At the same time, the international recreational boat exhibition “Klaipėda Boat Show” is taking place in the port city for the sixth time.
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However, the festive atmosphere of the events was overshadowed on Friday by an incident recorded by Klaipėda police.
It is reported that on Friday afternoon, an intoxicated man walking along the Danė embankment threw an empty bottle of strong alcoholic beverage into the river. It hit the “Cross BR 75” boat on display and shattered its glass.
„As organizers, we are disappointed that such incidents still occur in such a modern and contemporary city. However, we view the situation positively and are delighted by the extremely high interest from visitors and participants. We see that the event is growing, and people’s support only further motivates us to develop it in the future,“ said Karolis Valenta, head of the Recreational Boating Industry Association „LitBOAT“.
„Boats no longer fit on the embankments“
„LitBOAT“ head K. Valenta states that the event is growing rapidly every year and this year, for the first time, it moved to the very heart of Klaipėda city.
This year’s event is completely free for visitors. According to the organizers, such a decision allows marine culture to be brought even closer to people and to create an open city celebration.
The exhibition presents the latest marine innovations, shipping technologies, and international manufacturers. This year, representatives from Latvia, Estonia, and Poland, as well as brands from all over the world, are participating in the event.
According to the organizers, the biggest challenge this year was not the lack of participants, but the shortage of space.
„We had a challenge because the boats simply no longer fit on the embankment. We had to limit the number of boats on display,“ said K. Valenta.
Currently, 15 boats are presented in the water exhibition.
The organizers name the world-renowned Norwegian brand „Marex“ as one of the most prominent highlights.
However, special attention is also given to the Lithuanian name „Nordic Season“, whose products are exported to Africa, France, and Spain.
„This is our Lithuanian pearl. Their boats are bought by hotel chains and private resorts,“ said the organizer.
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Klaipėda Mayor: „Our heart is wide“
Klaipėda City Mayor Alvydas Vaitkus, who visited the event, emphasized that the city is purposefully striving to become a vibrant event center all year round.
„Three years ago, we set the goal of having a festive marathon from January 1st to December 31st. Today I can say – we have achieved it,“ said the mayor.
According to him, both Klaipėda residents and city guests value the events as an important part of the city’s vitality.
„There are no bad events, everything depends on the mood,“ said A. Vaitkus.
Speaking about the F2 water formula championship, the mayor recalled the first meetings with the organizers three and a half years ago.
„I agreed on one condition – this event must become a tradition,“ he stated.
The mayor also highlighted the most important projects currently underway in Klaipėda: the reconstruction of Atgimimo Square, the new Summer Stage, the ice arena project, and the construction of a covered football stadium.
According to him, about 51 explosives were found in the city center while renovating Atgimimo Square.
„Specialists said – an angel protects the city,“ A. Vaitkus recalled.
Klaipėda hosts the largest F2 and F4 water formula world championship to date
This year’s championship is called the largest ever held in Klaipėda by the organizers.
In the F2 class, Lithuanian legend Edgaras Riabko – a two-time European champion and three-time world vice-champion – starts the 2026 season.
The Klaipėda track is well known to the athlete – he has been competing there for the fourth consecutive year.
After the 2025 season, in which he won third place in the world championship, E. Riabko enters the new season with a clear goal – to fight for the highest step on the podium.
In the F4 class, Lithuania will be represented by three young pilots: Paulius Stainys, Nida Kilinskaitė, and Matas Kvizikevičius.
For young athletes, this is a unique opportunity to compete in the world championship in front of their home fans.
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Both impressive events in Klaipėda will take place until late Sunday afternoon.
