63rd edition of Genoa Boat Show reports record number of yachts and visitors

The addition of 143 berths, which was facilitated by the opening of new canals, helped boost the numbers this year, but the show's popularity was also evident in the number of premiering yachts. 2023 saw 9.5 per cent more debuting boats from two to 40 metres in length compared to 2022. 

Numbers indicate that the show's position in the yachting calendar remains strong, acting as a crucial event between Cannes and Monaco that allows would-be clients to tour yachts and meet their representatives in a more intimate setting. The boat show also continues to be Italy's biggest on-the-water nautical event, attracting all of Italy's major players including Azimut-Benetti, Ferretti Group and Sanlorenzo.

"Genoa is a great show for the Italian market," pointed out Ferretti Group CCO Stefano de Vivo, highlighting the heritage of the show for local people. "I think it's fantastic also for the smaller boats. In Italy, we have the biggest amount of producers of small boats and RIBS. There's a great concentration here, so you find a lot of things that you cannot find elsewhere."

As ever, the show also had an international presence with British shipyards Sunseeker and Princess bringing a fleet of motor yachts and Spanish yard Astondoa using the opportunity of Genoa to premiere its 24.5-metre Ax8 to the world.

Sunseeker CEO Andrea Frabetti called the show crucial for its core client base, particularly for clients coming from the more southern regions in Italy and from Milan. "[We have] very good customers, yes, but fewer than in Cannes," he noted. "Of course, anyone who is seriously approaching buying a new boat, they visit both."

Meanwhile, construction of the new Waterfronte di Levante continues, with the new residences overlooking the canal already taking shape. The new development is set to see completion by 2024.

Dates for the 2024 Genoa Boat Show are between the 19 to 24 September 2024.