250 boats on display at the Helsinki Boat-Afloat show

Helsinki's floating boat show will be organized at HSK's club harbor in Lauttasaari. The 4-6 meter outboard motor boats favoured by Finns are particularly strongly represented © Finnboat

The popularity of boating has risen to a record high, and this can also be seen in Helsinki Boat-Afloat show: in the area of HSK yacht club harbour in Lauttasaari, the docks will be full of big and small boats next week.

After a one-year break, the Uiva Flytande boat show will be held again from 18 to 21. August 2022.

"Approximately 250 boats are coming to Uiva and we are still waiting for new registrations before the exhibition opens on August 18," says Jarkko Pajusalo, CEO of Finnboat, Finnish Marine Industries Federation.

The 4-6 meter outboard motor boats favoured by Finns are particularly strongly represented. The domestic manufacturers are particularly strong in this segment and at the piers you can find e.g. AMT, Bella, Buster, Faster, Falcon, Finnmaster, Husky, Marino, Silver, Suvi, Terhi and Yamarin brands.

"Thanks to the great number of boats, Uiva is a particularly good opportunity to compare different alternatives for your next boat," says Pajusalo.

The gradual introduction of electric propulsion to boats and the growing popularity of RIB boats can be seen at the show. There are six boats powered by electric propulsion: four electric versions of Terhi, the catamaran EB SunnyCat and the Elvene Greta based on a traditional model rowing boat. RIB boats suitable for demanding use are presented by Valiant Med and the domestic Red Sky 29 RIB made in Kotka, Finland. The style of rigid inflatable boats, which are growing in popularity, can also be recognized in IRON boats equipped with sturdy rubbing strips.

The special features of the exhibition include the small and light polyethylene boat Arctic 4 from the domestic Arctic Airboats, as well as the wooden boats from the Estonian JR Craftyard, the gaff cutter Cape Henry 21 with sails and the outboard motorboat Jericho Bay Lobster Skiff. Finnish examples of wooden boat building skills are the Antibes 29 and Seafarer 25 from Kotka-based Red Sky Yachts and the modern wooden boats of Nordic Craft.

"There is also a wide selection of boats for traveling on display, both with and without sails. The largest passenger boats at the exhibition are the Nord Star 42+ Cruiser, Princess F45, Targa 46 and Galeon 500 Fly, as well as the 50-foot Lagoon catamaran, over 43-foot X 4.3 and the 38-foot Hanse and Arcona sailing yachts," Pajusalo explains.

New models in the motorboat selection include for example the domestic Buster Magnum Cabin cabin boat and the Aquador 300 HT, as well as the Quarken 27 Cabin and Quarken 27 T-top models of the brand new Finnish brand Quarken, which will be seen for the first time at the fair.

Grandezza, Jeanneau, Nord Star, Sargo, Targa and Quicksilver bring a wide selection of bigger motorboats to the fair. The range is complemented by e.g. the Dutch manufacturer Linssen and the Turkish Dromeas.

Program for the whole family

In recent years, the Helsinki Boat-Afloat show has grown from a boat show to a summer event for the whole family, where you can spend the whole day enjoying your time with family and friends.

As usual, the exhibition area has a versatile program, test drives and various shows and performances for the whole family. Finnish Sailing and Boating Federation brings an activity world for children to Uiva, where you can learn about sailing and boating through fun physical activities.

The highlights of the program include the amazing flyboard and freestyle jetski shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Along with the rest of the program, you can enjoy delicious food from the restaurant and street food trucks in the central square, while watching the performances on the main stage.

"On Thursday, the theme of responsibility will also be emphasized on the program stage. Topics include e.g. recycling of composites and the propulsion technologies of the future," says Pajusalo.

Friday is the biggest boat testing day in Finland. There is no separate test drive pier, but on Friday from 4 p.m. boat test drives are available at every pier. On top of boats the bravest can try also the phenomenal performance of the Land Rover Defender on the Terrapod driving ramp.

On the Fishing boat dock, which is located in the middle of the area, along the promenade, every half an hour throughout the show you will hear information on how to equip a fishing boat and the best fishing tips from professionals.

"The fishing department is not just one pier among others, but there is life and program during the show. The presenters and fishing guides will be there throughout the fair, except for small breaks," says fishing guide Pasi Tuike.

As usual, the Helsinki Uiva boat show will take place at HSK yacht club marina in Lauttasaari (Vattuniemen Puistotie 1, Helsinki). The exhibition is open on weekdays from 12:00 to 20:00 and on weekends from 10:00 to 18:00.

Entrance tickets to the area cost €16, advance tickets can be purchased online for €14. Children under the age of 15 can enter the fair for 6 euros, and children under the age of seven accompanied by their parents are free. Only payment cards are accepted at the gate.

Uiva is also easily accessible by public transport. As in previous years, a free non-stop bus has been organized from the Lauttasaari metro station to the boat show.