- Events and Regattas
The 33rd Open Yard: Hallberg-Rassy Prepares for Scandinavia’s Largest Sailboat Showcase
Hosting the Nordic Circuit
Operating a successful marine exhibition demands a venue capable of handling heavy vessel traffic and significant public attendance. Hallberg-Rassy is preparing to open its doors for the 33rd consecutive year to host the Open Yard, also referred to as Öppet Varv. Scheduled to take place from August 21 to 23, 2026, in Ellös, West Sweden, the gathering serves as the largest boat show in the region. The manufacturer utilizes its own active shipyard to provide attendees with direct access to the latest developments in offshore cruising.
Displaying the Modern Fleet
A primary draw for the Open Yard event is the comprehensive in-water display. The 2026 exhibition will feature an extensive array of finished Hallberg-Rassy models resting at the docks. The lineup includes the 57, the 50, the 40C, the 400, the 370, and the 340. Furthermore, the manufacturer will present its majestic 69-foot flagship alongside the official premiere of the 44 Mk II. This specific curation allows prospective buyers to physically inspect the deck layouts and interior volumes of the brand’s most prominent hulls.
Scaling the Exhibition Profile
While the host shipyard anchors the event, the exhibition incorporates a massive variety of external marine assets. During the previous year, the show successfully displayed a total of 127 boats, and the organizers intend to assemble an even larger fleet for the 2026 edition. The docks will host numerous other brands, offering a mix of new and pre-owned sailboats, powerboats, and classic marine craft. Ashore, a vast network of yacht equipment exhibitors will set up alongside various food trucks to support the crowds.
A Foundation of Swedish Boatbuilding
The scale of the Open Yard event reflects the massive historical footprint of its host. Hallberg-Rassy traces its origins back 83 years to 1943, when Harry Hallberg opened his first yard at Kungsviken on the island of Orust. Over the decades, the company has delivered 9,800 yachts across the globe, establishing a reputation for sturdy craft, well-protected center cockpits, and high endurance. The 2026 exhibition serves as a physical testament to this legacy, demonstrating how a small wooden boat operation evolved into a globally recognized manufacturing powerhouse.
Behind the Production Lines
Beyond viewing completed vessels in the water, attendees gain rare access to the actual manufacturing environment. The Open Yard event allows visitors to observe many yachts currently in the active production phase. This transparent approach highlights the facility’s extensive capabilities, which include fully integrated CNC milling machines and state-of-the-art varnishing equipment. By allowing the public to witness the construction cycle directly, Hallberg-Rassy provides tangible evidence of the structural rigidity and fine woodwork that define their bluewater cruisers.
