The Helsinki International Boat Show, Vene 25 Båt, is set to showcase an even larger selection of motorboats this year, alongside five impressive sailboats. Visitors to Vene 25 Båt will gain access to a wealth of information about the latest boat models, tips on choosing the right boat, boating safety, travel destinations, and maintenance and repair work. The event brings the excitement of summer to the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre for ten days, running from February 7th to 16th, 2025.
For a comprehensive look at the newest boat models, head to the Totalboat Show, held from Friday to Sunday during Vene 25 Båt. Jan Sjölund, the Boat Master and editor-in-chief of Totalboat.fi, will present the most important new releases and the finalists of the “Boats of the Show” competition. Over the weekend, the Finnish winners of the Best of Boats Award 2024 will also be showcased, including the AMT 165 R, Saxdor 400 GTC, and the Swedish Anytec 860 T.
Each year, a jury of boating journalists and authorities selects the best motorboats at Vene 25 Båt, including the “Open Boat of the Show,” the “Cruiser or Dayboat of the Show,” and the “Travel Boat of the Show.” This year, after a multi-year hiatus, the “Sailboat of the Show” will also be chosen. Finalists will be announced on the opening day, with winners revealed on Wednesday, February 12th, at 3 PM. For the first time, the “Fishing Boat of the Show” will also be awarded, with the winner announced on Saturday, February 15th, at 12 PM.
The Totalboat Show at Vene 25 Båt will focus on safe boating practices, skill-building, and exploring new destinations. Presentations will run from Friday to Sunday, offering valuable insights for all boating enthusiasts.
On the water, the boat captain carries significant responsibilities, and understanding these is key to ensuring safe boating. At Vene 25 Båt, there will be presentations on GPS interference and boating safety. GPS disruptions in maritime areas have become more frequent, potentially leading to navigation errors and increased accident risks. Learn about the causes of these disruptions and how to prepare for them. The event will also provide tips for safe and responsible day boating, helping prevent accidents and emergencies while encouraging everyone on board to enjoy a fun and secure experience.
Visitors to Vene 25 Båt can also learn about the N2000 waterway and nautical chart updates, practice reading nautical charts, explore the “Leisure Boater’s Radar Handbook,” and participate in knot-tying sessions at Hannu “Knot” Seppänen’s knot school. Boating destinations will be highlighted, including a tour of Hiidenmaa through seven harbors and popular nearby harbors on the Estonian coast, presented by Kalevi “Kallu” Westersund. Additionally, Pasi Pyysiäinen will present “Northeast Route – A More Relaxed Path to the Archipelago Sea.”
At the Boat Master’s Dockyard during Vene 25 Båt, two boats will be undergoing restoration. Three additional boats—Marino Mustang, RO Buster, and Tornado—participating in the “New Life for a Boat” competition will also be showcased. These boats have been transformed from nearly unusable condition into stunning vessels. A jury of boating journalists will select the winner, who will receive a €1,000 gift card. Visitors can vote for their favorite boat during the show, with the audience choice winner receiving a €500 gift card. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded on the second Saturday of the event, February 15th, at 2 PM.
The Dockyard will host weekend programs from Friday to Sunday, featuring demonstrations such as the installation of synthetic Flexiteek decking, replacing rubbing strakes, and mechanical water sanding and polishing. The Dockyard will also cover the essentials of upgrading to lithium batteries, including installation and safety considerations. Visitors can learn about the pentter equipment and technical restoration of the “Blondie Sails” boat.
Vene 25 Båt will also feature inspiring sailing stories from hydrogenerator users. Why invest in a hydrogenerator? How does it enhance the sailing experience, and how much electricity does it generate while sailing? Additionally, the domestic heavy-duty sander, Mirka DEROS RS 600, will be tested for paint removal, and demonstrations will show how to prepare worn surfaces before polishing. The Dockyard will also showcase the Piippo fender lock and the world’s first foldable fender, the X-Fender.
The Helsinki International Boat Show, Vene 25 Båt, will take place from February 7th to 16th, 2025, at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre. Organized by the Finnish Marine Industries Federation Finnboat ry, this event is the largest boating showcase in Northern Europe. The 2025 sustainability partner is the John Nurminen Foundation. For the first time, the Helsinki Outdoor Show will run simultaneously during the first weekend, from February 7th to 9th, 2025.
Vene 25 Båt is more than just a boat show—it’s the official kickoff to the boating season, offering something for everyone, from seasoned sailors to first-time boaters. Don’t miss your chance to explore the latest innovations, gain expert knowledge, and get inspired for the adventures ahead!
