Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show celebrates its 40th anniversary on 17–20 August
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show has reinvented itself into a summer event for the entire family, featuring more activities and experiences than ever before along with the boats and related equipment.The inaugural Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show took place on the Sirpalesaari island in September 1978. The Finnish Fair Corporation and the Finnish Yacht Club co-operated in the arrangements,commissioned by the Finnish Boat and Motor Association, known today as Finnboat.The inaugural edition of the show featured 50 exhibitors and 68 boats.
In 1980, the NJK yacht club’s home harbour on Valkosaari was adopted as the new venue. Since 1998, the Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show has taken place in its current surroundings, at the HSK yacht club’s marina in Lauttasaari.
In the course of its 40 years of existence, the Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show has established itself as the largest floating boat show in Finland and also one with international clout, bringing over 150 exhibitors to the piers and shores.
New boats for the 2018 season exhibited in their own element
Exhibited in the show are more than 250 boats, including a number of first introductions of 2018 models plus almost every new model for the 2017 season.
The Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show gives you a very special opportunity to get familiar with sailing boats in their own element, ready to set sailwith the masts, sails and ropes in place.Among the boats exhibited for the first time in Finland are the Hanse 315, a yacht for the family, the X43 luxury sailing boat by the Danish company X-Yachts and the sporty Dragonfly trimarans.
In motor boats, there are many all-new 2018 models placed on show for the first time in Finland: the aluminium-built catamaran-type Alucat W8 and Pick Up Boat; the revamped Grandezza 34 OC, the market leader in large yachts; the completely remade M series along with the small and sporty Mini Sport by Buster, the largest manufacturer of aluminium boats in Europe; the AMT 190 R, a centre-console boat entering the popular class of 5.5-metre console boats; and the Faster 460 TH.
Boat equipment and related gear on show at more than 100 stands
The exhibition area has been made over completely:There are now over 100 stands offering boat equipment, boating gear and related services. The Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show gives you wonderful opportunities to make additions and upgrades in your boat’s equipment including your personal gear, go over the insurance policies, order maintenance and repair services and arrange timely winterisation before the season’s end.
Fishing and fishing boats having a strong presence
This year, fishing has been included as a new theme in the show. There will be a separate fishing boat pier where fishing experts showcase a number of boats equipped for fishing.There will be daily newsflashes and presentations for fishing hobbyists, and experts will share their tips and tricks for choosing the right fishing techniques and equipment and handling the fish.
Marine fun for the whole family
The Boat-Afloat Show is full of activities and adventures for the entire family:the popular Coast Guard helicopter sea rescue demo on Saturday and Sunday, government vessel presentations, SUP paddling demos and test runs, junior sailing, maintenance work displays at the Venemestari Dock, Flyboard shows, RIB rides, Jet Ski Freestyle shows, watercraft test runs, sailing instruction, canoeing demos and daily newsflashes and presentations.Motorboat trial runs will be held at the Kippari magazine’s pier every day.For more detailed information, visit the event website at www.uiva.fi/en
The Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show takes place from 17 August to 20 August at the HSK yacht club’s marina in Lauttasaari (address Vattuniemen puistotie 1, 00210 Helsinki). The exhibition is open on Thursday and Friday from 12 noon to 8 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Purchase advance tickets online to save!
Entrance tickets can be purchased at the gate or, for cheaper fare, online in advance.Gate ticket prices: adults 15 euros, children 7–15 years 5 euros, children under 7 years free of charge when accompanied by parents.Advance ticket prices: adults 13 euros, children 4.50 euros. Advance tickets are available at www.seamchip.fi/uiva2017.Those who buy tickets in advance enter a prize draw to win e.g.RIB rides.
To get to the show from Helsinki city centre, take the no. 21BX bus from the Kamppi local bus station or the no. 21V bus from the Central Railway Station.For the weekend we offer free bus transportation to the Boat-Afloat Show. You can catch the bus in front of the Kiasma museum of contemporary art on Saturday and Sunday. Buses depart at 30-minute intervals between 9.30 am and 5.30 pm. Return buses depart from Lauttasaari at 30-minute intervals between 11.00 am and 6.30 pm. Parking is available at the HSK yacht club’s winter docking area situated south of the exhibition area. The cost of parking is 5 euros per vehicle, only payable in cash.The parking area is attended by the Vikingarna sea scouts.
