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The 65th edition of the Genoa Boat Show is packed with innovation, confirming its role as a showcase and springboard for start-ups that bring technologies, ideas, projects and solutions to the nautical world in various ways.
Not just start-ups, the partnership between the America’s Cup, which will hold its 38th edition in 2027 in the waters of the Gulf of Naples, and Confindustria Nautica highlights the commitment and synergy of a sector that is increasingly international and capable of consolidating its leading position globally. And then, among the many boats on display, some feature truly innovative solutions such as the ‘garage’ for tenders on sailing boats, electric outboard motors for tenders and other solutions that make life on board easier and more environmentally friendly. This year Also noteworthy is the presence of the Bruno Gregoretti, a Coast Guard vessel built in 2013, almost 63 metres long with a maximum speed of 15 knots, which is used for missions to protect the seas from illegal fishing and in areas where SAR (search and rescue) activities are required.It was possible to visit the ship thanks to the helpfulness and commitment of the 31-strong crew.
Startups
As was the case last year, start-ups had a dedicated area on the mezzanine floor of the blue pavilion and also had their moment in the spotlight when they presented their projects and technologies. We met some of them, such as Lakenergy, led by Roberto Canu, which has been developing electric-powered boats specifically designed for lake navigation since 2021: a challenging undertaking that has resulted in 11 boats on Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and Lake Garda. The main business model is B2B2C, based on agreements between Lakenergy and local partners, mainly tourist facilities such as hotels, campsites, restaurants and marinas.
Then there is P2M, whose CEO Marialuisa Francia explains that the project aims to create a system for tracking information relating to the life of boats so that everything about routine and extraordinary maintenance is known., operational history: “We have developed a technology specifically designed for boating because we come from the shipbuilding industry and therefore have experience with the problems that arise when it comes to knowing the history of boats, which has also allowed us to develop this solution in the form of a device that is inserted into the structure of the vessels and contains all the information that can be read at any time.”
Kosmos’ foil bike is also highly innovative, showcasing the prototype of what will be the final device, which will also be equipped with a motor for assisted pedalling: “just like an e-bike but with foils to glide over the water instead of wheels,” says CEO and founder Carlo Cauchi, who anticipates that the final product will be available in the coming months.
Nicola Azzaro, founder and designer of the company that bears his name, Nicolazzaro, has developed and patented a new material that allows lighting to be installed where it was previously impossible or very difficult, such as on stair handrails or balustrades. This patented technical solution is very popular with boat designers, especially those working on high-end models: “We have received a great deal of interest and are already in negotiations with large shipyards, which I cannot name yet,” he says.
ElectriFly, led by CEO and co-founder Mauro Bonfanti together with co-founder Francesco Miosi, is developing a magnetic levitation system for marine propulsion, designed to completely eliminate bearings and seals: “Our innovative solution reduces friction and maintenance, increasing efficiency and operational reliability. In addition, the technology promotes environmental sustainability, as it eliminates mechanical friction and the use of lubricating oils or pollutants.”
Also in the start-up area is Ohoskin with its co-founder and COO Stefano Mazzetti, who explains how the start-up that produces natural leather-like materials is interested in the nautical sector: “The global market for nautical upholstery is worth around $1.2 billion and will reach $2 billion by 2032, with annual growth of 5–6%. Europe leads with over 30%, or approximately £300 million. Sustainability is changing demand: 70% of luxury yacht owners consider it a decisive criterion; over 40% of new orders already incorporate biomaterials or sustainability solutions. By 2030, bio-based solutions will account for approximately 20–30% of the market. Here lies the opportunity: premium, durable and sustainable alternatives such as Ohoskin meet both the technical requirements of the nautical sector and the new expectations of conscious luxury. We present seven items dedicated to the sector: for interior furnishings (panelling, seating, boiserie) and outdoor cushions with characteristics that include sunlight resistance, fireproof certification and wear resistance, all tested and certified. Ohoskin is a prime example of how bio-based materials, i.e. those derived from agricultural waste, can find their way into a sector such as boating, which requires measurable technical data and is increasingly sensitive not only to Italian design and manufacturing quality but also to reducing environmental impact, an issue that is becoming increasingly important in the world of yachting.
Further innovations come from Belisama Yacht, which develops modular vessels with low environmental impact, powered by electric propulsion systems and suitable for both recreational and professional purposes. The first prototype of this design and production concept is the Cyber Cat, a catamaran capable of transporting goods and people and navigating in shallow waters or sensitive areas without problems or impact.
Blue Gold is a start-up that has developed a technology for the digital management of water resources, a system that allows water to be optimised and managed effectively and efficiently. This technological solution is already in use and has proven ideal for applications such as agriculture, fire-fighting systems, irrigation of public green spaces, and also facilities and installations such as ports and marinas.
Antares Electrolysis is a start-up led by CEO Andrea Riva that develops technology for the production of elements such as hydrogen, ammonia, nitrates and carbon monoxide, which are used to produce clean energy. These systems, in parallel with other clean energy solutions, can guarantee greater continuity and reliability. It is a highly sophisticated technology that has specific applications in the nautical field.
Finally, Next 3D Printed Footwear offers a range of 3D-printed footwear models that are perfect for use on boats, where it is always advisable to avoid wearing everyday shoes and, especially on sailing boats, to go barefoot.
America’s Cup
The 65th Genoa Boat Show played its part in supporting the 38th edition of the America’s Cup, which will be held in Naples in 2027. Not only did it host the conference presenting the cup to the public for two consecutive days, on Saturday and Sunday, in order to illustrate the importance of this event to those present, but it also showcased the glorious cup, which is the main symbol of the oldest sporting trophy in the world, and was the showcase for the important announcement that Confindustria Nautica will become the strategic marine industry advisor partner of the competition in collaboration with the organisers of America’s Cup Events (ACE).
The agreement stipulates that Confindustria Nautica will support ACE in identifying opportunities for industrial, commercial and technical collaboration with leading Italian operators in the nautical sector, acting directly or through “I Saloni Nautici Srl”, its wholly owned subsidiary.
Grant Dalton, CEO of America’s Cup Events, said during Sunday’s event: “Today, the two strongest teams are Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa. I find it hard to imagine that any team other than Luna Rossa could win the Challenger Series and then challenge Emirates Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup final. . First of all, because it is a very well-organised and structured team, and secondly because both the Luna Rossa youth and women’s teams, which won in 2024, were absolutely dominant. All sports teams need to invest in young people and women. Naples is a perfect regatta venue. I have noticed a passion in this city that is not easy to find anywhere else in the world: I am sure that Naples will bring this warmth to the America’s Cup as well. I appreciate the Italian nautical industry and this Boat Show, which have reached a very high level thanks to a mix of design, innovation and taste. Congratulations to everyone, I am happy that the Cup is in Italy and I hope to see you all in Naples.
Nautical industry
The handshake between Dalton and Pietro Formenti, president of Confindustria Nautica, ratified the agreement, which enriches a series of other initiatives announced by Confindustria Nautica during the boat show, such as participation in the World Conference on Tourist Ports, the agreement with Federagenti, which brings together maritime agents and brokers, and the presentation of the circuit of regional boat shows. which includes the stages of the Sardinia Boat Show (Marina di Porto Rotondo, 7–10 May 2026), the Puglia Boat Show (Brindisi, 9–13 October 2025), the Mediterranean Boat Show (Catania, 27/28 February–1 March, 5-8 March 2026), Sottocosta in Marina di Pescara (24-26 April 2026), the Sicily Boat Show (Castellammare del Golfo, 16-19 October 2025); Boat Days (Civitavecchia, 20–22 March and 27–29 March 2026) and the Salerno Boat Show, scheduled to take place in Marina d’Arechi from 1 to 9 November 2025, now in its ninth edition.
“The final figures for 2024 for recreational boating are positive: turnover in the Italian industry grew by 3.2%, reaching an all-time high of €8.60 billion,” Formenti said in a statement. . “Growth was driven by the high-end and superyacht segments, which remain global leaders, while the small boat industry recorded a decline in turnover of around 10%.” The difficulties in this segment stem from a combination of factors, including interference in some markets from high stocks of recreational craft, growing geopolitical tensions, declining consumer confidence, and a national regulatory regime that is still too bureaucratic.
Stefano Pagani Isnardi, director of the Confindustria Nautica Research Department, outlined the context: “Based on the sentiment of the main Italian operators, the causes of the suffering of the small nautical industry, combined with the effects of commercial uncertainty surrounding American tariffs, could lead to a slowdown in the sector at a global level even in 2025. However, entrepreneurs expect a recovery as early as 2026/2027: the first signs of this reversal could already be visible from the performance of our International Boat Show, where new models and a strong focus on new market demands and trends could trigger renewed confidence in the sector on the part of shipowners.”
2024 consolidated the normalisation of growth after the long post-pandemic cycle that saw turnover double in four years. Analyses confirm the overall stability of the Italian nautical industry and the clear differentiation between the high-end and small nautical industries. Of the total turnover (€8.60 billion), €2.55 billion (29.7%) was generated by the domestic market and €6.05 billion (70.3%) by foreign markets.
87.8% of the sector’s total turnover was generated by domestic production, which amounted to €7.55 billion, and the internationalisation of the sector is evident from the 78% share allocated to exports (€5.90 billion). The number of employees reached 31,480 (+2.6%) and the contribution to GDP rose to €7.40 billion (3.37‰ of national GDP).
Among the main drivers of performance in 2024, the role of shipbuilding should be noted: the new shipbuilding segment reached €5.4 billion; 89% of Italian shipbuilding production was placed on foreign markets.
“In 2024, Italy confirmed its position as the world’s leading exporter in the shipbuilding industry,” comments Marco Fortis, director and vice-president of the Edison Foundation. “Exports of pleasure boats and sports boats exceeded €4.3 billion (+7.5% on 2023), with around 90% of domestic production being exported. The US remains one of the most important markets, particularly for vessels under 24 metres, although tariff uncertainties have affected orders. This reinforces the need to diversify outlet markets and enhance the role of trade fairs as platforms for business and new international partnerships.”
Confirming our country’s leadership in the specific sector of pleasure boats and yachts with inboard engines, the Global Order Book 2024, the special ranking compiled annually by Showboats International magazine, has placed the Italian industry at the top of the world for superyacht orders, with 572 yachts under construction, equal to a 50% share. It is followed by Turkey (with 146 yachts under construction), the Netherlands (69 yachts) and the United Kingdom (81 yachts).
Recreational and sports boats are also among the sectors that have recorded the highest export growth since the beginning of the new millennium: considering only the manufacturing sectors most relevant to Italy’s trade balance, i.e. those with a trade surplus of more than €2 billion in 2024, the recreational and sports boat sector ranked fifth in terms of export growth; in particular, exports in this sector rose from €850 million in 2000 to €4.3 billion in 2024, recording growth of +405.8% in nominal terms.
Italian shipowners
Industry data is crucial, but The same applies to those who purchase boats, and the study profiling Italian boat owners contains some interesting insights. The survey was conducted by the National Nautical Observatory of Confindustria Nautica. was conducted by cross-referencing variables such as gender, geographical origin, boat size and type, engine power and year of construction, with in-depth analysis of specific regional characteristics. Two further areas of focus concern the definition of typical profiles for each macro-area and boaters under 40, who represent a minority segment but are important for strategies of renewal and generational inclusion in the sector.
The study revealed that 80% of Italian boat owners are over 50 years old, with a particularly high concentration in the 60-75 age group; women represent a minority (13%), but their numbers are growing and they are on average younger. They mainly reside in large urban centres, primarily Rome and Milan, while in terms of geographical macro-area, there is a slight prevalence in the north-east. On average, they own a 10-12 metre inboard motorboat built between 2000 and 2009.
The typical owner of a recreational craft is predominantly male (87%) and aged between 60 and 75 (45%). Owners aged between 50 and 59 account for 26%, those aged between 40 and 49 account for 10%, while those aged between 30 and 39 account for less than 4%. Women account for a growing share of owners, and their age distribution appears to be more balanced towards the 50-59 age group, with the 40-49 age group accounting for around 15%, which is well above the national average.
It is interesting to compare this with the age of visitors to the International Boat Show, which in its 65th edition recorded 124,248 visitors (+2.8%), a figure that adds to the numbers of an event that has reached its full potential: over a thousand boats on display, 23 new shipyards, exhibitors from 45 countries. have transformed the Show into a unique stage for international innovation and Italian-made products, which are decidedly younger, with an average age of 50 in 2024. The largest age group is 55-64 year olds, who represent 34%, while 25-44 year olds make up 22% (GRS Research & Strategy for I Saloni Nautici, 2024).
Southern Italy stands out as the macro-area with the highest proportion of young boaters under 40, particularly in the 30-39 age group, accounting for over 25% of the national total, followed by the north-east (18%). Rome, Naples and Trieste show significantly higher than average values. The 20-29 and under-20 age groups, on the other hand, are very marginal in all geographical macro-areas, with values consistently below 5%, with the best performance recorded in Naples, Trieste and Milan.
With regard to the relationship between age and size of the vessel, the difference is marked at the extremes of the spectrum, with owners of vessels over 24 metres having an average age of over 68 and those who own registered vessels under 10 metres being around 58 years old, while the average age is more uniform for the intermediate age groups.
Although the concept of boating is associated with economic stability and a certain level of spending power, the study highlights how the purchase of a boat is not solely linked to income. The correlation between the personal details of boat owners and the average salary of the executive category surveyed by ISTAT suggests a non-proportional trend in the growth of boating activities as income increases in the 40-50 age group. There is a clear gap in the propensity for boating between the over-50s and under-50s.
The geographical distribution is fairly balanced, with the north-east accounting for 25% of shipowners, followed by the centre (24%), north-west (21%) and south (20%), while the Italian islands account for 10%. An analysis of the ten municipalities with the highest incidence confirms the role of large urban centres, with Rome, Milan and Naples in the lead, which alone account for about one-third of the sub-sample, demonstrating that recreational boating is a strongly metropolitan phenomenon. They are followed by Trieste, Genoa, Turin, Venice, Padua, Palermo and Florence.
35% of all recreational craft were built before 2000, less than 10% after 2020. Inboard engines are the most popular choice, used on 73% of craft. In terms of generational preferences, motor propulsion is most popular among users aged 60-75. Sailing boats, on the other hand, are more evenly distributed across age groups, appealing to a more diverse audience.
Compared to the national average, motorboats are more popular in southern Italy (73%) and on the two major islands (61%); in the north-east, north-west and centre, the percentage is 52-55%, with sailing boats gaining greater market share. In terms of installed power, the most represented category is 251-999 hp, which accounts for over 35% of units, followed by the 40-115 hp range with 22%.
An analysis of permanent moorings (home ports) reveals pressure throughout the centre-north of the peninsula and the province of Naples, while the situation is reversed with regard to moorings in transit, where the south is in deficit.
From the point of view of the attractiveness of the Italian flag register, it should be noted that only 2% of registered shipowners are foreign residents, either from within or outside the EU, and since 2015 there has been a sharp decline in registrations, interrupting the correlation with the growth in turnover recorded between 2000 and 2007. During that period, the sector was expanding in terms of both production and turnover, with annual registrations peaking in 2006, with over 800 new vessels registered each year.
Starting in 2009, turnover followed a downward trajectory until 2014, attributable to the global economic and financial crisis domestic fiscal policies (in particular the so-called Monti tax) and, at the same time, a significant drop in the number of registered boats, with figures falling below 200 units per year between 2012 and 2014. From 2015 onwards, turnover gradually returned to growth, reaching a historic high of €8.6 billion in 2024, while registrations increased only marginally, remaining at extremely low levels compared to the past.
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