Please select your home edition
Edition
Stoneways Marine 2021 - LEADERBOARD

The 24th Annual Biograd Boat Show shatters all records

by BBS Team 31 Oct 2022 14:38 GMT 26-30 October 2022
2022 Biograd Boat Show © Biograd Boat Show

This year Central Europe's in-water show broke all records, with more exhibitors, boats, premieres, exhibition area and attendance! It event broke temperature records with sunny sky and mid 20's temperature for all five days.

Official attendance figures were 20,370, but many more guests attended, including more than 2000 charter guests that checked in and out during the show. More than 350 exhibitors and 300 boats were on display.

View the 1 min Fly By video here

More vessel premieres than ever

Journalists recorded more than 78 debut vessels including World premieres ranging up to 22 m. 40 were catalogued and are presented in the Dropbox below. There were many more smaller vessels and personal watercraft that made their debut but were not recorded. All vessel segments saw increase in vessels, with the luxury motor yacht segment seeing the biggest gains. Many new Croatian built models will be on display including the World Premiere of the Monachus Issa 45 Fly and was joined by the new Monachus 70 Fly, which is the largest production yacht in the history of Croatian boatbuilding.

See photos and descriptions of the Top 40 Premier vessels here

Strong sales reported

Many exhibitors reported extremely strong sales, sighting supply restraints at their limiting factor, not market demand. Strong growth in boats for tourism purposes, including luxury transfer boats, rental boats, and charter vessels.

B2B gains serious traction

The Biograd B2B networking event recorded its biggest expansion yet with over 470 companies registering on the Biograd B2B business platform where they present their offerings and book meetings with other participants.

The Croatia Charter Expo B2B event drew record attendance, with over 300 participants and 3000 Charter yachts directly represented at the event. All participants were treated to a private lunch buffet and an evening party full of passion.

The sixth Croatian Nautical days Congress sponsored by the Croatian Chamber of Economy is in full swing beginning with meetings of the Yacht Charter and marina association. (more B2B info below)

Changes in the show layout

Hall B in Marina Kornati West saw the introduction of a new 600m2 "Pop Up Megastore" operated by Marina Stores which was a big hit, offering direct sales to the public. The Croatia Charter Expo will be the biggest ever, with a new expanded Hall D location in Marina Kornati North, closer to the exhibiting charter vessels and the Captain's Club meeting facilities. New investments in the show included a second pontoon bridge in Marina Kornati North linking the main pier with pier 6 for easy access and better traffic flow, as well as a widening of the main pontoon bridge linking the north and west marinas.

Full entertainment program returns

The legendary Biograd Boat Show entertainment program was a smash hit after the last two years of social distancing, with 6 live performances on site, and many more in town. The Headline Saturday program began with a spectacular fireworks show by Orion in front of Hall B followed by a concert by Neno Belan and the Fiumens, and ending with a special Samba and You After Party lasting until 4 AM. On Friday night in Hall B, the "Get the Funk Out" night featured the very attractive Disco Magic Band with a top sound and light production, partnered with DJ Mario to lift the spirits of the lively crowds that faithfully make the Biograd Boat Show like no other. The Marina Kornati Restaurant will also hosted music program each night.

Biograd B2B and the Croatian Chamber of Economy - As the largest gathering point for the Croatian nautical industry, the innovative Biograd B2B business to business networking event allows business visitors to interact with other B2B participants. At the core of the event, is the 6th annual Croatian Nautical Days from 26.-28. 10. 2022 organized by the Croatian Chamber of Economy, featuring industry association meetings, business presentations and networking social events. As Part of Biograd B2B, the Croatia Charter Expo was bigger than ever and expands to a new Location in Hall D in the north Marina, with over 300 participants, where more than 3000 charter yachts which were directly represented to brokers and suppliers. This is the biggest Charter B2B event of any boat show. The special terms and organization are made possible by generous support for the Croatia Charter Expo has been provided by the City of Biograd, Croatian Tourist Board, and the Chamber of Economy.

Festival of authenticity

A popular feature of the Biograd Boat Show where artisanal vendors offered a curated selection of fine foods, natural cosmetics and handicrafts.

Central Europe's In-water Show

This is Central Europe's in-water show, attracting many visitors and exhibitors from neighbouring countries, and is the biggest meeting point for Croatia's nautical industry, marking the end of the boating season and the start of a new business year.

The boat show experience

The show has gained international popularity among both exhibitors and visitors due to Croatia's importance as a boating destination and Ilirija's well managed facilities including Marina Kornati, Ilirija hotels, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. Ilirija continued to work to provide a safe environment, and also revived the legendary entertainment program and social events in line with prevailing health conditions. It is important that both the boating industry and the boating public have an event that inspires passion and optimism for boating on the Adriatic... This is the Biograd Boat Show experience!

Central Europe's gateway to the sea

Each year, Biograd plays an important role for domestic and international boaters. Many people were introduced to Biograd throughout the year as one of the busiest marine transit destinations in Croatia and one of the world's largest yacht charter destinations. Others are introduced through its world class calendar of regattas and events, regardless, the international recognition and reputation of Biograd improves each year.

The Biograd Boat Show is a member of the IFBSO

The Biograd Boat Show is a Member of the International Federation of Boat Show Organizers, adopting the high standards of the organization and participating in its further development by sharing its unique business model, and is at the forefront of Business to Business activities.

A brighter future for boating

The Biograd Boat Show made its biggest gains in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, growing from a minor regional show to an international show that brought the Adriatic boating region to the world stage. This was done by optimizing Ilirija's nautical and hospitality assets, and creating attractively priced options for exhibitors and visitors resulting in long-term success. In 2023; Ilirija plans to build in its successes to improve its important role in setting a course for a brighter future for boating on the Adriatic.

This year's Biograd Boat Show has sold out its exhibition space and will be held during a very strong boating market, where demand for boats throughout Europe is very high and the supply is tightening. With delivery dates for new boats getting longer and longer, this is the best opportunity to see the largest selection of boats in the region and to secure the best delivery terms and prices.

Watch BBS 2022 videos

More information is available on the website www.bbs.com.hr

Related Articles

70 years of the Chase Sailing Club
Stuart Green Sprint Champs and Commodores Cup, with Saturday Night Fever As we power through the 70th anniversary year of The Chase Sailing Club, the weekend of 3rd–4th May 2025 saw members and guests come together for one of the most memorable events in club history. Posted on 6 May
Merlin Rockets at Thames SC
A fine lunch, well-earned refreshments and homemade cake On Saturday 3rd May Thames Sailing Club hosted the Craftinsure sponsored combined Merlin Rocket Thames and DeMay Vintage Series Open Meeting, under clear skies and perfect sunglasses weather. Posted on 6 May
Squib Gold Cup 2025 at Burnham
Jack Grogan and Mike Banks win over the early May Bank Holiday weekend Jack Grogan and Mike Banks, sailing on Budgies Tongue 221, won the Squib Gold Cup, hosted by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, over the early May Bank holiday 2025. Posted on 6 May
Osprey Open and Panmorra Cup at Mount's Bay
Eight Ospreys made the journey to Marizion together with 11 Contenders The Osprey Open and Panmorra Cup was held at Mount's Bay Sailing Club on 3rd & 4th May 2025 as a joint meeting with the Contender class. Eight Ospreys made the journey to Marizion together with 11 Contenders. Posted on 6 May
Craftinsure Lark Open at Rock
What a weekend it was! For nearly 40 years, a magical sailing event has taken place at Rock over early-May Bank Holiday, the annual Lark Open, sponsored by Craftinsure. This year, the Scorpions came to join in the fun - and what a weekend it was! Posted on 6 May
iQFOiL Youth & Junior International Games day 1
Unexpected breeze delivers a spectacular opening day of racing on Lake Garda The iQFOiL Youth & Junior International Games are officially under way in Torbole, Lake Garda, marking the second major event of the 2025 season for the U19/U17/U15 athletes of the iQFOiL Youth & Junior International Class. Posted on 6 May
Conwy Fife One Design 'A' Series Race 2
'The Riddle of the Sands' Like many places around the coast of the UK, Sailors at the RAYC have the challenge of avoiding the extensive areas of sand which reveal themselves at low water. Posted on 6 May
Transat Paprec Day 17
"An Atlantic Crossing with the Intensity of La Solitaire" They've proven that persistence pays off—even when faced with serious setbacks. Lola Billy and Corentin Horeau had to make a pit stop in Lisbon during the first week of the race to replace a damaged rudder. Posted on 6 May
Triple amputee passes halfway point of challenge
Craid Wood is more determined than ever, despite troubles during Pacific crossing Despite experiencing a number of technical issues with his boat, Craig Wood is now halfway through his sail with well over 4000 nautical miles done. He is feeling positive about reaching the finish line at Osaka in Japan in just over a months' time. Posted on 6 May
Move freely with Musto's Evo Stretch
A highly durable and flexible collection for enhanced performance on-deck With 2-way stretch fabric and reinforced elements, Evo Stretch is designed for the active lifestyle. A highly durable and flexible collection for enhanced performance on-deck. Posted on 6 May