A s official media partner of boot Düsseldorf 2026, we take a first look at the standout sailing premieres heading to the world’s largest water sports show. From compact daysailers and performance cruisers to next-generation multihulls and EYOTY finalists, this year’s line-up shows just how fast sailboat design is moving on.
For nine days, from 17 to 25 January 2026, Düsseldorf once again becomes the capital of world yachting. Around 1,500 exhibitors will fill 16 halls, offering the most complete overview of the nautical scene you can get under one roof. Sailing has always been at the heart of boot, and 2026 is no exception, with a rich mix of world and German premieres – plus a strong presence of European Yacht of the Year (EYOTY) finalists.
Bluewater DNA: Hallberg-Rassy 370
Among the world premieres, Hallberg-Rassy returns with a new aft-cockpit model, the Hallberg-Rassy 370, designed – as always – by Frers Yacht Design. A wide stern, twin rudders, lead keel and bowsprit promise balanced performance and control, while the fixed windscreen, blue hull stripes and deep cockpit coamings make it instantly recognisable as a Hallberg-Rassy.
Below deck, generous beam, plenty of natural light and a choice between classic khaya mahogany or light oak create a bright and comfortable interior. Two cabins, a proper L-shaped galley and a thoughtfully laid-out saloon keep the 370 firmly in the bluewater cruiser camp, with details like optional bow or stern thrusters hinting at modern convenience without sacrificing identity.
Compact fun with a serious edge: Saffier SE 28 Leopard
The Saffier SE 28 Leopard condenses the best of the Dutch yard’s SE line into a compact, sporty platform. A completely new hull with negative bow, broad stern and modern appendages is built for fun, while the cockpit keeps Saffier’s trademark: solo sailing made easy, with all key lines led back to the helm.
Below deck, the SE 28 Leopard surprises with space: a double berth forward, two amidships berths and even an optional wet room allow the daysailer to double as a minimalist weekender. From diesel or electric drive to tiller or twin wheels and Comfort or Racing packages, this is a boat that can be tailored from lazy afternoons to club racing mode.
Space as a concept: Dufour 48 and Oceanis 52
Among the German premieres – and EYOTY contenders – two big names explore the limits of volume above the waterline.
The Dufour 48, created by Umberto Felci, pushes beam and hull volume even further than the already spacious 470. With a remarkably wide hull and a second “cockpit” lounge at the bow, it leans fully into the idea of outdoor living. The main cockpit is kept clean of most running rigging, while options for different galley layouts reflect influences from larger luxury yachts.
Beneteau’s Oceanis 52, designed by Roberto Biscontini, takes a similar approach with its extremely full hull above the waterline and a much slimmer underwater shape, borrowing ideas from modern raceboats. Soft chines, twin rudders set outboard and a very generous cockpit with transformable seating show how the Oceanis line continues to evolve towards comfort without losing its performance edge.
Multihull evolution: Lagoon 38, CNB 62, Excess 13
In the multihull arena, boot Düsseldorf 2026 brings a cluster of important premieres and EYOTY finalists.
The Lagoon 38 replaces the successful Lagoon 40 as the new entry point into the range, but with interior volume that would have been unthinkable a decade ago. VPLP Design and Patrick Le Quément manage to combine extremely broad hulls above the waterline with carefully controlled wetted surface below, resulting in both space and efficiency. Smart interior zoning, a seamless saloon–cockpit connection and multiple lounge areas on deck show how catamarans keep redefining onboard life.
On the semi-custom side, the CNB 62, now under the Solaris umbrella, brings superyacht thinking into the 60-foot class. Philippe Briand’s design puts emphasis on an easy-to-handle, powerful cruiser with forward-placed helms, a protected cockpit and a semi-deck saloon with 360-degree views. The full-beam galley forward of the main bulkhead and the suite-like owner’s cabin underline the yacht’s superyacht DNA.
Positioned between performance and cruising cats, the Excess 13 represents the next chapter for the brand. Lighter hulls, optimised sail plan and a “less is more” interior concept combine with details like rainwater recovery and efficient natural ventilation, signalling a more thoughtful approach to comfort and sustainability.
New takes on cruising: Sun Odyssey 415 and Hanse 590
Jeanneau expands its walkaround cockpit family with the Sun Odyssey 415, a German premiere and EYOTY finalist. Building on the SO 410, it retains the easy movement from cockpit to foredeck while introducing a reworked saloon and flexible forward cabin options. Multiple keel configurations, including a swing keel, place it in a very small club of truly versatile cruisers.
The Hanse 590, designed by Berret-Racoupeau, rethinks the brand’s flagship concept with a fuller bow, refined hull shapes and a single-rudder layout – a notable departure at this size. Wide above the waterline yet slim below, it aims to combine volume with low drag. A modular interior with up to five cabins and different owner’s cabin configurations shows how semi-custom thinking is trickling into production boats.
Pure sport and clever thinking: First 30 and Dragonfly 36
At the performance end, the new First 30 picks up the mantle of a Beneteau icon. Built at Seascape in Slovenia, with a hull by Sam Manuard and styling by Lorenzo Argento, it’s offered in cruising and regatta versions, both with a clear focus on planing performance and weight-optimised construction.
Finally, the Dragonfly 36 trimaran shows why the Danish yard remains a benchmark in fast multihull cruising. With wave-piercing bows on all three hulls, a top speed of around 23 knots and the latest evolution of the yard’s swing-wing folding system, it balances extreme performance with real cruising comfort – and manages to fit all of that into a package that can still be “shrunk” for marina life.
For sailors walking into boot Düsseldorf 2026, the message is clear: whether you’re dreaming of bluewater passages, fast club racing or spacious multihull cruising, this year’s sailing premieres are not just incremental updates – they’re signposts to where yacht design is heading next.
