From May 27 to 31, the historic Arsenale will once again become the international epicenter of the boating world with the seventh edition of the Venice Boat Show. The event will bring together Europe’s leading shipyards, more than 300 boats, and an extensive program of technical, cultural, and sporting activities, cementing the Italian city’s role as one of the Mediterranean’s major boating hubs.
The Arsenale in Venice, a unique setting for sailing
Few trade shows on the European calendar can boast a setting as iconic as Venice’s Arsenale, the historic naval complex of the Serenissima and the permanent home of the Boat Show since its inception. The 2026 edition will once again occupy more than 55,000 square meters of water surface and restored exhibition areas, with over 1,100 linear meters of docks dedicated to motorboats, sailboats, catamarans, and sustainable propulsion solutions.
Sponsored by the City of Venice and organized by Vela Spa in collaboration with the Italian Navy, the event has established itself as a strategic platform for the nautical market in the Eastern Mediterranean and Eastern Europe.
More than 270 exhibitors and 300 boats are expected
The organizers expect around 270 exhibitors and approximately 300 boats to participate, figures that underscore the event’s international scope following the success of the 2025 edition, which drew more than 30,000 visitors.
Among the major groups and brands associated with the show’s official launch are names such as Azimut, Beneteau, Ferretti, and the Sanlorenzo Group, as well as numerous shipyards specializing in electric, hybrid, and next-generation vessels.
The exhibition will feature large yachts, premium day boats, catamarans, sports boats, and initiatives related to sustainable boating—one of the key focuses of the Venice event.
Innovation, electrification, and world premieres
One of the main highlights of the Venice Boat Show will once again be the technological innovation section. The previous edition featured as many as 15 world premieres, and all signs point to the 2026 event continuing to focus on new electric, hybrid, and hydrogen propulsion systems.
Among the boats already confirmed, the new Greenline 42 stands out; it will make its first official on-water debut in Venice following its international debut in Düsseldorf. The model is designed for efficient and quiet cruising, featuring large glass surfaces and a design focused on sustainability and onboard comfort.
The organization has also highlighted a strong presence of catamarans and solutions related to life on board, segments that are experiencing rapid growth in the European market.
Lectures, on-water demonstrations, and activities for all ages
In addition to the floating exhibition, the show will feature an extensive program of conferences, professional meetings, and educational activities related to the blue economy, naval design, and maritime sustainability. Last year’s edition featured nearly fifty industry meetings and discussions, a focus that will be expanded in 2026.
The program will also include dynamic water activities, sports events, exhibitions, guided tours, and educational activities for families and children.
Mobility and access will once again be key factors. The event will provide dedicated water-based public transportation and shuttle services to facilitate visitors’ travel to the Arsenale venue from Piazzale Roma and other key locations in Venice.
The evolution of the Venice Boat Show underscores the growth of an event that has successfully set itself apart thanks to its historic location and a program clearly focused on innovation and sustainability. The Italian city continues to strengthen its historic connection to the sea while positioning itself as a European hub for new nautical technologies and the marine mobility of the future.