The bulk of the biggest boat shows in the world will be held in Europe next year, according to data from the International Federation of Boat Show Organizers.

Nine of the ten largest and most influential events are in Europe, with the other in Fort Lauderdale, USA.

Below, our guide to the not-to-be-missed events both on and off shore.

London International Boat Show
January 8-17, 2010

London’s boat show is the first major show of the year, predicted to welcome 122,000 guests to see some 400 exhibitors.

It is London’s 56th annual show and aims to cater to all tastes — from the “Boating on a budget” exhibit to the “Sunseeker Champagne Bar.”
www.londonboatshow.com

Boot Düsseldorf
January 23- 31, 2010
Boot Dusseldorf is renowed for being the world’s largest and most important show. Over 1,550 exhibitors will attend to display some 1,700 boats and yachts.

Features include dedicated hall for diving fans and an exhibit showcasing “trendy sports” such as stand-up paddling, winch waking ,skimboarding , kiteboarding, surfing, wakeboarding, and water-skiing.
www.boot.de

PSP Southampton International Boat Show
September 10-19, 2010

PSP Southampton reported over 121000 visitors last year and is the largest outdoor event of its kind in the UK.

A precursor to the London Show, Southampton focuses strongly on “lifestyle” boating, with models available for sale from £389.
www.southamptonboatshow.com

Grand Pavois de la Rochelle
September 15- 20, 2010

Grand Pavois is an another in-water fair, the precursor of the Nautic Paris indoor show in December.

Over 700 boats are displayed from 870 exhibitors, as well as a themed “Guest of Honour” exhibit, showcasing one seafaring country that invited to display the best of its culture.
www.grand-pavois.com

Genoa International Boat Show
October 2-10, 2010

The Genoa Boat Show rivals Dusseldorf in size and importance, welcoming 280,000 visitors, 2,400 boats and 1,450 companies in 2009.

Expected highlights include Techtrade, an exhibit dedicated to components and accessories for leisure boating and the presentation of the Italiana Cup for International Match Race regatta crews under 18.
http://www.genoaboatshow.com

Athens International Boat Show
October 16- 24, 2010

A thousand boats were on display last year at Athens, from 279 exhibitors.

The show has strong support from the Greek government, which is keen to encourage export of Greek-made vessels.

Athens debuted several new designs from international manufacturers at the Metropolitan Expo Exhibition Centre.
www.athensboatshow.gr

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
October 28 -November 1, 2010

Fort Lauderdale celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and the 2010 show is likely to rank again with Dusseldorf and Genoa as one of the largest and most influential shows in the world.

The show features everything from green boat technology to fishing tackle, and with 278000 squared metres, is thought to be the largest exhibition in terms of floor/dock space.
www.showmanagement.com

Barcelona International Boat Show
November 15, 2010

The Barcelona show is spread over two sites and attracted some 125000 visitors in 2009.

Sales for the 380 exhibitors that attended were boosted by a subsidy on registration tax for boats bought at the event that was approved by the Government of Catalonia.
www.salonnautico.com

Paris Nautic
December 3-12, 2010

Nautic is a rapidly growing show and was estimated to attract over a quarter of a million visitors in 2009, making it one of the top three show in Europe.

Approximately 1,200 exhibitors representing 1,400 brands displayed nearly 1,500 boats, with unveilings from big name brands in the French industry.

Nautic caters to a more widespread market than its La Rochelle cousin, with organizers stating that over 30% of the attendees “just come to dream”.
www.salonnautiqueparis.com/