An international trade show that helps gain credibility
"International" this is the word that was in all the mouths of the French! The Boot in Düsseldorf attracts a European (and even worldwide) audience. The geographical location of Düsseldorf, much more central than Paris, undoubtedly favors the arrival of individuals and professionals from all over Europe. For boatyards, it is a guarantee of credibility to be present at the German show, and especially to present a boat. Some French exhibitors prefer Düsseldorf to Paris to bring a boat. This was the case for Structures, which presented its new Pogo 36, elected European sailboat of the year 2017.
In the aisles of the show, one could hear German, but also English, Polish, even Russian... This is what prompted Fountaine Pajot to present the world premiere of its new motor catamaran, the MY44. "It's a truly international show and the audience matches our clientele. In addition, given the size of the boat, we are in Hall 6, reserved for superyachts, which is a very good location for a world premiere. Apart from this aspect, the boat would not have been ready for a presentation in Paris" explains Yves de Kerangat, Flagship Director at Fountaine Pajot.
But in addition to reaching private individuals, this show is also an opportunity to maintain links with professionals (dealers, retailers). For boat builders, the Boot is similar to the METS (equipment manufacturers' trade fair in Amsterdam, which is reserved for professionals).
This was explained by Frédéric Buléon, sales representative for ProMarine, a semi-rigid boat brand, who was able to meet Corsican dealers in Germany! This is also where Tiwal was able to set up its dealer network several years ago.
For Florian Coroller, export manager of Rhéa Marine, the Boot is also an opportunity to "to get ideas for innovations and trends, both in terms of booths and boat fittings." The shipyard from La Rochelle has been present in Germany for 15 to 20 years, just like Led Concept or Walder on the equipment side.
The Wrighton shipyard, which produces the famous Bi-Loup, was also making its comeback in Germany since the takeover of the company. "The opportunity for us to (re) make ourselves known to a European clientele."
In the light sailing area, only two exhibitors felt that the number of visitors had decreased over the last two years.
A much more technical and qualified clientele
In Düsseldorf, visitors come to buy! Except on weekends, when there are many onlookers who come to dream a little while visiting boats, during the week, contracts are signed! This is the case for ProMarine, which sold 5 boats during the first 5 days of the German show, or XO Boats, which presented two new boats as world premieres and had already sold 2 units of each after only half the show. The same is true for Sea Ray, or even for the larger boats, such as Absolute.
At Croix du Sud Marine (equipment), we noted a greater technicality of the customers, who know their boat better than the French. "In Paris, we had avoided presenting certain products that were too technical, whereas here they fit perfectly."
A show where we sell
The criticism that everyone makes of Paris? The visitor can't buy gifts for himself at the fair and can't leave with his purchases at the end of the visit. In Düsseldorf, this is not a problem, because no matter which hall, everyone can sell. A big plus for the equipment manufacturers! "On some products, we were robbed, we didn't plan on enough stock!" explains Croix du Sud Marine. Like all German trade fairs, the Boot is a fair where you sell.
The clothing manufacturers have a showroom for each major brand in Hall 11, as do the large OEM platforms (Compass, AW...). And all you have to do is go to Hall 12, just behind the partition (and therefore not have to cross the entire hall) to access the sales stands.
So that Paris regains its place as a great nautical festival?
It's an open secret that the Paris Boat Show has dropped significantly in terms of exhibitors, events and visitors. And many exhibitors have suggested that from now on, they would prefer the Boot, even if it means skipping the Paris show. Let's hope that the new organizer of the Paris Boat Show, who is taking over this year, will be able to revitalize this sector and restore the appeal of this beautiful annual event that has left such a lasting impression on the boating world and on the minds of boaters... It's up to you, the organizers!
