The 2026 Venice Boat Show is about to open: the Arsenale returns to being the nautical capital.
With just one week to go until its opening, the 2026 Venice Boat Show is bringing the Arsenale back to the center of the international nautical scene. From Wednesday, May 27th to Sunday, May 31st, the city will host the seventh edition of the event, promoted by the City of Venice and organized by Vela spa in collaboration with the Italian Navy, confirming its position as one of the most anticipated events in the Mediterranean.
This year, the Show features approximately 300 vessels and 270 exhibitors from Italy, Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean: a comprehensive panorama ranging from large shipyards to next-generation yachts, from catamarans to traditional vessels, from ribs to electric and hybrid navigation solutions. The heart of the event will once again be the Arsenale, a symbol of Venetian maritime tradition, which is preparing to welcome industry professionals, shipyards, designers, and enthusiasts from around the world. In a unique setting, amidst historic docks and renovated exhibition spaces, a comprehensive overview of the evolution of contemporary nautical technology will unfold. The Arsenale, with over 55,000 square meters of water and more than a kilometer of docks, confirms its unique position as a place where history, innovation, and maritime culture interact.
Particular attention is given to the main dock, the “Riviera,” which will host large yachts and the latest developments from international shipyards. Among these, the Ferretti Group is bringing seven boats, including the world premiere of the Ferretti 580 and the Pershing 6X, with its taut, agile lines and cutting-edge technology. Next Group is presenting the AB 80, a fast flybridge yacht with waterjet propulsion, and the Sunreef 70, a 70-foot electric sailing catamaran by Sunreef Yachts, a masterpiece of design and innovation.
Making its debut at the Show, Numarine from Turkey is bringing the 30XP, the first diesel-electric model in the successful Explorer XP range. Beneteau’s Gran Turismo 50 makes its world debut in the water, choosing Venice as the venue for the launch of its new vessel. Sustainability finds its full expression in the Greenline 42 by Greenline Yachts, making its debut in Venice, ushering in a new era in hybrid navigation. The show also features models that interpret boating as a lifestyle: the design of the Azimut Magellano 66 with its Dual Mode hull, ensuring stability and comfort; the craftsmanship of Invictus Yacht with the TT460; and the world premiere of the Calita by Biondi Yacht, an 11-meter catamaran that marks a double debut: for the vessel itself and for the shipyard’s first appearance at the Show. A waterfront showcase with different styles, from sport boats to those designed for cruising, offering a glimpse into the diversity of the sector.
The 2026 Show strengthens its commitment to sustainability, dedicating attention and space to new electric, hybrid, and hydrogen propulsion systems. Shipyards, universities, and research centres will present solutions that look to the future of waterborne mobility, focusing on energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and innovative materials. Conferences, talks, and technical presentations will offer direct exchanges between institutions, designers, and industry professionals, making Venice an international laboratory for contemporary and future nautical design.
Alongside the latest innovations from major Italian and international brands, the Boat Show highlights the Venetian tradition of craftsmanship, with master shipwrights, schools, and workshops that preserve the culture of wooden shipbuilding. This heritage continues to be renewed thanks to young people, training projects, and collaborations with local technical institutes, demonstrating how craftsmanship and historical knowledge can interact with contemporary technologies.
The seventh edition also expands the offerings for the public with a rich program of activities for families and children, educational workshops, water trials, and courses to introduce new generations to nautical sports and the culture of the lagoon. Regattas, demonstrations, meetings with athletes, and presentations of sports projects will make the Arsenale a true hub of experiences, where sailing becomes an opportunity for discovery, play, and education.
The dialogue between sailing, design, and planning will be further enhanced by the coincidence with the 61st edition of the Venice Art Biennale, creating an ideal bridge between different disciplines united by a reflection on the relationship between humanity, the environment, and innovation.
Information and tickets at: www.salonenautico.venezia.it
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Main Partners: The Venice and Rovigo Chamber of Commerce, the Consorzio di Tutela della DOC Prosecco, Eni, Generali Italia, Range Rover, and Intesa Sanpaolo.
Technical Partners: Aqualy, Aqua superPower, MURPHY&NYE, Seaquip, and Venezianico.
Media Partners: RAI TGR, The Boat Show, and SKY TG24.
Institutional Partners: the Italian Navy, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Italian Ministry of Business and Made in Italy, Agenzia ITA, Venice World Sustainability Capital Foundation, the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia, Venis, AVM, and Gruppo Veritas.
