ancora YACHTFESTIVAL Neustadt in Holstein

The ancora YACHTFESTIVAL is Germany’s largest in-water boat show and, since its inception in 2010, has become one of the most important meeting points for water sports enthusiasts and maritime industry professionals.
Each year, for three days, the ancora Marina in Neustadt in Holstein—one of the most modern private marinas on the Baltic Sea—transforms into a hub of maritime experiences. The festival is organized by YACHTFESTIVAL365 GmbH, a seasoned team with extensive industry knowledge that has created an exclusive platform where the latest trends in boating are not only showcased but brought to life.

At the heart of the exhibition are around 170 sail and motor yachts, moored in the water, ranging from six to 24 meters in length. Among them are models from internationally renowned brands such as Hallberg-Rassy, Hanse, Bavaria, X-Yachts, Beneteau, and Jeanneau. Visitors can explore the boats directly from the docks, compare features side by side, and board many of them for a closer look. The lineup includes everything from elegant yachts and sporty daysailers to catamarans, sport cruisers, and compact entry-level models—a range that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned boat owners.

With over 100 exhibitors and a 1,500-square-meter exhibition hall, the festival also serves as a dedicated forum for maritime equipment, navigation and safety technology, electric mobility on the water, high-quality accessories, and technical apparel. It functions not just as a trade and presentation platform, but also as a stage for innovation—hosting numerous world premieres such as the Saare 47 and Hallberg-Rassy 69, which made their German debut at the event.

Another defining feature of the ancora YACHTFESTIVAL is its diverse and family-friendly supporting program. Hands-on workshops, free expert talks, and interactive activities like trial sailing, wing foiling, and maneuver training provide real experiential value. Children can take part in boatbuilding projects or beginner sailing courses, while the atmospheric harbor party with live music on Saturday evening offers a perfect end to the day. This makes the festival a popular destination for families, sailing clubs, boatyards, specialist retailers, and water sports fans from across the German-speaking region—and beyond.

The town of Neustadt in Holstein, located on the Bay of Lübeck, provides the ideal setting for an event of this scale with its maritime charm, direct waterfront location, and excellent accessibility—whether by the A1 motorway or by train. It not only offers the logistical foundation for the festival but also strengthens its connection to the water sports community in Northern Germany and throughout Europe.

The ancora YACHTFESTIVAL is far more than just a boat show—it is a unique event format that blends innovation, emotion, and expertise, delivering a top-tier experience centered around water sports.

The ancora YACHTFESTIVAL takes place annually, and therefore for the 17th time previsibly in May 2026 in Neustadt in Holstein.