The six-day event in Genoa highlighted Italy’s leadership in maritime excellence and its commitment to an eco future through boat design.
September 18 – 23, 2025 – The 65th edition of the Genoa International Boat Show brought together 124,248 visitors this year, to be exact, transforming the Ligurian capital into a global stage for maritime excellence and international innovation. With over 1,000 boats on display, 23 new shipyards, and exhibitors from 45 countries, the six-day event, organised by Confindustria Nautica, the Italian Marine Industry Association, once again cemented its indispensable role in the nautical sector.
“The blue economy shows us that the sea is more than industry, but also culture, sport, and tourism. Many young people are entering this sector, which is deeply rooted in our heritage and is a vital part of Ligurian culture,” shared Silvia Salis, mayor of Genoa, during the inaugural ceremony.
The opening ceremony highlighted that the development of the blue economy has been driving growth across Italy, setting the tone for the rest of the week. From product debuts to panels covering pressing issues in the industry, this year’s edition underlined how the Genoa Boat Show is not merely a marketplace but also a platform for industry leaders, innovators, and passionate individuals to partake in open dialogue about the evergrowing sector.
Shaping the Future: 4th World Yachting Sustainability Forum
Sustainability and innovation proved to be more than just buzzwords heard throughout the entire week. At the fourth edition of the World Yachting Sustainability Forum, moderated by IBI Director Ed Slack, policymakers and industry leaders came together to talk about the future of the industry.
Opening the floor was Karin Aschberger, Deputy Director of the Oceans and Water Unit at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, who brought up the European Ocean Pact–an initiative designed both to protect the ocean and to strengthen the competitiveness of the continent’s blue economy.
“Currently, there are around 4.8 million people employed under the blue economy. The Pact strengthens and advances research, innovation, and skills,” she shared.
Also present were Massimo Pronio, Head of Communications of the European Commission Representation in Italy, and Philippe Easthill, Secretary General of the European Boating Industry.
“It’s important for us to grow our market in Europe and sustain it, especially with the current economic situation in the US,” Easthill noted, regarding the uncertainty in demand and boat sales across the Atlantic. “In the next year, we want to see developments in tourism, recreational activities, and the industrial maritime industry. We are based and procured in Europe, so there should be measures to support these countries.”
Pronio agreed with his sentiments, sharing:
“The European Commission does not have the power to legislate, but we can create the framework for consultation with stakeholders and provide certainty in times of volatility. If the US market is up and down, then a trade agreement becomes all the more useful. At the same time, we cannot lose sight of sustainability–we don’t want to swim in an ocean filled with dirt and plastic.”
Staying on the topic of sustainability, the discussion shifted to a presentation by Filippo Cozzi, Partner at McKinsey & Company, who shared that the average age of boat owners and yacht owners is dropping to 45-55. Of these millennial buyers, 79% are more and more concerned with sustainability and alternatively fueled boats.
“Rethinking boat design for this purpose is a win for everybody,” he concluded, highlighting that this would be an obvious win for the customer, the industry, the manufacturer, and, of course, the environment.
Winners at the Design Innovation Awards 2025
On the evening of September 19, more than 300 guests gathered at the magnificent Palazzo Ducale for the sixth edition of the Design Innovation Awards, an event that has quickly become one of the most respected recognitions in the sector. Celebrating excellence, research, and innovation, the prizes highlighted cutting-edge projects, as well as the craftsmanship and vision shaping the industry today.
This year’s jury was chaired by Walter De Silva, one of Italy’s most acclaimed designers, internationally recognized for his work in contemporary automotive design.
“I was very happy to talk about design with my fellow jurors and pleased to chair the work. The most important–yet also most complicated–part was letting the jury express itself freely without interfering, and only trying to mediate and find the right solution. It was very constructive, because the Awards are based on openness of thought,” he shared.
Piero Formenti, President of Confindustria Nautica, further praised the jury’s independence in selecting the winners:
“In this way, we truly have the opportunity to appreciate what the world of design has to offer. I consider it very important that this prize is organized by the trade association. I believe this is the right path for this kind of recognition.”
With ten categories, three special prizes, and two honorable mentions, the 2025 edition saw over 100 entries from international shipyards and designers. Here are some of the standout winners:
- In the category Sailing or Motor or Inflatable Boats – Up to 10M LH, Cranchi Yachts’ A32 Luxury Yacht won for its convincing solution with meticulous attention to detail, offering a contemporary luxury tender that reconfirms the shipyard’s tradition.
- X-Yachts’ XR41 took center stage in the Sailing Boats – Up to 14M LH category, winning for its ability to combine racer performance with a high level of habitability, balancing lightness with interior flexibility.
- In the Sailing Boats – Over 14M LH category, Beneteau’s Oceanis 52 was awarded for its innovative deck layout and interior solutions, integrated into a mass-produced product while maintaining high construction quality.
- The prize for Motorboats – Up to 14M LH went to the New Pardo 43 by Cantiere del Pardo, praised for its undeniable balance between elegance and sportiness, crafted with the highest construction quality.
- In the Motorboats – Over 14M LH category, the Ferretti Yachts 800 by Ferretti Group stood out for its strong aesthetic and design coherence, delivering a vessel with a distinctive identity dedicated to usability.
- Among Superyachts – Over 24M LH, the SL110A by Sanlorenzo was recognized for its continued innovation in the distribution of interior space, combined with ongoing research into materials and finishes.
- The Special Award for Outstanding Innovation was given to the Say 52 by Say Carbon Yacht, a design with strong emotional impact that integrates distinctive style with advanced construction solutions.
More Innovations and Cutting-edge Craftsmanship
Outside of the Design Innovation Awards, the halls of the 65th Genoa International Boat Show were alive with energy, showcasing the latest innovations in boat and yacht design. This year’s edition placed a strong emphasis on cutting-edge craftsmanship, with exhibitors, such as the featured ones below, unveiling models that balance performance and comfort.
1. ZAR Formenti imagine 115
The new IMAGINE 115 by ZAR Formenti features Italian design meant for speed and comfort. “Our new model is inspired by the unbearable force of the imagination,” shared Pietro Formenti, the company’s founder and the newly appointed president of the Confindustria Nautica, during their debut presentation. Sleek yet spacious, the 11.50-meter boat maximizes onboard living with its features: two private cabins, dual 16-inch flat screens at the cockpit, expansive sunbeds, a well-appointed bathroom with a separate shower, and a generous dining area designed to be shared with family and friends.
2. Invictus TT460
The second and latest generation of the Invictus TT460, announced this year, carries forward the brand’s philosophy of fusing elegance with performance. Measuring 14.27 meters in length and 4.5 meters in height, the yacht is all about refinement in detail. Its interiors highlight the Invictus design ethos, using selected wood, leather, and fabrics to create the most relaxing atmosphere. The TT460 also has a planing hull capable of delivering a top speed of 38 knots, ensuring both style and performance at sea.
3. Kosmos Hydrofoil Bike
Another debut during the Boat Show was the Kosmos Hydrofoil Bike, an ergonomic innovation that was engineered with precision and performance in mind. Featuring a Pedal-by-Wire system, adjustable seating, and a flap mechanism for simplified takeoff, it delivers a riding experience the founders liken to flying. Lightweight and foldable, the hydrofoil bike is designed for easy transport, making it as practical as it is exhilarating.
