The 2026 Venice Boat Show will open on Wednesday, May 27 and run through Sunday, May 31, bringing the Arsenale back to the center of the international nautical scene. The seventh edition of the event, promoted by the City of Venice and organized by Vela spa in collaboration with the Italian Navy, will feature around 300 vessels and 270 exhibitors from Italy, Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, writes Salonenautico.
The show will once again be held at the Arsenale, a historic symbol of Venetian maritime tradition, where shipyards, designers, professionals and boating enthusiasts will gather in a setting that combines historic docks with renovated exhibition spaces. The venue covers more than 55,000 square meters of water and over a kilometer of docks, underscoring its role as a meeting point for history, innovation and maritime culture.
Among the main attractions on the “Riviera” dock will be large yachts and new models from international shipyards. Ferretti Group is bringing seven boats, including the world premieres of the Ferretti 670 and the Pershing 6X. Next Group will present the AB 80, a fast flybridge yacht with waterjet propulsion, and the Sunreef 70, a 70-foot electric sailing catamaran by Sunreef Yachts.
Making its debut at the show, Numarine from Turkey will present the 30XP, the first diesel-electric model in its Explorer XP range. Beneteau’s Gran Turismo 50 will make its world debut in the water in Venice, while the Greenline 42 by Greenline Yachts will debut in the city as part of the show’s focus on hybrid navigation. Other models on display include the Azimut Magellano 66 with its Dual Mode hull, the Invictus Yacht TT460, and the world premiere of the Calita by Biondi Yacht, an 11-meter catamaran that also marks the shipyard’s first appearance at the event.
Focus on electric, hybrid and hydrogen propulsion
The 2026 edition is placing stronger emphasis on sustainability, with dedicated space for electric, hybrid and hydrogen propulsion systems. Shipyards, universities and research centres will present solutions focused on energy efficiency, lower emissions and innovative materials. Conferences, talks and technical presentations will bring together institutions, designers and industry professionals.
The show will also highlight Venetian craftsmanship, including master shipwrights, schools and workshops that preserve the tradition of wooden boatbuilding. That heritage is being supported through youth projects and collaborations with local technical institutes.
For the public, the program includes activities for families and children, educational workshops, water trials and courses designed to introduce younger generations to nautical sports and lagoon culture. Regattas, demonstrations, meetings with athletes and sports project presentations will also be part of the event.
The Venice Boat Show will coincide with the 61st Venice Art Biennale, creating a link between sailing, design and planning through a shared reflection on the relationship between humanity, the environment and innovation.
Information and tickets: www.salonenautico.venezia.it
Photo: Salone nautico Venezia/Press
