The Helsinki Boat Show is Europe’s second largest indoor boat show
Helsinki International Boat Show, Vene 26 Båt, presented a wide range of products for boating, fishing and watersports. A total of 400 boats were on display, the majority of them from Finnish brands. One of the main strengths of Northern Europe’s largest boating event is the strong commitment and broad participation of Finnish industry players. The Finnish boats also attracted interest among international visitors, who were seen in increasing numbers at the show. Vene 26 Båt was held from 6–15 February 2026 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.
Vene 26 Båt brought together 288 companies and attracted nearly 55,000 visitors. The total attendance thus returned to the 2024 level. In 2025, the Helsinki Outdoor & Hunting Fair was organised during the first weekend of the boat show, which means the visitor figures are not directly comparable. Next year, the Helsinki Outdoor & Hunting Fair will once again take place in parallel with the boat show.
“Helsinki International Boat Show is an impressive event that receives high praise also from international visitors. Many are genuinely surprised by the extensive and diverse range on display. Vene 26 Båt is Europe’s second largest indoor boat show, directly after Boot Düsseldorf. In fact, many of the boats travel straight from Düsseldorf to Helsinki for the show. It is easy to feel proud of the Finnish boating industry, which despite the challenging economic situation demonstrates confidence in the future and wants to present its new products broadly at the show. Although the Finnish boat industry forms the backbone of the exhibition, it is the international boat and marine equipment manufacturers that give the event a distinctly international character,” says Jarkko Pajusalo, CEO of the Finnish Marine Industries Federation Finnboat.
At the boat show deals are made, contacts are established and networks are built
Sailing boats once again attracted large numbers of visitors this year. Many come to admire and dream about big boats, but business is also being done.
Nord Star took part in the show with two large cruisers, one of which was a 49-foot luxury yacht. The high-end boats are built in Kokkola. The boatyard’s CEO, Simon Lindkvist, was pleased with the positive atmosphere at the show.
“We made important contacts that will be followed up after the show and developed into business. The boats attracted great interest among visitors, and thousands of people stepped on board. We had some international visitors, mainly from Estonia. Many asked questions and were surprised to learn that the boats are built in Finland. Around 10 per cent of annual production is sold on the Finnish market, with the remainder exported”.
The Finnish-built Predacast 430 Striker won the public vote in the category Fishing Boat of the Show. The boat’s designer, Mika Kärkkäinen, is pleased with the attention the new model has received. The boat is designed for very demanding use, and its fully welded hull is made of extra-strong, 4 mm marine-grade aluminium.
“We launched a new Finnish fishing boat here at the boat show, and visitor interest was very strong. We did close some deals, but many still want to wait for the opportunity to test drive the boat in Ristiina. The boat’s Finnish origin is absolutely crucial, and we also want to keep production in Finland. In addition to Finnish visitors, we had interest from Sweden and Estonia as well,” says Kärkkäinen.
Accessories and equipment are at least as important at the boat show as the boats themselves, and this year’s selection was once again extensive. Vetus presented its onboard systems at the show. Country Manager Kim Koskinen is satisfied with this year’s event. “At the boat show, we can present our products and services in a comprehensive way. Personal contact with customers is important, and it arises naturally here. At the show, we meet both industry professionals and consumers – this is undoubtedly the place to be”.
The boat show ran for ten days
Vene 26 Båt was held from 6–15 February 2026 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. The Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre organises Northern Europe’s largest boating event on behalf of the Finnish Marine Industries Federation Finnboat. The event’s sustainability partner in 2026 was WWF Finland.
Vene 27 Båt will be held from 12–21 February 2027 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.
More information: Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, Teija Armanto, Communications Manager, Tel. +358 50 376 0804
www.venemessut.fi/sv #venemessut @venemessut
Images from the boat show: http://mediabank.messukeskus.com
