Two New Zealand foiling brands exhibit electric vessels and performance boards at the world’s largest boat show.
Two New Zealand companies, Vessev and Armstrong Foils, are exhibiting at boot Düsseldorf from 17–25 January, placing New Zealand marine innovation on the global stage.
boot Düsseldorf is the world’s largest yacht and watersports show, attracting more than 200,000 visitors and over 1,500 exhibitors from 67 nations. The event brings together boatbuilders, marine technology companies, watersports brands, retailers, and international media.
Vessev showcases electric hydrofoiling vessels
Auckland based marine technology company Vessev is exhibiting under Electric Boats and Solar Boats in Hall 4, stand D02.
Vessev designs and builds electric hydrofoiling vessels in house, with a focus on efficiency, ride comfort, and commercial reliability. On display are the original Vessev concept, the award winning VS–9 electric hydrofoiling catamaran, and the recently revealed VS–9 Skye.
Flying on water: our first ride – Vessev’s VS–9 foiling electric craft
CEO and co founder Eric Laakmann will attend alongside Josh Trout from Vessev’s US team.
“Boot is the biggest show in the world and we’re excited to connect with our supporters and customers at the event,” Laakmann says.
The nine metre VS–9 flies above the water on carbon fibre foils, reducing drag and energy use. Vessev says the vessel uses up to 90 percent less energy than comparable displacement boats and is designed for applications including tourism, premium water transport, and waterfront operations. Retractable foils and minimal wake allow operation in shallow or sensitive environments.
The VS–9 Skye, launched in December 2025, is a leisure focused electric day boat variant, combining simplified operation, a social deck layout, and charging from standard shore power.
Armstrong Foils returns with performance focused designs
New Zealand based Armstrong Foils is exhibiting under Surfboards and Accessories in Hall 17, stand D41.
The foiling brand returns to boot Düsseldorf with riders, distributors, and team members on site, along with pool demonstrations during the show.
“We’re excited to be attending Boot Düsseldorf again in 2026. It’s always a great event for us, bringing the global watersports community together in one place and giving us the perfect excuse to talk foiling, share our latest gear, and catch up face to face with retailers, both established and new across the watersports industry. We’ll have members of the Armstrong team on site alongside some of our riders and distributors, with the team showcasing gear on the pool throughout the event. We’re looking forward to a full week of in depth gear discussions, on water demonstrations, and building new connections,” says Scarlett Liu from Armstrong’s management team.
Products on display include the Midlength FG Board, designed to sit between prone, wing, and downwind boards. The midlength shape prioritises glide, stability, and easy foil release, making it well suited to light conditions and riders looking for versatility without changing boards.
Also on show is the Austin Tovey Mid Board, developed with multidisciplinary foiler Austin Tovey. The compact design targets high performance wake, tow, kite, and pump foiling, with refined volume placement and a carbon stringer system aimed at improved rigidity, responsiveness, and recovery during aggressive riding.
Together, Vessev and Armstrong highlight only part of a wider New Zealand foiling landscape that continues to develop across the marine sector.
