The Marina Itajaí Boat Show 2026 officially began this Thursday, 2 July, confirming from the opening ceremony the economic and institutional scale that the nautical sector has reached in Santa Catarina.
The ribbon-cutting marked the start of the event's fourth edition, held at Marina Itajaí, and gathered authorities, entrepreneurs, leaders of sector bodies, guests and representatives of the Brazilian Navy. The ceremony also featured the Navy Band, which performed aboard the JAQ H1.
More than opening the doors to the display of vessels, the ceremony demonstrated the nautical sector's ability to bring together the public sector, industry, commerce, services, tourism, innovation and professional training around the opportunities generated by the Ocean Economy.
Authorities and leaders took part in the opening
Present at the official opening were the mayor of Itajaí, Robison Coelho; the deputy mayor, Rubens Angioletti; and the municipal secretary for Economic Development and Innovation, Rodrigo Bonfanti.
Also taking part were Ernani Paciornik, president of Grupo Náutica; Carlos Gayoso, director of Marina Itajaí; Manuel Carlos Maia de Oliveira, founder of Marina Itajaí; Leandro "Mané" Ferrari, president of ACATMAR; and Captain Warisson Guimarães Alves, head of the Itajaí Ports Authority.
The presence of these leaders shows how the Marina Itajaí Boat Show has ceased to be merely a boat display to become also an environment of institutional coordination, business generation and discussion about the development of the sector.
Itajaí shows the strength of its marine industry
During the opening, mayor Robison Coelho highlighted the economic importance of the sector for the municipality, especially for its ability to generate jobs, revenue, investment and national and international standing for Itajaí.
Data presented by the municipal administration show that the city is home to thousands of small businesses related to the Blue Economy, concentrates a significant share of the Santa Catarina companies linked to boatbuilding and holds a prominent position in the state's exports of boats intended for sport and leisure.
This productive environment helps to explain why Itajaí has become a strategic location for holding one of the country's main nautical shows. The event connects shipyards, engine manufacturers, accessories, technology, infrastructure and service companies, real estate developments, investors, professionals and consumers in a single space.
More than 60 vessels, from jet skis to 100-foot yachts
The Marina Itajaí Boat Show brings together more than 60 vessels from national and international shipyards. The public will be able to see models ranging from approximately 19 to 100 feet, including jet skis, launches, catamarans and luxury yachts.
Several vessels are displayed directly on the water, allowing visitors to explore exterior and interior details, talk with brand representatives and compare projects, finishes, technologies and sailing proposals. There will also be the possibility of test-drives, according to the conditions and bookings offered by each exhibitor.
JAQ H1 hosts the Náutica Talks
Among the highlights of this edition is the JAQ H1, a 36-metre Brazilian vessel that serves as a school boat and a platform for demonstrating technologies related to the use of hydrogen. As well as being open to visitors, the JAQ H1 hosts the Náutica Talks programme, with lectures and debates on innovation, sustainability, nautical tourism, the Defence Industrial Base, economic development and the direction of the Ocean Economy.
Themes such as professional training, infrastructure, public policy, innovation, competitiveness and new technologies now share the stage with launches and commercial opportunities.
Free experiences on the Itajaí-Açu River
The Itajaí Sailing Team offers free sailing trips, with departures scheduled from the Nautical Attractions Pier. Participation is subject to availability and on a first-come basis. Another attraction is a trip on the solar boat of the Vento Sul team, of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, an electric, silent vessel powered by solar energy that brings the public closer to technologies focused on sustainable mobility on the water.
Floating shopping, gastronomy and attractions for families
The Marina Itajaí Boat Show also features a floating nautical shopping area, bringing together products, accessories, equipment, fashion, technology and services linked to the world of navigation. The programme includes a food court overlooking the Itajaí-Açu River, a space to watch the World Cup matches, cultural attractions and experiences aimed at families.
An event that moves the entire production chain
Each vessel on display drives a chain that includes design, construction, propulsion, electronics, finishing, maintenance, marinas, insurance, services, tourism, gastronomy and professional training. For this reason, the impact of a nautical show is not limited to the sales made during the event: it strengthens suppliers, stimulates investment, generates job opportunities and broadens the visibility of companies.
The Marina Itajaí Boat Show runs until Sunday, 5 July, consolidating Itajaí as one of the main showcases of the marine industry and the Ocean Economy in the country.
Service
- Event: Marina Itajaí Boat Show 2026
- Date: 2 to 5 July
- Venue: Marina Itajaí, Avenida Carlos Ely Castro, 100, Centro, Itajaí/SC
- Hours: Thursday and Friday, 2 pm to 9 pm; Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 8 pm.
By: Redação Mundo Mar
Photo: Mundo Mar
