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The 66th Genoa International Boat Show will take place from 1 to 6 October 2026 at the Waterfront di Levante. Organiser Confindustria Nautica has announced more than 1,000 boats, 215 new models and representation from 45 countries across five continents, spanning sailing boats, motor boats, multihulls, superyachts and equipment.
Cover image: the show's presentation at Fondazione Edison in Milan on 15 September. Image: Salone Nautico / Confindustria Nautica.
More space afloat and larger boats
The in-water display area will grow by 4% compared with 2025. Occupancy of the Yacht & Superyacht dock will also increase, while the average length of the three largest boats in each segment will rise by 14.1%. The number of multihulls on display will increase by 28%.
A new addition is Living Made in Italy on Quay H. Developed with support from the Italian Trade Agency, ICE, this area will combine displays, lounges and hospitality services for boats over 24 metres. The initiative has attracted yachts in the 35–50-metre range, strengthening the presence of larger vessels as the show returns to October dates.
Blue Arena: a new space with free admission
The Palasport Pavilion will host the Blue Arena, a new space with free admission designed to introduce a wider audience, particularly younger visitors, to boating. Free access applies to the Blue Arena; the show is also retaining its discounted ticket for visitors under 25.
The programme will cover five areas: getting started in boating, start-ups and innovation, maritime training and careers, sailing, and maritime military institutions. The Italian Sailing Federation (FIV) will showcase sailing from dinghies to foiling. Universities and training organisations will introduce career opportunities, while the Italian Navy, Coastguard and Guardia di Finanza will offer simulation experiences.
More international buyers and TechTrade Days
ICE will double its investment in the international incoming programme. According to the figures presented, invited buyers will increase from 70 to 180, including importers, distributors and dealers as well as superyacht buyers. The programme envisages participants from 35 countries, with more than 80 international journalists contacted.
TechTrade Days, on 1 and 2 October, will bring together more than 400 specialist accessories and components brands. The business programme will connect shipyards, designers, technical departments, procurement teams and suppliers.
FORUM26, sustainability and design
The FORUM26 conference programme, held under the patronage of the European Commission, will begin on 30 September with the presentation of La Nautica in Cifre, the analysis of the 2025 boating market. The opening conference on 1 October will explore the relationship between industry, innovation and institutions.
Topics will include sustainability, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, the blue economy, nautical tourism and training. The programme includes the fifth World Yachting Sustainability Forum and, on the closing day, the twelfth national conference dedicated to nautical tourism.
Winners of the seventh Design Innovation Award will be announced on 2 October. Architect Paolo Brescia, co-founder of OBR, will chair the international jury. The cultural programme will feature Paolo Mieli and Antonio Caprarica, alongside talks with Riccardo Bonadeo of the One Ocean Foundation and Giulio Bertelli of Luna Rossa. The America's Cup will also be in the spotlight.
For more information, visit the official Genoa International Boat Show website.
A meeting point for the whole boating industry
At the Milan presentation, Confindustria Nautica president Piero Formenti placed these developments in the context of an Italian boating industry with €8.6 billion in turnover, more than €13 billion in added value and nearly 170,000 jobs, with around 90% of production destined for overseas markets.
