New platform strengthens B2B exchange across the international superyacht industry at boot Düsseldorf.

On 28 January 2027, the working group Deutsche Yachten will launch the inaugural “Superyacht Thursday powered by boot Düsseldorf”, introducing an exclusive new event format designed to foster professional exchange across the international superyacht industry during boot Düsseldorf.
The event will bring together industry leaders through a programme of high-profile presentations, panel discussions and extensive networking opportunities. Its objective is to connect key stakeholders from across the superyacht sector while further strengthening the B2B profile of the world’s largest yacht and watersports show.

The day will begin before the exhibition opens with the Superyacht Breakfast, taking place from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Designed for around 100 invited guests, the breakfast will feature renowned experts representing different areas of the industry. Under the overarching theme of Refit, speakers will explore current developments, key challenges and future opportunities within one of the fastest-growing segments of the superyacht market. As the global superyacht fleet continues to expand and sustainability requirements and technological innovation drive demand for modernisation, the refit sector is becoming increasingly important.
Confirmed speakers joining moderator Marcus Krall for the discussion include Peter Hürzeler, CEO of Ocean Independence, yacht designer Katharina Raczek, and Tim Schommer, Partner at Noorden Jones. Additional high-profile speakers have been invited and will be announced in the coming months.

Following the English-language conference and panel discussions, the focus will shift to networking. In an informal setting, participants will have the opportunity to reconnect with existing contacts, establish new business relationships and exchange ideas on the latest developments shaping the industry. The “Superyacht Thursday powered by boot Düsseldorf” has been specifically designed to encourage closer collaboration between shipyards, owner’s representatives, designers, service providers and other key players across the superyacht sector.

The programme continues in the afternoon at the Deutsche Yachten stand with the “Meet Our Members” session. Members of the Deutsche Yachten working group will have the opportunity to meet international visitors, business partners and industry professionals, creating valuable opportunities for networking and new business collaborations. The format also provides member companies with increased visibility and an ideal setting for personal conversations.
The day will conclude with an evening reception at the Deutsche Yachten stand, traditionally located at the heart of Hall 7a. Against the backdrop of live music and finger food, guests will be able to continue discussions in a relaxed atmosphere while further expanding their professional networks.

Jörg Bubelach, Chairman of the Deutsche Yachten working group within the German Maritime Industries Association (VMWD), explains the initiative:
“With the launch of the ‘Superyacht Thursday powered by boot Düsseldorf’, Deutsche Yachten is pursuing a clear strategic objective. We want to attract more owner’s representatives and shipyards that are not currently exhibiting at boot Düsseldorf and encourage them to visit the show. In doing so, we aim to further strengthen the event’s B2B profile and reinforce boot Düsseldorf’s position as a leading international platform for the global superyacht industry.”

Petros Michelidakis, Director of boot Düsseldorf, adds: “The superyacht industry thrives on innovation, personal relationships and trusted partnerships. At the same time, there is growing demand for platforms where decision-makers can discuss the latest market developments and build meaningful business connections. ‘Superyacht Thursday powered by boot Düsseldorf’ has been created to meet exactly this need, combining high-quality content with outstanding networking opportunities in a dedicated industry format.”

Participation in the “Superyacht Thursday powered by boot Düsseldorf” is by invitation from Deutsche Yachten and boot Düsseldorf. Industry professionals interested in attending are also invited to pre-register by emailing hamburg@vmwd.org.