YARE 2026: Superyacht networking event begins in Tuscany
YARE 2026 takes place from 11-13 March in the Tuscan yachting district. Image courtesy of Stefano Dalle Luche/YARE
YARE 2026 – Yachting Aftersales & Refit Experience – has opened its doors in Tuscany, Italy. The 15th edition of the annual gathering, running this year from 11-13 March 2026, is bringing together companies and international captains from the refit and aftersales sector.
YARE ‘State of the Industry’ report
The event includes the presentation of the annual ‘State of the Industry’ data produced in collaboration with The Superyacht Group.
This year’s data indicates that refit and maintenance activity represents a significant share of business activity in the superyacht sector. According to the analysis, refit work accounts for 36 per cent of overall business opportunities. When combined with operational and support services, which represent 22 per cent, these segments make up around 60 per cent of activity across the sector. Other areas include new charter and ownership models at 19 per cent and new‑build projects at 17 per cent.
Data covering the 2020-2024 period records more than 20,600 refit operations on yachts over 30 metres. This represents a growth of 12 per cent compared with the previous five‑year period. The 30-40‑metre segment accounts for almost 13,000 of these operations. The 40-60‑metre category records just under 6,000 projects during the same timeframe.
Projections for the 2025-2029 period indicate continued activity in this area of the market, with more than 22,000 refit operations forecast for yachts above 30 metres.
The Superyacht Captains’ Forum: 12 March 2026
The Superyacht Captains’ Forum takes place on the morning of 12 March. Organisers report that more than 600 stakeholders from four continents have registered for the 2026 edition. Attendance includes over 100 captains and around 120 companies, together with Martin Redmayne of The Superyacht Group. The forum is set to examine the findings from the ‘State of the Industry’ report in greater depth, and consider developments affecting the coming season.
Discussion sessions will focus on operational relationships between captains and shipyards, including expectations around refit planning and project execution.
Participants will also consider the competitive position of Mediterranean refit hubs, with representatives from regional yachting clusters and international marinas invited to discuss the region’s role within a growing global refit market.
Workshops examine refit and regulation
The final afternoon of the event, scheduled for 13 March from 3pm-6pm, includes four workshops addressing operational and regulatory developments affecting the sector.
The first workshop, moderated by Alperen Direkci, examines the relationship between refit activity and sustainability. The session focuses on how technical upgrades and maintenance choices influence environmental impact, vessel efficiency and long‑term asset value.
The second session, moderated by David Seal, addresses professional development within the yachting workforce. The discussion will focus on career pathways, both on board vessels and in shore‑based roles.
The third workshop examines fiscal and legal developments affecting the industry. Topics include VAT and export frameworks related to refit projects, contractual arrangements between shipyards and vessel operators and employment considerations for captains and crew. The session also considers the growing role of ESG standards in regulatory discussions leading up to 2035. The session is moderated by Gianfranco Puopolo and Carla Bellieni.
The fourth session focuses on the use of artificial intelligence in the industy. The discussion reviews areas where AI technologies may support operational decision‑making, as well as potential risks associated with their deployment. The session will also look at some practical examples of AI implementation in workflows within the yachting sector. This session is moderated by Robin Weninger.
Since its launch in 2011, organisers report that approximately 450 commercial agreements are typically concluded within six months following each edition of the event. Around 650 people attend each year.
YARE forms part of Tuscany Yachting Week, a regional programme of industry activities held across the Tuscan maritime cluster.
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