From 27 to 31 May 2026, Venice's legendary Arsenale once again becomes the epicentre of international yachting as the seventh edition of the Venice Boat Show transforms the historic maritime complex into a showcase of cutting-edge marine innovation.
For over five days, the Venetian lagoon serves as a dynamic stage where shipyards, owners, industry professionals and boating enthusiasts from around the globe converge to witness the latest developments in yacht design, alternative propulsion and nautical technology.
Organised by Vela Spa on behalf of the City of Venice, in collaboration with the Italian Navy, and supported by the Italian Government and the Veneto Region, the Venice Boat Show has firmly established itself as one of Europe's premier yachting events, drawing significant international attention and participation. This year's edition benefits from enhanced global visibility through the support of ICE – Italian Trade Agency (ITA), which has orchestrated a major international communications campaign designed to attract foreign buyers and elevate the show's profile across key markets.
An impressive fleet on display
The 2026 edition will showcase an exceptional range of vessels, from eye-catching sailing yachts to powerful superyachts, alongside the latest hybrid and electric boats. With over 300 vessels on display - 240 of which are in the water - spread across 1,100 metres of docks in the Darsena Grande, the show offers an opportunity to experience world premieres and innovative designs firsthand.
Among the standout vessels are the Numarine 30XP diesel-electric explorer, the 25-metre AB80 and sporty AB 95 superyacht from Next Yacht Group, the Custom Line Navetta 30 and the Ferretti 670. Power catamaran enthusiasts can explore the Sunreef 70, while Beneteau presents the in-water premiere of its Gran Turismo 50 and Invictus Yachts debuts the ST550.
World premieres include the Say Carbon 32 and the Greenline 42, which will make its Venice debut. The Calita catamaran from Biondi Yacht also makes its first appearance at the show.
The sailing sector features an impressive international lineup, including the 13.5-metre Elba 45 catamaran by Fountaine Pajot, Turkish Seawinds with its Catamaran 11.70 and models from Excess, Bali Cat Space and Lagoon. The Jeanneau 65 serves as the sailing sector's flagship, while Riolfi & Pighi unveils the world premiere of the Meraki 40. Grand Soleil, Beneteau, Bavaria and Solaris round out the sailing offerings with their 40, 44 and 52 models.
Participating shipyards represent a diverse geographic footprint, hailing from Italy, Croatia, Germany, France, England, Poland and Turkey. This international composition underscores the show's role as a strategic hub connecting the Adriatic, Mediterranean and Eastern European markets - a position that fosters industrial and commercial relationships along the axis linking Northeast Italy to the Balkans and extending to the Black Sea.
Sustainability at the core
Since its inception, the Venice Boat Show has positioned sustainability as a central pillar, with the event's organisation itself certified according to the ISO 20121:2024 standard. The show also hosts the International Competition for Boat Studies and Projects – Sustainable Navigation, curated by the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia.
Electric and hybrid propulsion systems, hydrogen technology and energy autonomy research feature prominently throughout the exhibition. The indoor areas of the Arsenale host displays of latest-generation engines, full-electric and hybrid propulsion solutions, onboard energy management systems, advanced electronics and innovative materials designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
The P2 dock specifically focuses on electric boats and sustainable boating solutions, highlighting vessels such as the Frauscher x Porsche 790 Spectre - an electric boat with sports car DNA - the Omega 7.2 open boat by Helios, the Sun Kiss electric catamaran and the CyberCat, a fully electric workboat developed by Belisama Yacht with Veritas for waterborne waste collection. Environmental initiatives like the Seabin Project, which deploys floating bins to capture microplastics in ports, are also showcased.
The show also dedicates significant space to water toys. Visitors can explore Fliteboards, electric hydrofoils, next-generation jet skis, water bikes and Overboats.
The Venice Boat Show honours traditional craftsmanship through the Wood Village, a dedicated space celebrating wooden boats and the artisans who preserve centuries-old construction techniques. Visitors can admire hulls built using lagoon shipbuilding methods, featuring hand-crafted woods, traditional caulking and restored historic vessels.
Beyond the exhibition itself, the Venice Boat Show offers a rich programme of conferences, workshops, B2B meetings, presentations and sea trials.
With over 30,000 visitors expected, more than 300 vessels on display and 240 boats in the water across 1,100 metres of docks, the Venice Boat Show 2026 promises to be an unmissable gathering.
Visit the Venice Boat Show to find out more information and get tickets.
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