The Barcelona International Boat Show closes its most exclusive edition, reaffirming its new course

Barcelona International Boat Show © Fira de Barcelona

The Barcelona International Boat Show has wrapped up its 62nd edition with strong attendance and business numbers, confirming its new strategic direction with a new format, offering and visitor profile. Within this framework, major national and international buyers have enjoyed a revamped show with a greater variety of models, new features and lengths.

Over five days of busy activity, the foundations have been laid for this new format of the event organised by Fira de Barcelona in collaboration with the National Association of Nautical Companies (ANEN), introducing larger yachts, a premium experience for visitors, and expanded the exhibition space to the Barcelona quay, allowing for larger and more prestigious boats.

The new approach has drawn over 18,000 visitors, a more exclusive audience than in previous editions with higher purchasing power. The result was a high-level environment for business and networking. The presence of top-tier buyers and international shipyards has reinforced the show's position as one of Europe's leading nautical meetings.

The exhibition was the most comprehensive in recent years, bringing together 200 exhibitors and 500 boats, including 130 afloat, 24% of them large yachts. Highlights included new launches and a wide range of models from leading brands such as De Antonio, Girbau, Karnic, Kumbra, Rodman, Sea Ray and Nuva, among many others; the world premiere of the Horizon FD100, a 31-metre yacht; the largest exhibition of catamarans in Europe; 16 models nominees for the European Boat of the Year award, and innovations in propulsion such as the Earthling E40 electric catamaran.

The President of the Barcelona International Boat Show, Luis Conde, emphasised that this year's edition "marks a firm first step toward a more exclusive, business-oriented experience. It encourages us to continue working to anchor this event among Europe's top nautical gatherings and to promote Barcelona as the yachting capital of the Mediterranean."

Social and business meetings

The show also tailored its experience to suit the new visitor profile, introducing new concepts such as the Village, a social and gastronomic hub featuring a menu by two Michelin-starred chef Rafa Zafra, which has become the epicentre of meetings and business during the show.

The event also focused on new engines, sustainability and the blue economy in the Agora Port conference and seminar space, organised by the Port of Barcelona. With more than 30 sessions and over 100 experts, this forum brought together marine industry professionals to discuss and reflect on these major challenges and opportunities for the country's nautical and port sector.

The Barcelona International Boat Show will continue to evolve in the coming years to attract the key players in the industry and offer an increasingly exclusive and high-quality experience. In this regard, preparations are already under way for the next edition, scheduled for 14 to 18 October 2026.