When Metstrade returns to Amsterdam RAI on 17-19 November 2026, the world's largest leisure marine trade show will look a little different. At the heart of this expansion is the Captains' Club, a networking and hospitality hub designed exclusively for captains, heads of department, chief engineers, chief officers, chief pursers and owner representatives. Now in its second year, the Club has evolved into a fully integrated component of Metstrade's broader strategy to support the superyacht community.
The decision to expand the Captains' Club stems from a recognition that while the superyacht industry offers numerous platforms for discussing design, technology and innovation, senior crew have had fewer dedicated spaces to exchange operational insights and build peer networks.
Building synergy between Forum and trade show
Located in Hall 8 alongside refit clusters, yachting associations and the Superyacht Stage, the Captains' Club provides a relaxed environment where the key decision-makers on board can host business meetings, discuss operational and technical challenges and stay informed about the latest trends shaping the sector. Rather than functioning as a standalone networking space, the Club now forms part of a synergy between the Superyacht Forum (November 16-17) and Metstrade itself.
"The journey starts in the Superyacht Forum, which is more strategic and focuses on thinking ahead about developments that are coming into the industry," says Patricia Becker, exhibition manager at Metstrade. "Then it translates into Metstrade where we have all the exhibitors and stages in which they can connect and share their ideas and experience as well. Last year, it was really just a Club where you can go and network with your peers. This year, we are creating more and more synergy between the two events."
Central to this synergy is the Crew Voices programme, which gives 100 captains and senior crew the opportunity to participate in strategic conversations at the Superyacht Forum before engaging with products and innovations at Metstrade. To qualify, they must have worked in the industry for at least five years and work on a yacht larger than 40 metres.
Those selected receive a comprehensive package: a free all-inclusive ticket to the Superyacht Forum, VIP access to Metstrade, a €200 travel voucher provided by ATPI and sponsored by members of the Superyacht Alliance Think Tank, an exclusive networking breakfast on Tuesday morning at the Forum, an exclusive content session and networking reception on Wednesday afternoon in the Superyacht Alliance Lounge at Metstrade and full access to the Captains' Club.
"[Crew] have a lot of onboard experience in what works and what doesn't work, and we wanted to have that feedback in the Superyacht Forum," Becker explains.
In a new initiative designed to drive engagement between Crew Voices participants and exhibitors, Metstrade has introduced a fun experience that encourages senior crew to explore specific stands on the show floor.
"We have created a sort of a quest for those apart of the Crew Voices programme, which involves a select few exhibitors on the show floor." Becker says. "[Crew] get an empty bag during the Superyacht Forum with a puzzle in it, which involves finding those exhibitors to get a free gift from them for the bag. So it's empty when you start and full when you finish."
Crew-focused content on the Superyacht Stage
The Superyacht Stage, located in Hall 8 alongside the Captains' Club, will host sessions specifically designed to address issues facing captains and their teams.
One such session, "From Training to Competence - Building Yacht Professionals of Tomorrow”, brings Crew Voices delegates into the conversation about the future of professional development in the superyacht sector. The interactive Ideas Lab will examine what is changing in yacht certification and mandatory training pathways, explore what needs to sit beyond the mandatory baseline and consider how complementary professional development can build the knowledge, skills and competence needed to perform effectively within onboard roles. The session will also explore how new and digital approaches could modernise the way competence is assessed and recognised.
Another session, "The Crew Behind the Yacht - The Human Impact of Our Industry," takes an engagement-led approach to exploring the human impact of the superyacht industry. Attendees will hear three different perspectives on humanitarian action, crew wellbeing, mental health and safeguarding, supported by real-world experience, data and resources.
Refit takes centre stage
The decision to locate the Captains' Club in Hall 8 alongside refit clusters reflects the growing importance of refit services as the global superyacht fleet continues to expand and age.
"We enhanced the refit clusters last year to showcase the entire ecosystem," Becker says. "They're part of the show because they supply a service, which is getting more and more important as the fleet is growing. We see that captains and senior crew come to Metstrade to scout those companies."
The Metstrade Captains' Club has a close relationship with BOAT International's Captains' Club, strengthening connections between captains before, during and after the show. Together, the two organisations aim to create a more connected and informed global superyacht community, providing captains with industry insights and networking opportunities year-round.
Members of the BOAT International Captains’ Club are invited to participate in this year's event and receive preferential access - subject to availability and eligibility approval. Please email captainsclub@boatinternationalmedia.com for more information.
Apply for Crew Voices accreditation or register for your trade pass here.
Sponsored content created for Metstrade