The fourth edition of the Marina Itajaí Boat Show wrapped up four days of programming, confirming Itajaí's strength as one of the main hubs of the Brazilian marine industry and establishing the event among the sector's largest gatherings in the country.
Held from 2 to 5 July 2026 at Marina Itajaí, the show welcomed around 20,000 visitors from different Brazilian states and recorded 20% growth in the number of exhibitors and vessels compared with the previous edition, according to the official figures released by the organisers.
In total, more than 100 brands took part, representing segments such as boatbuilding, propulsion, equipment, electronics, accessories, infrastructure, financial services and solutions for the nautical world. More than 70 vessels were put on display and for sale, from entry-level models to yachts valued at over R$ 70 million. Around 40 boats were shown directly in the water, with test-drives available.
Growth that goes beyond the size of the show
The 20% increase in the number of exhibitors and boats helps to measure the evolution of the Marina Itajaí Boat Show. However, the edition's main result lies in its ability to bring together, in a single environment, practically the entire Ocean Economy chain of the marine sector.
Shipyards, engine manufacturers, equipment suppliers, infrastructure companies, service providers, financial institutions, professionals, investors and consumers moved through the marina during the four days. Each boat requires design, engineering, components, electronics, finishing, logistics, maintenance, insurance, marinas, professional training, tourism and specialised services.
For Thalita Vicentini, director of Grupo Náutica and Boat Show Eventos, the show has established itself as a space that combines business, innovation, technology and experiences. "The Marina Itajaí Boat Show is much more than a business environment. It is an event that brings together the entire nautical chain, attracting entrepreneurs, investors and clients from different regions of Brazil."
Itajaí reaffirms its nautical vocation
Holding the Boat Show in Itajaí is directly related to the city's importance for the industry, maritime services, tourism and major water-related events. The presence of shipyards, suppliers, a marina, a port, specialised professionals and training centres creates an environment favourable to the development of business and technology.
The event had the institutional support of the Municipal Department of Economic Development and Innovation of the Itajaí City Hall. The partnership seeks to strengthen the Blue Economy, encourage innovation, attract investment, foster business tourism and expand the municipality's standing as a marine industry hub.
JAQ H1 makes its southern debut and stays in Itajaí for new tests
Among the edition's biggest highlights was the JAQ H1, a 36-metre Brazilian vessel presented for the first time in the southern region after its participation in COP30. The boat uses green hydrogen to generate energy and was developed as a platform focused on innovation, research, education and the demonstration of new maritime technologies.
As well as being one of the show's main visual attractions, the JAQ H1 was incorporated into the programme, hosting institutional activities, presentations and the Náutica Talks panels. After the event, Marina Itajaí began hosting stages of the vessel's pre-commissioning and commissioning process, including tests related to green hydrogen refuelling. According to the organisers, the boat is equipped with German hybrid engines capable of reducing pollutant emissions by up to 80%.
Náutica Talks brought together knowledge, market and government
The Náutica Talks programme broadened the show's reach by incorporating discussions on the Ocean Economy, innovation, sustainability, industry, defence, nautical tourism, infrastructure and professional training. Held aboard the JAQ H1, the sessions gathered representatives from companies, sector bodies, universities and public administrations.
Workforce training, legal certainty, urban planning, infrastructure and incentive policies are also among the sector's challenges. By taking these debates inside a laboratory-boat, the event connected, both symbolically and practically, the present of the industry with the technologies that may transform navigation in the future.
Experiences kept the public at the event for longer
The programme included free sailing trips, a fitness fashion show, performances, a water show, drones and a fireworks display. In addition, gastronomy, socialising and lifestyle areas helped bring families and new audiences closer to the nautical world. The attractions showed that a Boat Show can be, at the same time, a commercial environment, a professional meeting point and a leisure programme.
Exhibitors highlight a qualified audience and deals closed
The CEO of Grupo Okean Yachts, Roberto Paião, said the brand received visitors from Santa Catarina and other states and held negotiations expected to yield results after the event. At Schaefer Yachts, executive director Pedro Olímpio Felipe assessed that the show showed improvement in quality, structure and audience, with deals closed and a highly qualified clientele.
Azimut Yachts brought its fleet to the event and recorded negotiations with visitors from different regions. According to commercial director Roy Capasso, the show was also used to present a preview of a new 30-metre model, designed to be the brand's largest vessel produced in Brazil.
For Barbara Martendal, business director at Fibrafort, holding the event in Itajaí has special meaning for the company, which received a large flow of visitors and recorded good commercial results. FS Yachts, represented by commercial director Ricardo Fragoso, noted that the more compact and welcoming format favours objective conversations and the conclusion of negotiations.
Also reporting positive results were NX Boats, Ross Mariner, Sessa Marine, Garnet Offshore and Mestra Boats. Mestra reported sales to buyers from Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Santa Catarina. Garnet Offshore, taking part for the first time, left with advanced negotiations and four potential clients for its fishing vessels.
A boat event that moves many other economies
The figures from the Marina Itajaí Boat Show 2026 help reveal the scale of this activity:
- Around 20,000 visitors;
- 20% growth in the number of exhibitors and boats;
- more than 100 participating brands;
- more than 70 vessels on display and available for sale;
- approximately 40 boats shown in the water;
- models valued at over R$ 70 million.
Visitors and exhibitors move hotels, restaurants, transport, commerce and services. The deals made generate later demand for suppliers, workshops, marinas, insurance, documentation, crew training and maintenance. The organisers have already confirmed that the next edition of the Marina Itajaí Boat Show will take place in July 2027.
Upcoming 2026 Boat Shows
The national calendar of Boat Show Eventos continues with:
- São Paulo Boat Show: 24 to 29 September;
- Salvador Boat Show: 5 to 8 November;
- Náutica Used Boat Show: expected for November.
By: Redação Mundo Mar
Photo: Mundo Mar
