Over one thousand boats, 215 new features, 45 countries represented from five continents, and an in-water layout that expands by 4%. These are the numbers for the 66th International Boat Show, organized by Confindustria Nautica in Genoa from October 1st to 6th, which was presented in Milan at the headquarters of the Fondazione Edison.
With the date change from late September to early October, there is more room for large yachts—the fastest-growing market segment. Docks occupancy in the Yacht & Superyacht section has increased, and the average length of the three largest units in each segment shows a 14.1% increase compared to 2025. The multihull sector is also growing, with a 28% increase in exhibited units. Against this backdrop, “Living Made in Italy” was created: a new area on Dock H developed with the support of the ICE Agency (Italian Trade Agency) dedicated to shipbuilding over 24 meters, featuring superyachts in the 35-to-50-meter range.
Among the main highlights are the ongoing work in the Eastern Waterfront area and the new arena housing the Blue Arena, designed “to bring new audiences closer to boating, starting with young people, and to show not only what this sector produces, but also the opportunities it can offer,” explained the president of Confindustria Nautica, Piero Formenti. “It is an open space with free admission, creating a new ’embrace’ between the boat show, the city, and the public. Its content reflects the Milestones of the 2025–2029 Boating Plan: marine training and professions, industrial support, innovation and sustainability, maritime culture, and the promotion of Made in Italy.”
Returning for their second year are the TechTrade Days, dedicated to the nautical accessories and components sectors, featuring a B2B format on October 1st and 2nd. “This year we are moving from 70 to 180 foreign buyers: not only superyacht buyers, but importers, distributors, and dealers—key points of contact, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises,” noted Matteo Zoppas, president of the ICE Agency. “Added to this are over eighty contacted journalists, a project dedicated to start-ups, and an international communication campaign aimed at strengthening the positioning of the boat show and ‘Made in Italy’ across overseas markets.”
