ancora YACHTFESTIVAL

One of Europe's largest watersports trade fairs

With its 1,400 berths, the ancora Marina in Neustadt in Holstein is one of Northern Europe's largest sports boat harbors and one of the few 5-star marinas on the German Baltic Sea coast. Since 2010, the ancora YACHTFESTIVAL has been held here every spring as an In-Water Boat Show – a trade fair where yachts and boats are presented directly in the water at the jetty, rather than in a hall. This is precisely what makes the event unique: visitors can go on board without prior registration, inspect deck layouts, saloons, and cabins, and ask the shipyards directly.

Neustadt in Holstein on the Bay of Lübeck

Neustadt in Holstein is part of the Ostholstein district in the state of Schleswig-Holstein and is located on the Bay of Lübeck, about 25 kilometers north of Lübeck. The town has been a port location for centuries and is now a center for sailing, boat building, and water tourism on the western Baltic Sea. The ancora Marina is located northeast of the old town, with access to the Baltic Sea via the Wiek.

What you'll experience at the Yacht Festival

Around 170 sailing and motor yachts from 4 to 23 meters in length are moored in the harbor basins - well-known brands such as Hallberg-Rassy, Hanse, Bavaria, X-Yachts, Beneteau, Jeanneau, Linjett, and Bayern Voyager. In addition, around 180 exhibitors present boat accessories, navigation electronics, sails, inflatables, insurance, charter offers, and maritime clothing in a setup of pagoda tents around the harbor basin. In 2026, 15 world and German premieres are announced, including models such as the Linjett 36 and the Bayern Voyager 45.

ancora Hafennacht

The highlight is the ancora Hafennacht on Saturday evening: on the stage directly on the water, bands like Max & Friends provide live music as the sun sets over the Baltic Sea. Catering stands, cocktail bars, and viewing areas on the pontoons create a maritime atmosphere that elevates the Yacht Festival far beyond a mere trade fair.