Positive Signals from the Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show

The Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show, officially known as the Uiva Flytande, was held as usual at the HSK marina in Lauttasaari from August 15th to 18th. Nearly 300 boats were on display, and the number of visitors exceeded ten thousand, with a 5.7 percent increase from the August 2023 show. Uiva Flytande is the largest in-water boat show in the Nordics based on the confirmed numbers of visitors and almost 300 boats.

“There were far more positive signals on the docks than last year. The signs of a turnaround are clear, as both offers and deals were made more actively,” says Jarkko Pajusalo, CEO of the Finnish Marine Industries Federation Finnboat.

According to a visitor survey, the event also received positive feedback from the public. Over 70 percent of visitors reported making purchases at the show, including clothing, other boating accessories, and boats.

“When boats are in the water, you get a better sense of them than in a showroom, and with smaller boats, you can especially feel the stability or instability while stationary and when moving. In good weather, it’s a very pleasant event just to enjoy the maritime atmosphere surrounded by beautiful boats. You can see a variety of boats at different price points and explore new models,” summarized one visitor in their feedback about the advantages of the Boat-Afloat Show.

The activity of the visitors was also noted by the sailing instructors from the Sailing Instructors Association (PORY ry). A total of 113 people took part in sailing taster sessions on the waters around Lauttasaari, significantly more than in previous years. The leaders of the sailing schools also reported that their boating courses were well attended over the summer.

“We received extremely positive feedback both at the registration point and on the boats. People of all ages and from all walks of life who are interested in boating, including those who had previously only used motorboats but now wanted to try sailing, came to sail,” says Katja Kopra-Kullas, Chairperson of PORY ry.

Sellers of large cruising boats satisfied

Henri Jokinen, CEO of Astrum Vene, which sells Arronet, Grandezza, Quarken, and Sargo boats in Salo, left the Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show with a positive mindset.

“Customers were ready to buy; we had some really good discussions, and the crowning achievement was that new deals were made at the show that hadn’t been prepared in advance. The positive atmosphere started from the first minute when the show opened and continued until the end. We could have kept going for another three days,” says Jokinen.

According to Jokinen, customers were particularly interested in larger cruising boats.

“The trend is currently in this direction, but when the market for larger boats picks up, the demand for smaller ones will also follow,” Jokinen assesses.

“It’s been a busy week after the show. New discussions started at Uiva Flytande and also continued from those initiated before the show,” says Jere Kosunen, CEO of Hansail Oy, the importer of Hanse, Dehler and Moody sailboats and RYCK powerboats. 

According to Kosunen, seeing the boat in person still holds great significance in the era of digital marketing materials. Buyers are taken, when necessary, to see the boat model of their choice at the manufacturer’s yard in Germany or elsewhere in Central Europe, but a floating boat show on home waters is an efficient setup for the importer.

“Now the demand looks as reasonable as sailboat sales can generally appear in Finland. Uiva showcased numerous new sailboats that were nevertheless ordered during the most uncertain economic times,” Kosunen points out.

Cabin boats Silver Seahawk and Terhi Cabin attracted interest as autumn approached

Oy Brandt Ab presented a wide range of Faster, Silver, Terhi, and TG boats at Uiva. CEO Markku Hämäläinen reports a positive feeling from the boat show regarding both visitor numbers and sales.

“The August 2024 Uiva was clearly a better event for us than last year’s show,” Hämäläinen summarizes.

At the show, the public was particularly interested in the Silver Seahawk series, built on the same seven-meter aluminum hull: the center console boat Silver Seahawk CCX, with a fiberglass steering console, the twin-console BRX model, and the cabin version Seahawk Cabin.

“In our product range, new models always attract the most interest from visitors. Sales were made across all models, but the clear areas of interest were cabin boats, including the new Terhi 480 Cabin and the Silver Seahawk Cabin,” says Hämäläinen.

Among the smaller models, the public’s favorite at the show was the new, aptly named 4.65-meter-long aluminum center console boat Faster 465.

Buster and the new Cross 55 BR attracted visitors

Inha Works, part of Yamaha Motor Group, brought a wide range of its Buster, Yamarin, and Yamarin Cross models to the show. The new boat at the show was the brand-new double-console Cross 55 BR. This bowrider-type boat, which falls into the popular five-meter outboard motorboat category, made its world debut at Uiva Flytende. The boats are manufactured in Finland.  

Artturi Niittynen, Director, Sales and Marketing, reports that boats of all sizes were sold at Uiva. Unlike previous years, the company also had a land section at Uiva, where popular small aluminum boats Buster XSr and Buster M were on display. On the dock, the expanded engine range for the large open boats Buster Magnum, featuring Yamaha’s new V6 engines, attracted attention.

“Sales exceeded last year’s figures. Especially the entire Buster range, from the smallest to the largest, attracted interest, as did, of course, the new model Cross 55 BR. The land section turned out to be a good meeting place with customers,” says Niittynen.

Mast manufacturer Seldén to return next year

Seldén Mast, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of masts and rigging components for sailboats, participated in the Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show Uiva Flytande for the first time. The late summer Uiva boat show is the right place to market Furlex and Seldén products, says Klaus “Jomppe” Koskimies, a long-time marine industry professional representing the company in Finland.

“We definitely came out on the positive side and will participate again next year. For a rigging and component manufacturer, Uiva is a good place to discuss matters with boaters that are still fresh in their minds after the boating season. We received many inquiries that dealers can now follow up on,” says Koskimies.

Veneilijän Verkkokauppa had a large booth at Uiva, where they sold clothing, shoes, and equipment. Anton Dietrich reports that life jackets and sailing jackets were particularly popular.

“There was a good crowd at the show and in our tent. However, people are still cautious with their spending; for example, they might only update a more worn-out jacket in their sailing outfit,” says Dietrich.

Boaters will next gather at the Helsinki International Boat Show at Messukeskus in February. The next Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show Uiva Flytande will be held in Lauttasaari in August 2025.

• Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show Uiva Flytande August 14-17, 2025
• Helsinki International Boat Show Vene 25 Båt February 7-16, 2025