Russia’s biggest boat show was one of the largest in terms of visitors and participants

This year’s St Petersburg International Boat Show in Russia was one of the largest in terms of the number of visitors and participants. Some 65 boats and yachts of various lengths (primarily from 5m-25m) were displayed at the show, which ran from September 5-8.

In contrast to previous years, there were no superyachts during the expo although Black Pearl, one of the world’s largest sailing superyachts, owned by Russian billionaire Oleg Burlakov, entered the port of St Petersburg a few weeks before the show started and some analysts predicted that it would stay until the expo.

In this regard, perhaps the largest and the most expensive model presented at the show was the 24.5m Galeon 780 Crystal from Poland’s Galeon shipyard. Among its main features are the futuristic design and a number of luxury elements like a Jacuzzi on the flybridge.

Participants at the show were also attracted to the 20m UK-built Princess 64, a yacht that remains one of the most popular models in Russia within its class.

Unlike Galeon, whose yachts are mainly designed for sailing in warm seas, the scope of the Princess 64 is significantly wider, including the northern seas and rivers of Russia.

Perhaps the most unusual model presented at the show was from Finland’s Brizo Yachts shipyard, its main feature being the aggressive black design of the aluminum hull. The boat is equipped with VW motors, which are rarely used in the yachting industry.

The only ocean-going yacht, and the most exotic, was the Taiwanese-built Selene 54. According to the show’s organisers, the 18m ship was first launched in 2015 and since then has maintained a leading position in its class.

The only sailing yacht presented at the St Petersburg show as a French Lagoon catamaran. While its world premiere took place last year, the yacht only reached Russia in 2019. According to the organisers, sailing yachts are generally less popular among Russian customers than their motor counterparts, which is mainly due to Russia’s harsh climate conditions.

 

Topics