The newly completed Waterfront di Levante in Genoa will host the 66th edition of the Genoa International Boat Show, from October 1 to 6, 2026). Organized by Confindustria Nautica and I Saloni Nautici srl, the event stands as the definitive benchmark for the global recreational boating industry.
Benefiting from the prestigious patronage of the European Commission, the Boat Show confirms its role as a leading transnational hub where the industrial supply chain meets technological innovation, design, maritime culture, and public institutions.
The trade show performs a critical systemic role in guiding, accelerating, and supporting the sector during a complex macroeconomic phase marked by geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East, trade policy shifts and tariffs in the United States, and rising raw material and component costs, which contrast with a highly positive trend in marine tourism, chartering, and large yachts over 24 meters. The manifestation will maintain its highly successful multi-specialty format divided into 5 distinct areas: Yacht&Superyacht, Boating Discovery, Sailing World, TechTrade, and Living the Sea.
The extensive economic, scientific, and infrastructural programme of the 2026 edition will be structured around the following main thematic tracks:
Spatial Evolution and Urban Waterfront Regeneration
This year’s edition celebrates the final completion of the master plan urban works across the Waterfront di Levante area and the operational launch of the new Palasport, now fully active with 74 retail stores and an entire floor dedicated to food & beverage. The fully upgraded docks will ensure the traditional on-water sea trials for vessels (which reached 4,050 trials in 2025), while the Sports Arena will host an open, accessible public space designed to reconnect citizens and industry professionals to the culture of the sea, expanding the narrative of yachting beyond commercial transactions.
Technological Innovation, B2B, and Market Trends
The technical agenda features the consolidation of the TechTrade Days (October 1-2), a specialized B2B format for marine components and accessories hosting over 400 brands inside the Blue Pavilion (Padiglione Blu) to connect manufacturers, designers, and shipyard procurement offices. On the macroeconomic front, the opening sessions will debut the latest edition of La Nautica in Cifre (Boating in Figures), the official statistical market report produced by Confindustria Nautica’s Intelligence Unit in partnership with Fondazione Edison.
Design Excellence and Ocean Sustainability Forums
Congressional and institutional sessions will bring together government representatives, international policymakers, and industry executives. Key highlights include the opening ceremony on October 1 and the 7th edition of the Design Innovation Award, established to celebrate manufacturing and architectural excellence. Concurrently, the 5th World Yachting Sustainability Forum will address eco-compatible technology, alternative fuels (such as hydrogen-powered propulsion), and green infrastructure systems for sustainable tourist marinas.
Maritime Culture, Youth Engagement, and Global Sport
The event highlights world-class sport and ocean challenges through its ongoing relationship with the America’s Cup, with Confindustria Nautica serving as the Strategic Marine Industry Advisory Partner of the 38th Louis Vuitton America’s Cup, alongside the Italian Sailing Federation (Federazione Italiana Vela).
The summit is tailored for an international and cross-sectoral audience, including shipyards, naval architects, marine engineers, port and tourist marina authorities, marine logistics operators, institutional investors, startups, international distributors, and the entire global yachting and shipping community.
More Information
https://www.salonenautico.com/