Genoa Boat Show 2026 preview: Expanded in-water area puts larger yachts in focus
The 2026 show includes 215 new models from exhibitors across 45 countries
The 66th Genoa International Boat Show kicks off tomorrow (1 October 2026) and runs for six days, until 6 October, at Genoa’s regenerated Waterfront di Levante, featuring more than 1,000 boats, 215 new models, and exhibitors from 45 countries across five continents.
Organised by Confindustria Nautica – the Italian Marine Industry Association, the show has returned to its traditional October dates after taking place in late September since 2021 – a move designed to create space away from the crowded Cannes and Monaco calendar. The exhibition will use the fully available Palasport Pavilion, new exhibition areas, canals and expanded in-water displays within the waterfront redevelopment based on architect Renzo Piano’s masterplan.
The programme covers business, technology, sustainability and design, while the 2026 edition also reflects changes in the Italian and international yachting markets.
Highlights and world premieres
At 49.9 metres, the Mangusta 165 REV is the biggest yacht on display at this year’s show. Other yachts measuring more than 35 metres at the Waterfront di Levante include Azimut’s 44-metre Grande 44M, which arrives after its Monaco debut, a 41-metre steel explorer from Amer Yachts and the 35-metre Pershing GTX116. The in-water display also includes flagship models from about a dozen builders in the 25- to 30-metre range, as well as several world premieres, and three debuting brands.
The world premieres include the Cantiere Mimì Libeccio 13.50 WA, the new flagship of the builder’s gozzo range, with a walkaround layout and increased interior volume for family cruising and overnight use; the Sessa Marine Key Largo 25, a compact open day boat with a sporty hull, convertible cockpit and forward cabin; two new Sacs Marine maxi-RIB variants, developed around high-speed performance, deep-V hulls and custom deck layouts; and the Lazzara UHV 100, a compact superyacht designed to maximise interior volume through increased headroom and large windows.
In-water display increases size
The in-water display area has increased by 4 per cent compared with 2025, while the average size of the three largest boats in each segment has risen by 14.1 per cent. The number of multihulls on display has increased by 28 per cent.
These figures come as the Italian yachting industry reports annual turnover of €8.6bn, more than €13bn in added value and employment of nearly 170,000 people. Around 90 per cent of production is destined for international markets.
Piero Formenti, president of Confindustria Nautica, comments: “The figures for this year’s edition have a significance that goes beyond mere numbers, because the Genoa International Boat Show is a direct reflection of the market and the industry it represents. […] The expansion of the in-water display area, the increase in the size of the boats on display and the evolution of the various segments reflect a sector that is changing and an event capable of changing alongside it.”
Italian boatbuilding moves into larger yachts
The presence of more large yachts is one of the notable developments at the 2026 show.
The new Living Made in Italy area on Quay H, developed with support from the Italian Trade Agency, is dedicated to yachts over 24m. It includes yachts in the 35–50m range and brings together yacht building with related areas such as design, hospitality and Italian craftsmanship.
The area includes support from Venini, Riflessi and Leonardo. Leonardo’s Agusta brand will display an AW109 light twin-engine helicopter at the show alongside the yachts.
Innovation, sustainability and the blue economy
Innovation and sustainability feature across the programme. Forum26 covers artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, technological innovation, sustainability, the maritime economy, start-ups and SMEs, nautical tourism, training and careers in the blue economy.
The programme includes the fifth World Yachting Sustainability Forum, From AI to Energy Hubs – Building the Future of Sustainable Yachting, organised with IBI. Other sessions include the European Sustainable Boating Roundtable and a conference examining the blue economy and the economic impact of yachting.
The new Blue Arena inside the Palasport Pavilion covers ‘start boating, startups & innovation, training and boating careers, world sailing and maritime institutions’. The programme has a particular focus on younger generations, skills and career opportunities.
International business programme
The Italian Trade Agency has doubled its commitment to the show’s international visitor programme. Buyers and journalists are expected from 35 countries, while the number of international buyers is due to increase from 70 to 180. The group includes superyacht buyers, importers, distributors and dealers.
On 1 and 2 October, the second edition of TechTrade Days brings more than 400 specialist brands from the equipment, accessories and components sectors together in a dedicated B2B format. The event connects shipyards, designers, technical departments, procurement managers, manufacturers, distributors and suppliers.
Design Innovation Award at Genoa
The seventh Design Innovation Award recognises projects covering design, innovation, functionality and sustainability. Established in 2020, the award provides a view of developments in yacht design and technology.
Architect Paolo Brescia, co-founder of OBR – Open Building Research, chairs this year’s international jury. The winners are announced on Friday 2 October during the Design Innovation Award gala on the terrace of the Blue Pavilion.
Paolo Brescia, chair of the Design Innovation Award Jury, says: “Design is undergoing a period of profound transformation and today carries with it a strong sense of responsibility. With the Design Innovation Award, we aim to encourage reflection on a transition that is not merely energy-related, environmental or digital, but also cultural, shifting the focus from products to the ideas and processes that make them possible. Because when we talk about yacht design, we are not just talking about boats, but about their relationship with people, with the environment that hosts them and with the sea. It is a principle I also see reflected in the Casa della Vela, created to forge a connection with the sea and restore a space to the public realm: a square by the sea, open on all sides, from which to view the city from the sea and the sea from the city – a space for everyone that, during events, can be transformed into a regatta stadium.”
Sport is also part of the programme. Following Confindustria Nautica’s appointment as Strategic Marine Industry Advisory Partner for the 38th Louis Vuitton America’s Cup, the partnership continues at this year’s show. World Sailing and the Italian Sailing Federation will also be represented.
The show and Genoa’s waterfront
The Genoa International Boat Show occupies the regenerated Waterfront di Levante, part of the wider transformation based on Renzo Piano’s masterplan. The site includes the fully available Palasport Pavilion, new exhibition areas, canals and in-water displays.
The waterfront layout places the exhibition areas alongside the city and the Mediterranean, with sea trials taking place during the six-day event.
The show also has links with sectors beyond yachting through its partners and participating creative figures.
Alberto Racca, CEO of Trussardi and the Miroglio Group, says: “Deep affinities run between Trussardi and the world of yachting, starting with the concept of beauty.
“It is this affinity that forms the basis of our collaboration with the Genoa International Boat Show: we will be present with Trussardi Casa in the VIP Lounge and the official offices, with a capsule collection dedicated to the Boat Show and through our participation in a number of events. For us, this marks the starting point of a collaboration with a world that we feel is deeply in tune with who we are and what we wish to represent.”
The 66th Genoa International Boat Show takes place in Genoa, Italy, from 1–6 October 2026.
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