Helsinki International Boat Show Vene 26 Bat returns to the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre from February 6 to February 15, 2026, bringing together around 400 boats, thousands of accessories, and one of the most comprehensive boating programs in Northern Europe.
The annual fair is the most important meeting point for Finland’s boating community, professionals, and first time visitors curious about life on the water. Alongside the exhibition itself, visitors can attend close to 500 lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and live performances covering everything from sailing and fishing to safety, maintenance, and water sports. The full event program will be published on January 12, 2026.
A practical guide to boating, fishing, and water activities
Vene 26 Bat is designed as much for learning as it is for browsing boats. Across the Sailing Harbour and themed stages, visitors can listen to experienced sailors, test equipment, and take part in hands on activities.
Key areas include the Maritim Stage, Totalveneen Messi, Venemestarin Telakka, the Aalto Basin, and the Tohatsu Fishing Stage. These zones offer real world advice, personal stories, and demonstrations that help visitors understand boating as a hobby, a lifestyle, and a sport.
Those curious about scuba diving can try recreational diving in the on site pool, while the Finnish Sailing and Boating Federation provides guidance on how to get started with boating, how clubs operate, and what competitive sailing involves. Their home harbour area also features a dedicated children’s world, a Club Square showcasing sailing clubs from across Finland, and presentations from sailing class associations.
Stories from the world’s oceans draw large audiences
The Maritim Stage at the Sailing Harbour focuses on long distance sailing, exploration, and life at sea. Arctic sailor Juho Karhu will share his experiences navigating the Northwest Passage and surviving six months icebound off Greenland’s west coast. His talk offers a rare insight into extreme sailing conditions and the realities of polar expeditions.
Olympic gold medalist Enni Rukajarvi and photographer Rami Hanafi will present their three year Sail and Ski project, combining offshore sailing with snowboarding on untouched mountain terrain. The project blends sport, adventure, and visual storytelling.
Another highlight is young sailor Viivi Moisio, who will discuss her plan to sail solo across the Atlantic. Her racing yacht, built on a finished hull as part of the project, will be on display in the Sailing Harbour throughout the show.
Industry discussions also take centre stage. Seascape CEO Andraz Mihelin, responsible for Beneteau’s First model range, will join Hallberg Rassy CEO Magnus Rassy to discuss the future of cruising sailboats. Their joint discussion takes place on Saturday, February 7 at 11:00, with both executives also present on the opening day, February 6.
On Friday, February 13, Baltic Sea Day will be held at the Sailing Harbour, including the announcement of the 20,000 euro Save the Baltic Sea Award funded by the Finnish Fair Foundation.
Hands on boat maintenance at Venemestarin Telakka
Venemestarin Telakka focuses on practical boat ownership. Visitors can watch real upgrades and installations carried out live during the show.
A Yamarin 59 HT will be refurbished at the stand, including the installation of a Wallas heater and replacement of rub rails. Visitors can also learn about synthetic Flexiteek decking, lithium battery systems, and modern marine electronics. A racing yacht preparing for an ocean crossing will showcase advanced onboard technology.
New boats, harbour knowledge, and buying advice
Totalveneen Messi brings together new boat launches and practical travel advice. Jan Sjolund, editor in chief of Totalvene and Venemestari, will present the latest boat models featured at Vene 26 Bat.
Harbour expert Kalevi “Kallu” Westersund will talk about marinas in Estonia and the Baltic countries, while Petri Tuokko will focus on boating in and around the Aland Islands, including Hamnsundet in northern Aland. Kippari magazine journalist Jouko Saarinen will guide visitors through the process of buying a used boat, and Hannu “Solmu” Seppanen will demonstrate useful boating knots.
Authorities are also present. The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency will explain waterway maintenance and navigation aids. The Finnish Border Guard will address boating safety, including collision risks and man overboard situations. Traficom will present updates on fairway reforms, nautical charts, boating certificates of competence, and the national boat register. Haaga Helia will introduce the Boating Gateway Finland project, which promotes Finnish boating internationally.
Fishing, diving, and water sports take over two halls
Fishing and water activities occupy two dedicated halls at Vene 26 Bat. The sport fishing section features more fishing boats than in previous years, with a stronger focus on fishing tourism. Visitors can meet professional fishing guides and attend angling talks throughout the event.
The Aalto area pool hosts an expanded scuba diving program, with Dive Travel Finland joining Sea Safety to offer more opportunities to try diving. Instructor Lee Smallwood Cassar will present diving around the Maltese islands, covering shipwrecks, marine parks, and Mediterranean dive conditions.
Visitors can also try water polo, radio controlled sailboats, and SUP boards. The Finnish Indoor SUP Championships take place during the second weekend, while influencer SUP competitions are scheduled for Saturday, February 7. During weekends, mermaids will entertain younger visitors.
Awards and recognition at Vene 26 Bat
Each year, the boat show recognises standout vessels. Awards are presented for Open Boat of the Show, Weekender or Commuter Cruiser of the Show, Cabin Cruiser of the Show, Best Sailing Yacht, and Fishing Boat of the Show.
Within the sport fishing section, the titles of Fishing Guide of the Year, Angler of the Year, and Fishery Warden of the Year are also awarded.
Event details
The Helsinki International Boat Show Vene 26 Bat takes place from February 6 to February 15, 2026, at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. The event is organised by the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre on behalf of the Finnish Marine Industries Federation, Finnboat. WWF Finland serves as the sustainability partner.
