Europe’s second largest indoor boat show concluded with almost 55,000 visitors attending.
The Helsinki International Boat Show Vene 26 Båt presented 400 boats, the majority of which were Finnish alongside a wide range of products related to boating, fishing and water sports.
Finnish boats are also of interest to international visitors, who were seen more and more at the boat show. The Vene 26 Båt fair was held from 6 to 15 February 2026 at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Organisers say the number of visitors returned to 2024 levels, with an increased number of international visitors attending.
In 2025, the Helsinki Wilderness Fair was held on the first weekend of the boat show, so the number of visitors is not comparable.
Next year, the Helsinki Wilderness Fair will again run alongside the boat show.
One can only be proud of the Finnish boat industry.
Jarkko Pajusalo
“The Helsinki International Boat Show is a wonderful event that also receives a lot of praise from international visitors,” said Jarkko Pajusalo, CEO of the Finnish Boat Industry Federation, Finnboat, which commissioned the event.
“Many are genuinely surprised by the large and comprehensive offer.”
He added: “One can only be proud of the Finnish boat industry, because even in this difficult economic situation, there is faith in the future and the fair wants to show its extensive new products.
“Although the Finnish boat industry is the cornerstone of the boat show, what makes the event strongly international is all the international boat brands and boating equipment that are present at the fair.”
288 companies participated in the Vene 26 Båt fair, with exhibitors praising the positive atmosphere at the show saying important contacts had been made which will process into deals after.
Best fishing boat
“The boats have interested many visitors and thousands of people have visited them. There have been some international visitors, mainly from Estonia,” said Nord Star’s CEO Simon Lindkvist.
“Many people ask and are surprised that the boats are made in Finland. About 10% of the boats are sold in Finland each year, the rest go abroad.”
The Finnish Predacast 430 Striker, was launched at the show and won the public vote for the best fishing boat at the fair.
“The boat has attracted a lot of interest from visitors. Some deals have been made, but many are still waiting for the opportunity to test drive it in Ristiina,” said designer Mika Kärkkäinen.
International visitors
“The fact that the boat is manufactured in Finland is definitely very important and we want to keep the manufacturing here.
“In addition to Finns, Swedish and Estonian visitors have come to see the boat.”
The Helsinki International Boat Show Vene 26 Båt took place from 6 to 15 February 2026 at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre.
The Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre organised the event on behalf of Finnboat. The event’s sustainability partner in 2026 was WWF Finland.
The Helsinki International Boat Show Vene 27 Båt will take place from 12 to 21 February 2027.
