Now in its sixth edition, the Venice Boat Show is set to return to the city’s historic Arsenale di Venezia from 29 May to 2 June 2025. Organised by Vela Spa on behalf of the Municipality of Venice and in collaboration with the Italian Navy, the event continues to grow year after year and is now a key date in the international yachting calendar, bringing together 270 exhibitors and over 300 boats in a 55,000-square-metre exhibition space on the water.
Venice is a fitting stage for such an event. With a rich maritime legacy dating back centuries, the city has always been defined by its relationship to the sea. The Arsenale itself was once the beating heart of the Venetian Republic’s naval dominance, and today, its monumental docks and historic shipyards offer an atmospheric and symbolic setting for showcasing the future of yachting.
This year’s programme includes 15 world premieres across a broad spectrum of vessels, from compact electric boats to large superyachts. Among the most anticipated launches is the 28.7-metre Ferretti 940. Built in GRP to a design by Filippo Salvetti, the yacht offers generous accommodation for 10 guests across five cabins and a range of onboard engine options. Other standout superyachts on display include the 30.5-metre AB 100, the 28-metre Pershing 9X and the 25.3-metre Astondoa AS8.
Sustainability is once again a defining theme of the event, with electric and hybrid propulsion systems taking centre stage. From six-metre tenders to 50-metre flagships, exhibitors are embracing alternative propulsion with increasing confidence. One of the most innovative projects on display is the 50-metre Almax, built by Italian yard Sanlorenzo. Equipped with a fuel-cell system that converts e-methanol into electricity to power its hotel load, the yacht represents a major leap forward in environmentally conscious yacht design.
The sailing sector will also be well represented, with a strong focus on vessels that integrate hybrid or fully electric systems. Headlining this category is the 23.9-metre Sunreef 80 Eco, a sailing catamaran that marks the Polish shipyard’s first appearance at the Venice Boat Show. Designed for silent, fumeless cruising, the Sunreef 80 is equipped with a composite-integrated solar panel system and advanced battery banks, allowing for extended autonomy and transoceanic range.
Visitors interested in zero-emission innovation will find plenty to explore in the dedicated e-village, which hosts electric boat specialists and serves as the base for the annual e-regatta. Here, cutting-edge electric models will compete and demonstrate their capabilities.
Another highlight of the 2025 show is the growing prominence of RIBs and day cruisers, a segment experiencing significant expansion, according to the show organisers. Italian manufacturers and top-tier European shipyards will present an impressive selection of models. Among the world premieres are the fully electric Lumen e10, designed by Mulder; the debut hydrogen-powered model from Hydrocell; and the CyberCat, a strikingly futuristic electric catamaran tender penned by Belisama Yacht.
Beyond the yachts themselves, the Venice Boat Show offers a varied programme designed to appeal to a broad audience. Water sports and leisure demonstrations will take place throughout the event, including presentations of surf foil boards and other innovations aimed at adventure enthusiasts. The Wood Village, a longstanding favourite among visitors, returns with its tribute to artisanal shipbuilding. Here, master shipwrights will showcase their craftsmanship through a collection of exquisite wooden motor boats.
Throughout the week, the show will also host a full schedule of conferences, thematic presentations and expert panels addressing current topics in the yachting world. Visitors can explore exhibitions, design installations and educational activities for children as well as yacht design, technology and custom furniture exhibits.
For details on the programme, ticket information and exhibitor list, visit the Venice Boat Show website.
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