Boot 2026: Three Countries, One Boat Show

Boot 2026: Three Countries, One Boat Show @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat

How We Got to Boot 2026

Another post focused on boats already. This story concentrates more on the journey than the displays.

This is true unless you study the photographs.

Boot Düsseldorf is the iconic marine show where manufacturers launch boats, dive equipment, sailing yachts, ribs, superyachts, and marine toys.

It had been on our list for years, and this time the diary finally aligned, so we went.

Travel and Stopover

Flying Exeter to Amsterdam with KLM cost more than easy Jet from Bristol but was far more convenient and comfortable.

KLM offered great flight times, generous baggage allowance, and complimentary drinks and cheese sandwiches.

Parking at the Grange Hotel meant a front-door drop-off, avoiding a long walk from remote car parks.

An overnight stay in Amsterdam ensured a relaxed evening and an early, stress-free start.

The hotel was clean, affordable, kettle-free, and fifteen minutes from the station.

Tourist tax was payable by card at reception, despite rooms being prepaid.

Coffin-style accommodation tempted us briefly but was fully booked.

Boot Düsseldorf Experience

The intercity train quickly took us to Düsseldorf, followed by a short tram ride to the Boot 2026 exhibition station.

Our first stop was the Highfield stand to see the newly launched ADV9.

The ADV9 builds on the ADV7 and is Highfield’s first cabin boat.

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Grand Golden Line G980: Full Tour at Boot 2026

The Grand Golden Line is the High-end Range

Carlo Luongo presents the Grand Golden Line G980, a 10-meter-long, 3,40-meter-wide RIB, showcasing its innovative layout on board.

The all new RIB was first revealed at the 2025 Athens Boat Show. This video has been recorded at Boot Düsseldorf 2026.

The stern includes platforms, a reboarding ladder, and a freshwater shower. It also has modular seating that converts into a spacious sunbed. There is storage underneath the sunbed.

At the helm, Carlo highlights adjustable seats, ergonomic controls, and excellent visibility.

Forward, the cabin offers berths, a concealed toilet, and natural light. The bow sunbed is modular and the deck features grab handles and ample storage throughout.


This video was published on The Sea Team YouTube channel.

I’ve posted more videos from this brand. Check them out!

The review videos of The Sea Team are quite thorough so here are more from them.


Specs

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Highfield’s ADV9: A Game-changing Cabin Cross-over

The Highfield ADV9 Was Boot’s Magnet

At Boot Düsseldorf 2026, the Highfield booth in Hall 9 held a very special tension.

There was an electric anticipation that seemed to hum in the air.

I didn’t know where to look first. Every angle, every line seemed to invite. It endlessly drew me in to explore, to discover, to experience.

It felt as a promise of adventure. Now let’s dive in (specs of the ADV9 below).

Exterior Design & Hull Performance

The ADV9’s bow features a self-deploying windlass and optional bow thruster, with a sharp, bluff entry for smooth, stable rides.

Its traditional V-shaped hull is fast and easy to handle. It reaches 50 knots with twin 300 hp engines. Single engines up to 450 hp run efficiently.

At the stern, there are several options. You can choose the SeaKeeper ride system or LED underwater lights.

Other options include trim tabs and a full-width swim platform. These features make it high-performing. They also make it versatile.

Deck & Social Areas

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The Highfield ADV7: A Girl’s Fun Day Out

The Highfield ADV7: A Crossover Design

From my own experience, it definitely reminds me of a RIB, but there are some key differences.

The inflatable tubes sit much higher above the waterline, so they seem to play a different role.

Designed by the award-winning Vom Designs, the vacuum-infused deep-V hull ensures a responsive, high-performance ride.

I first posted the brand’s new model, Highfield ADV7, in January 2025. I also added a slideshow including the premiere at Boot in Düsseldorf, Germany. Click here if you’re interested.


This video was published on the Highfield Boats YouTube channel.

There’s a whole lot more Highfield RIB action videos for you to enjoy:

Proud to share that Highfield is a good Friend of RIBs ONLY.

Specs

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Highfield Sport 560 Private Tour by Steve Harrison

Highfield Sport 560

At the Düsseldorf boat show, Highfield unveiled the Sport 560, underscoring its focus on tough aluminum hulls and reliable seakeeping.

Steve Harrison, Global Product Manager at Highfield Boats., ‘takes us along a very detailed walkaround.

“Positioned at the core of the Sport line, the Highfield Sport 560 blends versatility with passenger comfort. Designed with both families and explorers in mind, it emphasizes safety on the water.

Highlights include a detachable sunbed, a well-designed helm console, sturdy grab rails, an easy-access boarding ladder, and extensive built-in storage.

Standard fittings on this Highfield Sport 560 include electronics and EVA decking.

They also have bathing platforms, a roll bar, and courtesy lights. This ensures clear, all-inclusive pricing.

Optimally paired with a 100-horsepower engine, the Highfield Sport 560 delivers a smooth balance of speed, fuel efficiency, and comfort.”

This video was published on the ActuNautique – Yachting Art YouTube channel.

If you want to watch this Highfield Sport 560 in action, this is where you can find it.

Proud to share that Highfield is a good Friend of RIBs ONLY.

Specs

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