250,000 visitors attended.
• Visitors came from 113 countries, with one-third from abroad. Most came from neighboring Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, the UK, and France. Turkey and Switzerland followed, with growing interest from North America and Asia.
• Exhibitors represented 67 countries, totaling around 1,500, similar to previous years.
• Two-thirds of professionals at the exhibition (63%) were from outside Germany, with Italy, the Netherlands, and France being the most represented.
• 97% of surveyed attendees at the exit stated they were "very satisfied" with the range of brands and models presented.

Observations Beyond the Numbers

In 2025, there was only one catamaran at the boat show — the Excess-11. Other shipyards either did not attend or limited themselves to small booths. Where catamarans once stood, now there were palm trees in pots or just empty spaces. Multihull manufacturers have shifted to their own exhibition in La Grande-Motte (France, late April). However, this did not prevent Lagoon from attracting full crowds throughout the day and hosting lively parties for their guests after closing hours.

Several major sailing yacht manufacturers skipped the exhibition, including Bavaria, Hanse, and Elan. Many smaller manufacturers like Sunbeam and Italia were also absent. Oyster also disappeared from the radar (uncertain whether they are still considered a major player). Their absence left empty spaces in the pavilion, which not long ago was highly competitive for spots. It resembles tidal waters — currently receding. The question is whether it has reached its lowest point.

Notably, the prestigious European Yacht of the Year award is presented at Düsseldorf. Of the five winners for 2025, two were absent: Hanse and Nautitech. The J-40, Contest-63, and Baycruiser-21 were available for viewing. As seen from past winners, receiving this coveted prize does not guarantee commercial success or longevity for a shipyard. Examples include Shipman, Najad, Salona, and Sly.

Yacht booths introduced mandatory registration for entry, sometimes leading to queues. Some shipyards implemented stricter controls, making access a challenge. Others were crowded from morning till evening. At Beneteau, for example, the last visitors were escorted half an hour after closing on the final day, while other exhibitors were already packing up their stands and equipment.

Trends

Sustainability: What was once a widespread focus has now faded. Some electric engines and hybrid propulsion systems remain, but sustainability is no longer a dominant trend.

Materials: A few manufacturers showcased yachts made with Elium resin, designed for recyclability at the end of their lifespan. This appears to be a fully developed and implemented solution. Previously, new eco-materials were everywhere, leading to large, heavy yacht designs.

Lack of a Dominant Trend: No single innovation is leading the market. Manufacturers are no longer universally adopting:

• Foils (hydrofoils);
• Electric propulsion systems;
• Eco-friendly materials;
• Lithium-ion batteries replacing lead-acid ones;
• Solar panels on all surfaces;
• Synthetic alternatives to natural wood;
• New interior layouts;
• A return to classic designs.

All these trends exist, but none dominate the market.

Industry Discussions Behind the Scenes

The charter market is oversaturated: New yachts are being ordered, but not everywhere and not by everyone. Last year was extremely difficult for Croatia, the largest charter market, with many small companies forced to offer discounts of up to 50%. This year looks slightly better, but uncertainty remains high. A single "black swan" event could trigger another round of liquidation sales, forcing some companies out of business and their yachts onto the second-hand market. If you're looking to buy a used cruiser, now is the time to start searching.

Beneteau's Croatian dealer did not sell a single yacht during the exhibition: This is not a catastrophe, as sales have shifted to private test sessions in recent years. However, the trend is apparent.

Lagoon's leadership has dismissed solar-powered propulsion systems for the foreseeable future: When asked about adapting a developed solar-powered system, Lagoon executives directly stated that such experiments are not on their agenda for the coming years.

Conclusions

Yacht exhibitions are no longer the primary industry driver: The COVID-19 pandemic was the first sign. Exhibitions were canceled, but sales continued despite logistical challenges. Shipyards adapted, learning to sell directly. This trend has already led to the decline of the Paris, Hamburg, and Dutch boat shows. Southampton may be next, and if the downward trajectory continues, even Düsseldorf could follow.

Shipyards are conserving resources and waiting: The yachting industry is heavily dependent on economic conditions (albeit not in a linear manner). The global economy is teetering on the edge, making the situation highly unstable. However, in such moments, bold players capture market share from weaker competitors. Every shipyard is meticulously calculating costs and preserving resources.

The charter market has contracted sharply: Will it recover or decline further? No one knows for sure. The industry is highly dependent on charter demand. Some view the situation as a return to normalcy after an abnormal COVID-driven boom. Perhaps, returning to a balanced market is exactly what is needed now.

The yachting industry existed before the rise of boat shows: The decline of exhibitions does not signal the end of the market. Innovation is often associated only with production technologies, but maybe it’s time to start choosing yachts by actually sailing them?

Photo: Messe Düsseldorf / ctillmann