Who’s In for a Boat Show Tour in Europe?

Boats and more boats, sail, power and more

Apr 24, 2025

Next January is a long time from now, but when it comes, you’ll thank me when we are strolling through BOOT in Dusseldorf, the world’s largest indoor show.  Thanks to the folks at the show and their travel associates, Canadian Boating and OnBoard are putting together a boat lover’s itinerary.  After landing, we will head to BOOT’s Media Week  for leisurely visits at 16-building show that exceeds your boat show dreams. Next a custom tour of Bavaria facility Giebelstadt,  Germany’s very big builder of sail and power boats that may well be in your plans. 

In Dusseldorf, besides the show we are setting up group rates at 4-star hotel and visits to the incredible row of bierkellars to sample the famous Altbier (the party street is called ‘the longest bar in the world’ even in the winter) and perhaps some shopping on the Konigstrasse luxury boulevard. Dusseldorf isn’t Munich, but it’s a very charming, easily navigated small city that you’ll love.

This is the crew for the Bavaria booth at BOOT – wow!

After the shipyard tour, you’ll head to Frankfort where it’s kind of up to you. A week of skiing or some sun in the Canaries or.. whatever you like. The travel guys will custom build a vacay to your specifications. Or you can head home – your call.

The whole project, flights, hotels, itineraries is currently in the works and soon we can provide nailed-down details. What we know is that BOOT starts on January 17, 2026 and we hope to have a ticket with your name on it.

When the Canadian winter returns, as it inevitably must, a huge boat show and European adventure is going to look like a very excellent idea!

If you would like to join the mailing list for more info, please email onboard@kerrwil.com and put BOOT in the subject line. We will forward all the particulars including hotel, flight other pricing based on how many of us are heading over as soon as the travel guys sort it all out. 

John Morris, Online Editor

Related Articles

Video Gallery

Starcraft SV 16 OB

By Craig Ritchie

Photos by Starcraft Marine

Building great boats has always come down to a mix of art and science, and that’s particularly true when it comes to meeting the biggest challenge of all—creating an appealing yet affordable family runabout. Buyers want a boat that is affordable but not stripped to the bare bones.

Enter Starcraft and its delightful SV 16 OB, an all-new-for-2025 family deck boat that elegantly balances comfort, amenities and affordability.

Read More

Destinations

The Erie Canal – An Extraordinary Waterway

By Mark Stevens

Photos by Sharon Matthews-Stevens

As I shift our chartered canal boat into neutral, I’m soothed by the soundtrack of bird calls, the occasional plaintive horn of a distant train and the hum of our engine.

I reach for the VHF to radio the lockmaster in charge of Erie Canal’s Lock 32 dead ahead. Our boat spins gently in the current like a maple key in a mud puddle.

“This is Onondaga,” I say. “Headed westbound and requesting passage.”

Read More

Lifestyle