Networking and new boats

On the eve of a visit to the Dusseldorf Show , there’s always a frisson of excitement. The show is just so vast that even in the two days I’ll spend there, it’ll be nigh on impossible to get round everyone I want to speak to. It feels a little like walking into a vast toyshop, with glorious, sparkly bits of sailing hardware on every hand. In total, 17 halls dedicated to every element of on-the-water activity, from fishing and wakeboarding to mini subs and charter holidays. Everybody in the marine world is there at some point during the nine-day event, and it’s where most builders aim to launch their latest models. New trends become apparent, fresh ideas are launched and friends old and new are met over a thimble of the local brew (they serve beer in 200ml glasses here). You can read about the best of the new boats in the April issue of ST (on sale 26 February).