“The location close to the centre of Helsinki is excellent and covers more than one hectare, which is sufficient for maintaining the safe distances required for public events. There are already excellent facilities for exhibitors on land, and new piers have been constructed this spring to further enhance the quality of the venue,” says Finnboat CEO Jarkko Pajusalo.

The Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show has grown in recent years from a traditional boat show to a major summer event that attracts people to enjoy the entire day among family and friends. Interest in the event has grown from year to year, with the number of visitors last year increasing by seven percent compared to the previous year.

Safety remains a priority

The large area covering two hectares will help prevent close contact between visitors, for example on the restaurant terraces and in the shops, while the sea breeze will do its job to provide nature ventilation.

Access to the Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show will also be monitored to ensure that the organiser is aware of the number of visitors at all times. Hygiene will be maintained in accordance with the latest guidelines by the Regional State Administration Agencies, and visitors will be provided with face masks and disposable gloves if they choose. Hand disinfectant will also be widely available throughout the show.

“Naturally, we trust that no one will come to the show if they have any symptoms and that visitors will maintain cough etiquette according to the general guidelines while also maintaining a safe distance between themselves and others at the show,” Pajusalo points out.

Comprehensive selection of boats, focus on the boating lifestyle and unique demo opportunities

“The Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show offers something for everyone who enjoys the boating lifestyle. The show will present a truly impressive range of the most popular motorboats in Finland, but it also provides a unique opportunity to see sailing boats in their element and ready to sail – complete with masts, sails and rigging. Fishing enthusiasts in turn appreciate all the boats fitted with fishing packages and the latest innovations. All the major brands will be represented, making the show an excellent place to compare offerings. In fact, the entire boating lifestyle will be on show, from dinghies to large yachts, so there will be something to see and experience for the whole family,” Pajusalo continues.

The Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show will also offer a unique opportunity in Finland to test boats. The magazine Kippari is organising motorboat demos on every day of the show, but the biggest selection will be available on Friday afternoon, 14 August, when exhibition boats will also be available for visitors to test. No other place in Finland offers such an opportunity to test so many different boat brands and models. Visitors are asked to test the boats only together with their families and the groups with which they arrived.

Plenty to see, experience and do for the whole family

Last year’s show presented more than 155 exhibitors and over 280 boats, as well as a wide range of boating equipment, supplies and services. This year’s bookings have also continued apace, and the show is expected to match last year’s level in terms of size and selection.

As in previous years, a full programme of events will be offered on each day of the show, as well as demo events, various exhibitions and presentations for the whole family. While enjoying the entertainment on the main stage, visitors can enjoy delicious street food from food trucks lining the area.