The Venice Arsenale, with its centuries-old history, is the ideal stage for showcasing luxury boats and cutting-edge technologies, but will also serve as a platform for discussing environmental sustainability and innovation, reaffirming Venice's status as the "world sustainability capital”. 

Organised by Vela SpA in collaboration with the City of Venice and the Italian Navy, the event will feature 30 new shipyards and 15 world premieres, demonstrating the city’s prominence in the global yachting industry. 

Below is a sneak peek into some of the most captivating motorboats and sailing yachts on display at the Venice Boat Show this year:

MOTOR

Ferretti Custom Line - Navetta 38 

Photo credit: Ferretti Custom Line



Ferretti Group is showcasing an impressive fleet at the Venice Boat Show, including nine models and featuring two world premieres, including the Custom Line Navetta 38. Launched in late January, it is the latest in the Navetta series, blending innovative engineering with Italian style and sophistication. This yacht boasts new exterior and interior designs, emphasising continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, spacious areas for comfort, and direct contact with the water for an exceptional cruising experience.

Designers Filippo Salvetti and Patricia Viel aimed to respect the nautical tradition of the Navetta series while incorporating a youthful, sporty style. Key features include a 70-square meter beach area and extensive glazing around the sundeck to enhance natural light and the sense of space. The use of mirrored surfaces, a delicate sand and ivory color palette, and blonde oak wood panels further amplify the airy ambiance. Custom-made furniture and luxurious materials such as linen, parchment, and soft-finish leather add to the yacht's elegance. The Navetta 38 is powered by twin MAN 1,400hp engines, achieving a top speed of 15 knots and a range of approximately 2,800 nautical miles at 10 knots.

Sanlorenzo - SD96

Photo credit: Sanlorenzo Yachts



Sanlorenzo is showcasing the SD96, the first yacht designed by Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola. This yacht, part of Sanlorenzo's semi-displacement SD line, rethinks nautical design by focusing on transformable spaces that adapt to users' needs, enhancing on-board comfort and experience. Inspired by the elegance of 1930s ocean liners, the SD96 offers excellent autonomy for extended sea journeys, making it ideal for long-term living at sea.

The SD96 is built on three decks but maintains the elegance and manageability of a two-deck yacht due to its balanced design and proportions. It features superior space and flexibility compared to similar-sized yachts, with modular interiors that allow for versatile use. Powered by two MAN 8V 1300 HP engines, the yacht can reach a maximum speed of 17 knots. It measures 28.93 meters in length with a maximum beam of 7.60 meters and a draught of 1.95 meters at full load. The SD96 accommodates eight guests and a crew of five, offering a luxurious and spacious environment for extended sea voyages.

Wider - WiderCat92

Photo credit: Wider Yachts



The WiderCat 92, a 28-meter catamaran, embodies the future of yachting with its seamless integration of hybrid technology and solar energy, breaking down the boundaries between outdoor and indoor spaces. This design prioritises aesthetics, functionality, elegance, and innovation, offering limitless space and comfort. The catamaran features Dynamic Positioning, an electronic satellite-controlled system that maintains its position and heading without a traditional anchor, enabling it to sit in Zero Emission Mode to preserve marine ecosystems.

Powered by two 420 kW Permanent Magnet Motors and an eShaft with twin screw props, the WiderCat 92 has a maximum speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 13 knots with a range of approximately 1,000 nautical miles. At an ecological speed of 8 knots, it can achieve a range of up to 3,000 nautical miles. Designed for eight guests and a crew of four, the WiderCat 92 is a testament to sustainable luxury, blending advanced technology with an eco-friendly approach to yachting.

Wally Yachts - wallywhy150

Photo credit: Wally Yachts



The new wallywhy150, far from being merely a little sister to the popular wallywhy200, advances the innovative concepts of its range while emphasising key features. With a generous 150GT volume, this yacht offers experiences typically found on much larger vessels. It boasts an exceptionally large master cabin on the main deck, where wrap-around glazing in the high bow provides a stunning 270-degree view from the comfort of a double bed, creating an "amphitheatre of the sea."

Wally has overcome significant engineering challenges by incorporating floor-to-ceiling glass, which floods the main saloon's flexible dining and lounging space with natural light. The unheard-of 2.5m headroom and flush decking seamlessly connect the saloon with the cockpit, providing direct sea access. The exterior space is equally impressive, featuring a vast sundeck with full dining facilities, a bar, and multiple fridges.

The wallywhy150 not only enhances Wally’s renowned design language but also offers robust performance. Equipped with three optional Volvo Penta IPS1350 engines, the yacht can reach a top speed of 23 knots, ensuring excellent manoeuvrability and comfort. Accommodating up to 20 people, with IPS1200 engines as standard the yacht cruises comfortably at 18 knots and reaches a maximum speed of 21 knots.

SAIL

Jeanneau - Yacht 65

Photo credit: Jeanneau Yachts



The Jeanneau Yachts 65, the flagship of the line, excels in comfort, equipment, and spaciousness, offering the ultimate cruising experience for couples, families, or friends. This yacht features luxurious interior living spaces, including an owner's cabin that can be located forward or aft and is filled with natural light. Multiple configurations and options allow for a nearly custom sailboat. The exterior spaces are equally versatile, with options for a minimalist look or an equipped cockpit with an arch for a spray hood and Bimini. For the first time, the exterior windows are made of Lexan, a durable, glass-like material.

The Jeanneau Yachts 65 combines fluidity and elegance with a vast sundeck in the cockpit for relaxation and an electrically controlled aft swim platform for easy sea access and tender garage storage. This yacht strikes a perfect balance between well-being and security, comfort and performance, elegance and power. Despite its 65-foot size, it remains easy to handle both in port and at sea, ensuring a pleasurable life on the water for small or large groups alike.

Solaris - models 50

Photo credit: Guillaume Plisson for Solaris Yachts



Following the success of its predecessor Solaris 50’ model, European Yacht of the Year 2016 award winner, the new and improved Solaris 50’ performance water cruiser is a significant evolution offering multiple new features. This new model features innovative waterlines that extend the aft sections, enabling the use of twin rudder blades and incorporating a longitudinal access tender garage. This unique solution for yachts of this size simplifies the use and storage of the dinghy in its watertight garage.

The deck boasts a broad cockpit, tested on previous models, ensuring freedom of movement and the flexibility to accommodate one or two cockpit tables. Full-width steering wheels enhance visibility, even with the sprayhood in use, and steps forward of the steering area facilitate water drainage from the side decks, creating a safe and comfortable navigation environment. 

Special attention is given to the interior, particularly the saloon and owner's cabin, through a collaboration with Poltrona FRAU, renowned leather manufacturers since 1912. This partnership allows for a high level of customisation to meet personal tastes and needs. The exterior and interior designs are crafted by Javier Soto Acebal and Roseo Design, respectively.

Bavaria - C46

Photo credit: Bavaria Yachts



The BAVARIA C46 from Bavaria Yachts builds upon the successful design concept of the C-LINE, aiming to redefine standards in its category with generous space, exceptional sailing characteristics, and innovative solutions. Celebrating its German premiere at the Boot Dusseldorf boat show earlier this year, the BAVARIA C50, a collaborative masterpiece by BAVARIA YACHTS and Cossutti Yacht Design, embodies excellence in yacht design. The yacht features fabulously large hull windows for ample natural light below deck, an XXL bathing platform for sunbathing and water activities, and extra sunbathing areas at the bow and beneath the boom for relaxation.

Renowned for their expertise in fast and elegant yachts, the collaboration ensures exceptional sailing performance and balanced handling. Dual wheel steering allows for easy navigation and monitoring of onboard systems via touch displays. The high but balanced sail area to displacement ratio promises outstanding sailing performance and safe handling. With a deep keel of 2.30 meters and VPP sail performance at 12 knots true wind speed, the BAVARIA C50 ensures a thrilling sailing experience. Offering customisation options for hull color, interior wood, and flooring, the C50 provides maximum flexibility to suit individual preferences. 

Beneteau - Oceanis 34.1

Photo caption: Beneteau



The Oceanis 34.1, sleeker and lighter than its predecessor, promises unforgettable days on the water with more sail area and increased space in the bow for the owner’s cabin. Designed by Marc Lombard and NAUTA Design, it embodies the spirit of the 7th generation Oceanis range. 

Designed for safe cruising experiences, the Oceanis 34.1 prioritises comfort, user-friendliness, and ease of movement, making it suitable for sailors of all levels. Marc Lombard’s team has enhanced the new-generation hull design, improving close-hauled pitch control and stability while reducing underwater area for better performance in various wind conditions. The redesigned deck layout ensures maximum comfort and safety, with ropes positioned forward of the cockpit and uncluttered space ideal for relaxation.

Inside, the chic, contemporary interior features elegant walnut or light oak finishes, deck hatches, hull and roof portholes, and a cleverly designed chart table doubling as extra berths. The boat offers two or three double cabins and a head compartment, all bright and airy with ample natural light. The spacious cockpit, with a roof-top mainsheet position, provides relaxation under sail or at anchor, complemented by a stylish swim platform for easy sea access.

Event details

  • Dates: 29th May - 2nd June

  • Opening hours: from 10 am until 8 pm


Location: Arsenale di Venezia

On Foot:

The Venice Boat Show can be accessed through three pedestrian entrances:

  1. Arsenale – Ships Pavilion

  2. Giardino delle Vergini (via free shuttle boat)

  3. Bacini – Arsenale Nord


By Public Water Transport:

Special Actv Line SNV offers a direct connection from Piazzale Roma to “Arsenale Torre di Porta Nuova” with departures every 20 minutes from May 29th to June 2nd

Routes and Stops:

  • Padiglione delle Navi (Arsenale): Actv routes 1, 4.1, 4.2; Alilaguna Blu Line

  • Giardino delle Vergini (Arsenale/Giardini Biennale): Actv routes 1, 2, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2; Alilaguna Blue Line; free shuttle for ticket holders

  • Bacini – Arsenale Nord: Actv routes 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2; Alilaguna Blu Line; MaRiVe direct line from San Giuliano

Written by: Katie Smitten
Katie Smitten is a London-born, Barcelona-based, multi-lingual copywriter, translator and public relations specialist who frequently covers the marine industry. She writes about boat shows, marine industry events and reviews new boat model debuts for various boating industry publications. Katie holds a Bachelor's Degree in Modern Langauges from Durham University where she studied Spanish and French. She has a keen interest in experiencing new cultures and a passion for storytelling.