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Genoa International Boat Show 2026 brings the global yachting community back to the Mediterranean

More than 200,000 square metres of land and water will welcome the international boating industry to Genoa in October 2026

The Genoa International Boat Show returns from 1 to 6 October 2026 with yachts, sailing, technology and waterfront design

From 1 to 6 October 2026, Genoa will once again become a meeting point for the international boating industry. The 66th Genoa International Boat Show will bring together shipyards, designers, technology companies, marine professionals and boating enthusiasts in a venue where the sea is not merely a backdrop, but an essential part of the exhibition itself.

Six days dedicated to the changing world of boating

A visit to the Genoa Boat Show offers more than a succession of yachts and stands. It is an opportunity to move between sailing, motor boating, superyachts, multihulls, marine equipment and onboard technology, gaining a broad view of an industry that continues to evolve.

The 2026 edition will combine the visual appeal of new boats with the ideas shaping their development. Performance, comfort, efficiency and responsible design will come together along Genoa’s waterfront, creating an experience for both industry specialists and visitors who simply enjoy life at sea.

Five distinctive shows within one event

The exhibition follows a multi-specialist format built around five complementary areas. Yacht and Superyacht focuses on larger vessels, while Sailing World explores the culture and technology of sailing. Boating Discovery is devoted to the outboard market, from practical day boats to more versatile cruising solutions.

The programme also includes TechTrade, covering components, accessories and marine systems, and Living the Sea, which approaches boating through lifestyle, experiences and services. Together, these areas allow visitors to follow their own interests without losing the sense of being part of one connected maritime event.

An exhibition shaped by both land and water

The Genoa International Boat Show extends across more than 200,000 square metres of land and water, with most of the exhibition taking place outdoors. Its docks and display areas can accommodate over 1,000 boats, ranging from accessible leisure craft to sophisticated yachts created for extended cruising.

This direct relationship with the sea is one of Genoa’s defining qualities. Boats can be viewed in their natural environment, where proportions, deck layouts and exterior lines become easier to understand. Sea trials also give selected visitors and professionals an opportunity to experience performance beyond the static display.

A new chapter for Genoa’s Waterfront di Levante

The 2026 show will benefit from the fully operational Waterfront di Levante, redesigned through the urban regeneration project led by architect Renzo Piano. Navigable canals, new exhibition docks, improved routes and an island surrounding the Blue Pavilion have created a setting with an even stronger connection to the water.

The transformation is more than a visual update. It makes the transition between indoor displays, outdoor areas and floating exhibits more intuitive, while improving services and accessibility. The result is a venue in which the city, the harbour and the boat show feel increasingly interconnected.

Innovation moves from the drawing board to the marina

The Genoa Boat Show also provides a clear view of the technologies changing modern yachting. More efficient propulsion systems, electrification, energy management, advanced composites, connected electronics and lower-impact solutions are becoming central to the development of new boats.

These changes are not limited to technical specifications. They influence interior space, cruising range, onboard comfort and the way owners interact with their vessels. Conferences, specialist meetings and design-focused events add context to the products on display, turning the show into a place for discussion as well as discovery.

A long-standing bridge between Italy and the global market

The show has been closely connected with the development of Italy’s leisure marine sector since its first edition in 1962. That inaugural event welcomed 430 exhibitors from 18 countries. More than six decades later, Genoa has grown into an international platform for business, technical exchange and institutional dialogue.

Its enduring appeal comes from its ability to combine history with constant renewal. Italian craftsmanship, industrial expertise and design culture remain central to the event, while international shipyards and suppliers contribute a broader view of the market.

A meeting place for professionals and sea lovers

For marine businesses, the event offers an opportunity to meet shipyards, distributors, suppliers, clients and international partners. For enthusiasts, it provides a close-up look at the many ways of enjoying the sea, from compact boats designed for coastal trips to yachts built for long-distance cruising.

Between the working meetings, product launches and quiet moments spent looking across the docks, the Genoa International Boat Show retains a character of its own. From 1 to 6 October 2026, the Mediterranean will once again provide the natural setting for boats, ideas and people brought together by a shared connection with the sea.

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www.salonenautico.com

16 July 2026
© MED Yachting Editorial Team
Genoa International Boat Show 2026 brings the global yachting community back to the Mediterranean
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The information in this article has been sourced from and adapted from official sources and/or press releases, in accordance with our editorial code of ethics.