The Genoa Boat Show debuted in 1962 and has since become a cornerstone of the European yachting season. Annually, it draws up to 190,000 visitors and displays over 240 boats along its pontoons.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Italian Riviera, this event is widely recognized as one of the world's largest boat shows, rivaled only by the boot Düsseldorf trade fair. The Genoa International Yacht Show stands as the premier event in the Mediterranean.
What to Expect at the Genoa Show
The Genoa International Boat Show, now in its sixth decade, leads the global yacht show arena. The event features over 1,000 brands, conducts more than 3,100 sea trials, and hosts over 120 workshops, conferences, and seminars. Over 1,300 journalists descend to capture the world premieres, European debuts, new products, and innovative ideas.
The Genoa Boat Show offers a diverse range of yachts, catering to various preferences and interests within the maritime industry:
Superyachts: Luxury vessels up to 40m such as Benetti's OASIS 40M (40.8m) which debuted at the show.
Motor yachts: Featuring sizes ranging from smaller day boats to large motor cruisers, including Azimut's world debut of the Magellano 25M (25.22m).
Tenders and Small Boats: Including high-performance RIBs, tenders, and smaller leisure boats like the Fiart Yachts Seawalker 43 Panorama (13.84m) which made its world debut.
This extensive range also includes sailing yachts, covering both monohull and multihull designs, making the Genoa Boat Show a comprehensive showcase for all segments of the yachting industry.
The Show Layout
The layout of the Genoa International Boat Show features a multi-specialized format spread over 200,000 sq/m of land and water, with 85% of the space outdoors.
The event encompasses five distinct shows, each with its own identity:
Yacht and Superyacht
Highlighting yachts and superyachts, this show zone takes up the majority of the marina.
The area features the Catamaran Hub, tailored to multihulls, and the Super Boat Area for RIBs over 10m in length.
Completing the range of attractions is the Power Village, a stylish space reserved for motorboats, providing a relaxing environment where visitors can enjoy the displays.
The Eastern Waterfront, designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, offers over 100 additional berths, new quays, and an indoor sports arena.
Sailing World
Directly inland from the eclectic display of motor yachts is Sailing World, dedicated to sailing yachts. Guests can view not only boats, but also nautical accessories and gear that they can use out on the water.
Boating Discovery
Flagged by a blue pavilion, Boating Discovery is an area where visitors will find tenders for sale below 10m, as well as boats powered by outboard motors. Sea trials for various models can be booked in advance.
Tech Trade
The Genoa Boat Show features a dedicated Tech Trade area, celebrating innovation and sustainable technology. Here, visitors can explore a wide array of equipment, electronic navigation tools, generators, fuels, and more, all aimed at enhancing the yachting experience. The Tech Trade area serves as a hub for marine equipment and components, hosting B2B events and promoting leading Italian and global nautical brands.
Living the Sea
A more tourist-orientated part of the Genoa Boat Show, the Living the Sea section is dedicated to shopping, watersports, and an opportunity for visitors to watch awards ceremonies at the Breitling Theatre.
This is the area where many of the sea trials also take place.
Tickets and Access
The Genoa Boat Show caters to all yacht enthusiasts, accommodating various budgets and interests. Day passes start at €23, with concessions available for children under 12 and attendees accompanying visitors with disabilities, who can enter for free.
Yachts on Show
The yachts showcased in Genoa highlight the pinnacle of yacht engineering and design, particularly that of the Italian builders.
As the largest show in the Mediterranean, it features premieres such as the Maiora 35 Exuma and Sanlorenzo SX112. Cranchi selected Genoa for the debut of their 25m Settantotto, while Astondoa introduced their Ax8 (24m) to the world. Italian powerhouse Itama unveiled their 62RS (19m) at the show, and Cranchi presented their A46 (14m) luxury tender.
Genoa Boat Show Highlights
The event is characterized each year by special events, sporting competitions, conferences, technical seminars, and the latest in international boating. It attracts industry professionals, boat buyers, and yachting enthusiasts alike.
The Genoa Boat Show annually hosts the Design Innovation Awards, a prestigious event by the Italian Marine Industry Association, recognizing excellence in watercraft design. Judges, comprised of journalists and industry insiders, assess entries across various categories including cruiser sailing boats, regatta sailing boats, motorboats, RIBs, superyachts over 24m (79ft), superboats over 10m (33ft), multihulls, accessories, and equipment.
The Show has embraced the future with a transformation initiated in 2020, led by architect Renzo Piano. This ambitious project has shaped the new Levante Waterfront into a cutting-edge platform designed to showcase the pinnacle of the global nautical industry. Complete with navigable canals, a spectacular island framing the Blue Pavilion, and modern exhibition docks, the show continues to offer a unique and unparalleled experience for both visitors and exhibitors alike.
If you're interested in visiting the latest edition of the Genoa International Boat Show, start planning ahead by viewing all the currently available models by viewing all new and pre-owned yachts for sale.
World Debut 
Show Premiere
YachtBuyer Reviewed
