The 66th Genoa International Boat Show opens 1–6 October 2026 with over 1,000 boats, 215 new products and exhibitors from 45 countries, as the Italian event reclaims its traditional autumn slot.
Mayor Silvia Salis said the return to October "takes us out of the pressure created by the Monaco and Cannes shows" and described the shift as "a gamble that has paid off." Regional President Marco Bucci said early figures suggested "this was the right choice." Average size of the three largest units in each segment has increased 14.1% compared with 2025, while multihull displays are up 28%.
A new Living Made in Italy area, developed with the Italian Trade Agency, will showcase Italian boatbuilding for yachts over 24 metres. The project has attracted several superyachts in the 35–50 metre range.
The debut Blue Arena in the Palasport Pavilion will be free of charge and open to the public. Created through investment by Confindustria Nautica and the Italian Trade Agency, it targets younger audiences and newcomers with five themed zones: Start Boating, Start-ups & Innovation, Training & Maritime Professions, World Sailing and Military Institutions. Start Boating will promote the D1 boating licence available from age 16, while World Sailing brings dinghies and foiling developments into the arena.
"Our conviction is that the Boat Show must continue to introduce new audiences to boating," said Piero Formenti, President of Confindustria Nautica. "Our ambition is to continue developing an international event organised by the industry for the industry, until it ranks among the world's leading boat shows."
The Italian Trade Agency has doubled its incoming buyer programme from 70 to 180 foreign purchasers, importers, distributors and dealers. International media and industry operators will attend from 35 countries.
TechTrade Days return 1–2 October for their second year, connecting over 400 specialised accessory and component brands with shipyards, designers, purchasing managers and suppliers. More than 4,000 industry professionals have been invited. New TECH SEMINARS will address training and technology developments.
The opening ceremony on 1 October includes a sail-past by Italian Navy ship Margottini and addresses by Minister for Business and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. A commemorative stamp will be issued recognising the show as part of Italian manufacturing excellence.
FORUM26, held under European Commission patronage, opens 30 September with the Nautica in Cifre market analysis and continues with sessions on sustainability, AI, cybersecurity, taxation, nautical tourism and emerging professions.
The seventh Design Innovation Award, judged by a panel chaired by architect Paolo Brescia, will be presented 2 October on the Blue Pavilion Terrace. Cultural programming includes Meet the Author events and Incontri in Blu discussions organised by the Galata Museo del Mare.
Bucci pointed to Liguria's status as home to "the Blue Mile, one of the world's most important districts for large yachts," calling the show "an economic engine" for local hospitality and services. Salis called the event "Genoa's biggest international brand," pointing to planned infrastructure changes over the coming years that she said would make the city more accessible and competitive — a bet, like the shift back to October, on cementing Genoa's place on the international boating calendar.
