LELYSTAD – Starting August 28, the Batavia Marina in this central Dutch boating resort will be the high-mass for water sports enthusiasts for five days. The show displayed more than 440 boats in a spectacular semi-circular marina. Organizers expect 30,000 visitors.
In addition to the latest models of sailing yachts, motor boats, tenders, console boats, RIBs, houseboats and catamarans, there was much on offer at the event that organizers say is Northern Europe’s biggest in-water boat show.
This year was the In-Water HISWA’s 39th edition. It attracted a record number of exhibitors from 17 countries and five continents.
Coming from Down Under was the Riviera Sports Yacht 4600 and the equally impressive McConaghy MC53 catamaran. Also on display: sports yachts from Brazil, the USA, several Asian tenders and many European boats.
Elegant stylists from Italy, ingenious class from Scandinavia, practical Polish tenders, luxury motor yachts from Britain, innovative designs from France and solid German brands. The majority of the 440 yachts on display come from the Netherlands. They include Breehorn premieres. Bestevaer and Jager launched special sailing yachts. Holterman, Stratos Yachts, Steeler Yachts, Van der Heijden and Van der Hoven show off their latest motor yachts.
There were scoops from Antaris and Interboat, and important other tender brands have also descended on Lelystad. This year, the number of electric-powered boats and craft made of indestructible HDPE was striking. All major outboard engine brands had a pavilion.
The most important suppliers of parts, accessories and water sports-related services exhibited on the quays. Also, the 2024 show embraced Lifestyle and an 80-page In-Water Hiswa Magazine with a show map and exhibitors index. When purchasing tickets online, visitors receive a link to the digital version of the In-Water Hiswa Magazine.
Over the years, the Lelystad show has evolved into a lifestyle event showing the beauty and edgy styles of water sports. Major international yards chose Lelystad to show their scoops. Global premieres included the Fairline Squadron 58 and Steeler B50 AquaZen – brands that for many visitors fell into the dream boat category. Also new this year: the pop-up restaurant Zilt on the Boulevard near the VIP entrance.
There, visitors and exhibitors were served delicious dishes from top chefs and special wines from Fourcroy. But for those in a hurry there were fries, fried fish and sandwiches.
