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Azimut-Benetti, Sanlorenzo, Cranchi, Ferretti Group, Amer Yachts, Princess, and Sunseeker, Beneteau, Dufour, and Jeanneau are just a few of the historic brands that, more than any others, have tied their names and their successful business histories to the Genoa International Boat Show, from 1962 to the present, an unmissable showcase in the landscape of boat shows now scattered across every continent.
An event organized again this year, October 1–6, organized by Confindustria Nautica, and now in itsIssue No. 66 establishing itself as an international leader along a path marked by golden ages as well as equally dark and difficult periods—not only for the Italian boating industry but beyond. Right from the start, the Figures from this year’s Genoa International Boat Show (the largest in Europe in terms of numbers) that opened its doors in Milan at Palazzo Edison: in addition to 1.000 boats, 215 What’s New, 45 Countries represented from 5 continents and a “Presence” in the water increases by 4%. These figures confirm the “vitality” of this event, which has been able to reinvent itself over the years to meet the needs of an increasingly demanding and sophisticated market.
And that is precisely why thethe 2026 edition proposes an increase in the number of larger vessels in the Yacht & Superyacht dock with “Living Made in Italy”, the new area at Pier H. The number of multihulls, on the other hand, is up nearly 30 percent—precisely, as we mentioned, to meet the growing demand from a market that, in terms of visitors, comes to Genoa to discover the latest innovations in the world of sailing, outboard motors, inflatable boats, powerboats, and motor yachts. But Not just boats or engines. Genoa is also a gathering place for enthusiasts of swimming, scuba diving, windsurfing, rowing, canoeing, and everything related to the boating industry, including accessories. In short, it is an industry event that allows the Italian boating sector to engage with international markets, with a particular focus on business.
Topics that were clearly explained during the presentation by Beatrice Biagetti, secretary general of the Edison Foundation, which hosted the presentation, recalled the partnership established in 2015 between the Edison Foundation and Confindustria Nautica, and emphasized that the boating industry is one of the pillars of “Made in Italy.” And above all, from Piero Formenti, president of Confindustria Nautica, who highlighted the role of a an industry that has reached 8.6 billion in euros in revenue and 13 billion in value added with nearly 170,000 employed people and 90% of production is destined for foreign markets. According to the president, these figures now call for consolidating the position that the Italian boating industry has achieved in global markets.
“Internationality” was the watchword of Matteo Zoppas, president of ICE Agenzia, in his remote address. One statistic stands out: the Italian shipbuilding industry accounts for 50% of global production of yachts over 24 meters. Silvia Salis, mayor of Genoa, spoke on the topic of the Boat Show and the relationship between the boating industry and the local community. Salis also emphasized the need to engage young people in the boating world, announcing “Energy Live”—a free event sponsored in Piazzale del Mandraccio as part of the FuoriSalone on Friday, October 2—featuring DJ Novah and a mobile, 360-degree rotating stage.
Matteo Paroli, president of the Port System Authority of the Western Ligurian Sea, focused instead on the relationship between the event and port infrastructure—all in light of the economic and social impacts of the “boating industry” on the region. Marco Bucci, president of the Liguria Region, focused on the dual nature of the Boat Show: commercial (with an industry turnover of 8 billion euros) on the one hand, and cultural on the other, serving as a catalyst to spark a passion for sailing and the sea, especially among young people.
But the Genoa International Boat Show is more than just that: the opportunities to experience the world of boating from the inside bring with them the charm of tradition and, above all, of “Made in Italy,” which never ceases to amaze. And let’s be honest—what boating enthusiast, over the course of 66 editions, hasn’t paid a visit to the Genoa Boat Show, the city of (among others) Christopher Columbus, Andrea Doria (to stay on topic), Goffredo Mameli, Niccolò Paganini, Paolo Conte, Fabrizio De Andrè, Paolo Villaggio, and Vittorio Gassman? See you at the “boat show,” as everyone says.
As is our tradition, Panama Editore will be right in the thick of things along the docks of the new waterfront to bring you all the latest news, behind-the-scenes stories, and previews of the event. Come visit us at our booth (SC09 on Pier C): it’ll be the perfect opportunity to meet us in person, browse our latest publications, renew your subscription, or sign up for one with special offers on our three magazines (Giornale della Vela, Barche a Motore, Top Yacht Design) and have a chat with us. Whether you’re on the hunt for your dream boat or simply eager to soak up the marina atmosphere, we’ll be waiting for you in Genoa!
Information about the Genoa Boat Show and tickets are available at salonenautico.com.
Marco Corti
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