From the October 1-6, 2026, Genoa will return to being the world capital of sailing with the 66th edition of the International Boat Show Confindustria NauticaThe event, which returns to its traditional dates in October, presents itself as a , in a context that confirms Italy’s leadership in the global nautical sector. With a program enriched by sustainability forums, expanded exhibition spaces and a city that is redeveloping around the sea, the Show aims to be a showcase of the trends that are reshaping the future of boating.
📌 To remember
- When: October 1–6, 2026
- Where: Waterfront of Levante, Genoa (project by Renzo Piano)
- Organizer: Confindustria Nautica
- Central theme
- Key data 2026:
- Italy holds the 52% of global superyacht orders (568 units) and the 62% of new global orders in 2025barcheamotore.com+1.
- The global recreational boating market is worth $21.4 billion in 2026, with an expected growth of 3% per year for 2026–2029bsness.com+1.
- The Levante Waterfront was completed in June 2026, with piantumatirainews.it.
- Confindustria Nautica And Strategic Marine Industry Advisory Partner 38th America’s Cup (Naples, 2027)americascup.com+2.
🌍 An international event
The Genoa Boat Show has been for over 60 years old The world reference point for the nautical sector, attracting companies, designers, institutions and professionals from all over the world. This year, the event is confirmed as:
- B2B platform: with TechTrade Days 400+ brands of nautical components and accessories.
- Showcase of Italian excellence: with one growth of yachts over 24 meters, symbol of Italian leadership in superyachts.
- Place of dialogue: Between World Sailing, Italian Sailing Federation (FIV), sailing classes and world-class athletes, also thanks to the partnership with the 38th America’s Cupamericascup.com+1.
Key data on the Italian nautical market 2026
| Sector | Given 2026 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Superyacht orders in Italy | 52% global share (568 units) | Boat International 202613-pxB1gXuO |
| $21.4 billion | Bsness 202615-adA39M6I | |
| Expected growth 2026-29 | +3% per year | Deloitte/Confindustria Nautica17-MFOomysf |
| Employment in Italy | 168,000 employees (+5.6%) | Symbola Foundation 202619-pxB1gXuO |
🚀 Innovation and sustainability: the pillars of the 2026 Salone
World Yachting Sustainability Forum (5th edition)
- ThemesEnvironmental, technological and economic challenges for the sector.
- Objective: Reducing the environmental impact of boating, with a focus on:
- Hybrid-electric engines
- Tax incentives for the purchase of low environmental impact boats (2026)top-yacht.it.
- Innovative technologies: solar panels, fast charging systems, drones for cleaning hulls passionemare.com+1.
**2. Design Innovation Award (7th edition)
- Reward design, innovation, functionality and sustainability.
- Participation
**3. Blue Arena: the new space in the Palasport
- Host: Events on .
- Objective: Expand the Salon’s offering beyond simple exhibitions.
🏆 Italian excellence on display
1. Superyachts and shipbuilding
- Italy is world leader in the production of superyachts:
- 56% of global production (2025)passionemare.com.
- 568 orders in 2026 (+2 percentage points vs 2025)barcheamotore.com.
- Trend: Growth of the 46% of companies that expect an increase in turnover (vs 23% in 2025)barcheamotore.com.
2. The role of Genoa and the Eastern Waterfront
- Project: Signed by Renzo Piano, the Levante Waterfront is the largest urban redevelopment project in Genoa in the last 40 yearsgreenmove.hwupgrade.it+1.
- Completion: June 2026, with 130 trees, 750 shrubs and 4,000 ground cover plants
- Characteristics:
- Certifications: LEED Gold and NZEB (Nearly Zero Emission Building)waterfrontdilevante.com.
- Spaces: 70,000 sq m divided into 4 lots, with canals that cross the exhibition area And open views of the sea.
- : greenmove.hwupgrade.it.
| Innovation | Sector | |
|---|---|---|
| AS Labruna | Electric motors for boats up to 12 m | Propulsion |
| X Shore | Hydrogen day cruiser (8 hours of autonomy) | Sustainability |
| Geico (Anahid) | UV LED drone for hull cleaning | Maintenance |
⛵ Sport and sailing at the Show
- : Confindustria Nautica is Strategic Marine Industry Advisory Partner from the 38th America’s Cup (Naples, 2027)americascup.com+2.
- ObjectiveConnecting the Italian nautical industry with the most prestigious sailing event in the world.
- Presence at the Show:
- World Sailing
- Italian Sailing Federation (FIV)
- World-class sailing classes and athletes
✅ Business opportunities: B2B meetings with 400+ brands
✅ Networking: Dialogue with international.
✅ Innovation: Discover the latest technologies in the fields of sustainability and design.
✅ Training: Events dedicated to young professionals and enthusiasts.
✅ Unique experience: Sea trials
📢 Statements
— Piero Formenti, President of Confindustria Nautica