Electrification and hybrid propulsion
What electrification and hybrid propulsion means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Yacht Racing Forum is a premier conference dedicated to the yacht racing industry, taking place on November 19-20, 2026, at METSTRADE in Amsterdam.
This event brings together influential figures from the marine industry, including athletes, sponsors, and event organisers, to discuss innovations, challenges, and opportunities in yacht racing.
Attendees will engage in insightful discussions and networking opportunities, making it a must-attend event for anyone involved in the sport.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Yacht Racing Forum takes place on November 19-20, 2026, at METSTRADE in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event gathers key figures from the yacht racing industry to discuss innovations and challenges.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by MaxComm Communication, known for its expertise in marine events.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include industry leaders, event sponsors, and yacht owners, all influential in the sailing community.
- 5Entry: Registration is open now for those interested in attending this premier yacht racing conference.
Why visit
Attending the Yacht Racing Forum provides invaluable insights into the latest trends and innovations in yacht racing. Network with industry leaders and gain knowledge from expert panels discussing the future of sailing. Explore opportunities for collaboration and partnerships within the marine industry.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the Yacht Racing Forum allows companies to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of decision-makers in the yacht racing community. Gain visibility among key stakeholders, enhance brand recognition, and connect with potential clients and partners in a dynamic environment.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Yacht owners looking for the latest innovations in sailing technology.
Event sponsors seeking to connect with industry leaders.
Marine industry professionals interested in networking opportunities.
Sailing teams looking to enhance their competitive edge.
Designers and builders of racing yachts seeking collaboration.
Media representatives covering the yacht racing sector.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of yacht racing equipment and technology.
Sailing apparel brands targeting competitive sailors.
Marine service providers offering support for racing events.
Event management companies specializing in yacht racing.
Sailing schools and training programs for aspiring sailors.
Sustainability-focused companies providing eco-friendly solutions.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Racing yachts and performance sailboats.
Sailing apparel and gear for competitive racing.
Marine electronics and navigation systems.
Sailing training programs and educational resources.
Sustainable products for yacht maintenance.
Event management services for yacht racing.
Location & Facilities
Venue
METSTRADE
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Facilities
Parking
METSTRADE in Amsterdam typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: METSTRADE in Amsterdam typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at METSTRADE for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
MaxComm Communication
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Why it matters
Attending the Yacht Racing Forum provides invaluable insights into the latest trends and innovations in yacht racing. Network with industry leaders and gain knowledge from expert panels discussing the future of sailing.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Connected helm and telematics
What connected helm and telematics means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainable materials and refit
What sustainable materials and refit means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Experience-led watersports demand
What experience-led watersports demand means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Supply-chain regionalisation
What supply-chain regionalisation means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · EUR
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Amsterdam Schiphol
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Budget chain hotels near RAI station (Amsterdam Zuid)
Usually within one or two metro stops or a 10-20 minute walk of RAI Amsterdam to venue
Approx. nightly rate for a compact room with breakfast; book early because METSTRADE week absorbs much of the district's capacity.
Mid-range hotels in De Pijp and Oud-Zuid
About 10-20 minutes by tram or metro to RAI station to venue
Approx. nightly rate for a 3-4 star property; the neighbourhood gives easier access to restaurants than the RAI immediate area.
Business hotels around the RAI complex and Beatrixpark
Walking distance to the RAI halls, typically 5-15 minutes to venue
Approx. nightly rate for a full-service hotel; the most convenient option for delegates who want to walk to sessions.
Central Amsterdam 4-5 star hotels
About 20-25 minutes by tram or metro to RAI station to venue
Approx. nightly rate for a premium central stay; useful if evening hosting matters more than a short morning commute.
Apartment and studio short stays in Zuid and De Pijp
Varies; most options sit within 15-25 minutes of RAI by tram or metro to venue
Approx. nightly rate for a self-catering studio with a 3-night minimum in November; check licence and check-in rules before booking.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
train
Estimated costApprox. EUR 5.50-7.50 one-way second class, confirm NS fares
Best forNS Sprinter from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam RAI station
Direct Sprinter service in roughly 19-21 minutes; RAI Amsterdam has its own station beside the complex. Buy at the yellow NS machines or tap in with a contactless card.
metro
Estimated costApprox. EUR 3.20-3.60 for a one-hour GVB ticket, confirm current tariff
Best forGVB metro line 52 (North-South line) from Amsterdam Centraal to RAI station
Fastest route from the city centre, about 10-12 minutes from Centraal to RAI. Tap in and out with a contactless bank card or OV-chipkaart.
tram
Estimated costApprox. EUR 3.20-3.60 for the same one-hour GVB ticket, confirm current tariff
Best forGVB tram line 4 from Amsterdam Centraal via De Pijp to RAI
Slower than the metro but useful from De Pijp and Oud-Zuid hotels; the RAI stop sits at the Europaplein entrance.
bus
Estimated costApprox. EUR 3.20-3.60 one-hour GVB ticket; multi-day GVB passes bring the per-trip cost down
Best forGVB bus services connecting Amsterdam Zuid and the RAI district
Local buses fill gaps where tram and metro routes do not serve a hotel directly; check the GVB app for live departures.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. EUR 40-55 metered or fixed airport fare to RAI, confirm with the driver before departure
Best forSchiphol Airport taxi rank to RAI Amsterdam
Journey is about 14-25 minutes via the A4 and A10 ring outside rush hour. Use the official taxi rank at Schiphol, not unlicensed drivers in the terminal.
rideshare
Estimated costApprox. EUR 18-30 for a cross-city trip, higher during METSTRADE peak demand
Best forUber or Bolt from central Amsterdam hotels to RAI
Ride-hailing is widely used in Amsterdam; pick-up points around the RAI are signposted. Fares surge on trade-show mornings.
bicycle
Estimated costEUR 35–85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forGVB or commercial bike rental to the RAI complex
Amsterdam's default local transport; the RAI has signed cycle routes and parking. Only ride if you are comfortable with busy urban cycle traffic.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. EUR taxi/rideshare from AMS to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forAmsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to METSTRADE
Approx. 14-25 minutes by car outside peak traffic; approx. 19-21 minutes by train to RAI station; AMS is the primary international gateway for the Yacht Racing Forum. NS trains run from below the terminal to Amsterdam RAI station, and taxis or ride-hailing take around 15-25 minut
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
Mid to late November in Amsterdam is cool, windy and frequently wet: daytime highs typically around 8-10 C, nights near 3-5 C, with rain on a good share of days and strong North Sea winds off the IJ. Daylight is short, so plan evening transfers with that in mind.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Dutch mobile coverage is dense: KPN, VodafoneZiggo and Odido run 4G/5G networks across Amsterdam, and EU roaming rules apply for EU/EEA SIMs. Non-EU visitors should arrange an eSIM or a prepaid data pack on arrival at Schiphol. Free Wi-Fi is generally available in hotels and at the RAI complex, but treat it as best effort and carry your own mobile hotspot for demos or live streaming.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Direct communication
Dutch business culture is informal and direct: first names are common, meetings start on time and opinions are stated plainly. Do not read bluntness as hostility, and come with data rather than superlatives.
English in business
English is widely spoken across the Amsterdam marine and events sector, so the forum runs in English. Learning a few Dutch greetings is appreciated but not required.
Cycling and pedestrians
Cycle lanes are for bikes only and are treated like roads. Look both ways before crossing, never stand in a bike lane while checking your phone, and expect trams to have priority.
Tipping and bills
Service is included in Dutch restaurant bills; rounding up or leaving 5-10 percent is normal for good service. Card payment is accepted almost everywhere, though some small venues still prefer contactless only.
November etiquette and events
November is a quiet, work-focused month before the December Sinterklaas season. Restaurants fill up on Friday and Saturday evenings, so book ahead when hosting delegates.
Sailing community culture
The yacht racing world is small and relationship-driven: introductions matter, and a reference from a class association or team carries weight. Follow up promptly after the forum, as crews and organisers travel constantly.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: AMS
Book into Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) for the shortest transfer, ideally arriving the day before the forum opens on 19 November 2026. November fares from Europe are usually lowest 4-8 weeks out, while long-haul bookings from New Zealand, Australia and the United States benefit from 3 months' lead time. Consider rail from London, Paris, Brussels or western Germany as an alternative to short-haul flights. If you are combining the forum with METSTRADE, book flights that arrive before the trade show opens and depart after the forum closes.
Visa
Visa rules depend on nationality; check the official Netherlands Worldwide visa page to confirm whether you need a Schengen short-stay visa for a business visit to the forum in Amsterdam.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). Allow road or rail time to METSTRADE; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near METSTRADE: Budget chain hotels near RAI station (Amsterdam Zuid); Mid-range hotels in De Pijp and Oud-Zuid; Business hotels around the RAI complex and Beatrixpark.
Ride-hail: Uber and Bolt both operate in Amsterdam, with pick-up points signposted around the RAI complex rather than at the main entrance. Expect EUR 18-30 for a cross-city trip and higher surge pricing during METSTRADE and forum mornings. Airport trips are usually easier from the official Schiphol taxi rank, where fixed or metered fares are quoted before departure.
Public transit: GVB runs Amsterdam's trams, buses and metro, and RAI is one of the better-connected venues in the city: metro line 52 links Amsterdam Centraal to RAI station in about 10-12 minutes, tram 4 runs from Centraal through De Pijp to the RAI stop, and NS Sprinters connect RAI with Schiphol and central stations. Tickets are sold as one-hour or multi-day GVB passes or tapped contactless. Check the GVB app on the morning of travel for engineering works, which are common in November.
Parking: RAI Amsterdam operates its own parking garages directly beneath and beside the complex, accessed from the A10 ring exit 9, with hourly and day tariffs set by the venue. Capacity tightens sharply during large trade events, so arrive early or use the park-and-ride sites on the city's edge and continue by metro. Confirm current tariffs and which garage serves your hall before driving in.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November (forum dates 19-20 November 2026)
Temperature: Approx. 3-10 C (37-50 F): daytime highs commonly 8-10 C, overnight lows near 3-5 C, with wind chill near the IJ waterfront
Seasonality: Late November is one of Amsterdam's wetter, windier periods, with rain on a significant share of days and short daylight hours. Showers are often brief and horizontal in the wind; a compact umbrella alone is rarely enough.
Packing: Pack a waterproof shell with a hood, a warm mid-layer, a scarf and gloves, and shoes that cope with wet pavements. Bring a spare pair of socks for heavy rain days, a small daypack with a dry bag for documents, and a power bank since cold weather drains phone batteries. Indoor halls at the RAI are heated, so dress in layers you can remove.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Yacht Racing Forum usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
T-14: Confirm your Schengen position for the Netherlands on the Netherlands Worldwide portal and, if a visa is needed, check appointment availability before booking non-refundable travel.
T-2
T-13: Secure your Yacht Racing Forum delegate place and any side-event invitations, then note the 19-20 November 2026 dates in your diary.
T-3
T-12: Book a flight into Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), the main gateway, and plan the onward leg to RAI Amsterdam by train or taxi.
T-4
T-11: Reserve accommodation in Amsterdam Zuid or the city centre for the nights around the forum, and re-check cancellation terms given November demand.
T-5
T-10: Decide whether to extend the trip for METSTRADE in Amsterdam, which typically closes the day before the forum opens.
T-6
T-9: Draft your target list of yacht racing teams, class associations, regatta organisers, marine suppliers and sponsors, and map them to the conference tracks.
T-7
T-8: Review the published programme and mark the keynotes, panels and networking blocks that match your role.
T-8
T-7: Request meetings with delegates or partners you already know; the forum's delegate base is compact enough for pre-booked conversations to matter.
T-9
T-6: Arrange travel insurance and check whether your policy covers sailing-industry events and any on-water activity.
T-10
T-5: Sort mobile data: EU roaming if you have an EU plan, or an eSIM for Dutch networks, and save offline maps of the RAI district.
T-11
T-4: Pack for wet, windy November weather in Amsterdam: waterproof outer layer, warm mid-layer and comfortable shoes for walking between halls and hotels.
T-12
T-3: Print or download hotel and registration confirmations, and save the organiser's schedule link for last-minute room or timing changes.
T-13
T-2: Pre-load the GVB app and check tram and metro line status toward RAI station, allowing buffer time on the first morning.
T-14
T-1: Charge devices, prepare a short introduction for networking, and confirm your route from hotel to RAI for an on-time arrival at badge collection.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at METSTRADE
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Yacht Racing Forum registration concourse
METSTRADE
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
METSTRADE
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights€190.00
- Per diem × 2€150.00
Estimated total€340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Yacht Racing Forum fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Yacht Racing Forum, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Racing yachts and performance sailboats. and Sailing apparel and gear for compet solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Yacht Racing Forum in Amsterdam.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Racing yachts and performance sailboats. and Sailing apparel and gear for compet products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Amsterdam show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- IMOCA
- The 60-foot ocean-racing monohull class used for the Vendee Globe and major offshore events; IMOCA teams, designers and sponsors are core participants at the Yacht Racing Forum.
- Class 40
- A 40-foot offshore racing monohull class with strict one-design-style rules; Class 40 owners and event organisers attend for circuit planning and technical exchange.
- IRC rating
- The International Rating Certificate, a handicap rule that lets different cruiser-racer yachts compete together; a frequent topic in the forum's performance and event-management sessions.
- ORC
- Offshore Racing Congress rating and championship system used for handicap fleet racing worldwide; ORC delegates and measurers take part in rule and event discussions.
- World Sailing
- The international governing body for sailing, responsible for racing rules, class recognition and Olympic sailing; its regulatory decisions shape the agenda at the forum.
- Notice of Race (NoR)
- The document that sets out a regatta's dates, classes, entry requirements and rules; event organisers at the forum compare NoR structures for series and championship events.
- Race officer
- The official responsible for running racing on the water, from course setting to starts; race management is one of the operational topics covered in the forum's conference tracks.
- Foiling
- Racing on hydrofoils that lift the hull clear of the water; foiling classes and the technology, safety and cost implications sit high on yacht racing's performance agenda.
- Rating certificate
- The measurement document that converts a yacht's dimensions and equipment into a handicap figure under a rule such as IRC or ORC.
- Weather routing
- The use of forecast data and routing software to choose the fastest or safest course; navigators, teams and race organisers discuss routing tools and data access at the forum.
- Sponsor activation
- The way a brand turns a sailing sponsorship into hospitality, content and measurable media value; a recurring theme in the forum's business track.
- Team commercial manager
- The role responsible for a racing team's sponsorship sales, partner servicing and budget; a typical delegate profile alongside event organisers and class administrators.
- Regatta organiser
- The club, city or event company that stages a sailing event, handling entries, race management, media and hosting; a primary audience segment of the Yacht Racing Forum.
- SailGP-style fleet racing
- Short-format, stadium-style fleet racing with one-design foiling catamarans and broadcast packaging; its commercial model is regularly compared with traditional regattas at the forum.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Yacht Racing Forum 2026
- Yacht Racing Forum Amsterdam 2026
- Amsterdam Netherlands
- Conference Amsterdam 2026
- Conference Conference Amsterdam
- Racing yachts and performance sailboats.
- Racing yachts and performance sailboats
- Sailing apparel and gear for competitive racing
- Marine electronics and navigation systems
- Sailing training programs and educational resources
2 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.