A Meeting of Eras on the Grand Canal: Tradition and Innovation at the Venice Boat Show

Venice is a city where time seems to dissolve into the water. Narrow canals reflect the facades of palaces, boats glide beneath bridges, and the morning mist softly blurs the boundaries between past and present. Here, the sea is not just a backdrop but the very foundation of life, history, and movement in the city. That is why Venice feels like such a natural meeting place for those who live by and for the sea — the arrival of a boat show here was almost predestined. From May 27 to 31, 2026, the legendary Venice Arsenal will once again become the epicentre of international yachting: the seventh edition of the Salone Nautico Venezia (Venice Boat Show) will transform this historic complex into a showcase of cutting-edge innovations in yacht design, alternative propulsion systems, and marine technology.

From Tenders to Superyachts

For five days, the Venetian Lagoon will serve as a meeting point for shipyards, yacht and boat owners, industry professionals, and yachting enthusiasts from around the world. In 2026, the show will feature over 300 yachts and boats, 240 of which will be displayed in the water. They will occupy 1,100 metres of berthing space.

Standout exhibits include the 25-metre AB80 and the sporty superyacht AB 95 from Next Yacht Group, the Custom Line Navetta 30, and the Ferretti Yachts 670. Power catamaran enthusiasts can explore the Sunreef 70 and Prestige M7, while Beneteau will present the Gran Turismo 50 in its water premiere. Invictus Yachts will debut with the ST550 model. SACS Tecnorib will showcase the latest RIB Pirelli X460, designed as a tender for yachts from 25 metres upward.

World premieres at the show include the Say Carbon 32 and the Greenline 42, which will be shown for the first time in Venice. The Calita catamaran by Biondi Yacht will also be presented for the first time.

The sailing sector boasts an impressive international lineup, including the Elba 45 (13.5 m) catamaran from Fountaine Pajot, Turkey’s Seawinds with the Catamaran 11.70, as well as boats from Excess, Bali Cat Space, and Lagoon. The flagship of the sailing exhibition will be the Jeanneau 65, while Riolfi & Pighi will present the world premiere of the Meraki 40. Exhibitors also include esteemed shipyards such as Grand Soleil, Beneteau, Bavaria, and Solaris, with sailboats measuring 40, 44, and 52 feet.

Tradition and Innovation

The Venice Boat Show consistently pays attention to traditional shipbuilding as well — in the Wood Village area, dedicated to wooden boats and the craftsmen preserving centuries-old artisanal traditions. Historic vessels and hulls built using time-honoured methods, hand woodworking, and traditional caulking techniques will be on display.

Since its founding, the show has placed a strong emphasis on sustainable development. As part of the event, the international competition for projects and research in shipbuilding, “Sustainable Navigation", is held under the curation of the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia. Special attention is given to electric and hybrid propulsion systems, hydrogen technologies, and energy autonomy. The Arsenal pavilions will showcase next-generation engines, fully electric and hybrid systems, onboard energy management systems, advanced electronics, and innovative materials aimed at reducing fuel consumption and harmful emissions. At Pier P2, visitors can explore electric boats and eco-friendly yachting solutions. Models on display will include the Frauscher x Porsche 790 Spectre — a stylish electric boat with a sporty character and an electric drive system borrowed from the Porsche Macan Turbo (the gasoline-powered Frauscher 797 Spectre may also be brought to the show); the Helios Omega 7.2 hardtop cruiser; the Sun Kiss electric catamaran; and the CyberCat — an electric work vessel for waste collection on the water, developed by Belisama Yacht in collaboration with Veritas.

In addition to the main exhibition, the event programme includes conferences, workshops, B2B meetings, on-water premieres and sea trials, as well as a boat parade along the Grand Canal.