Study Reveals Demographic Profile of Italian Boat Owners at Genoa International Boat Show

A comprehensive study profiling Italian recreational boat owners was presented on September 18 at the Genoa International Boat Show. Conducted by the Italian Marine Industry Association's National Nautical Observatory, the research analyzed demographic patterns, boat characteristics, and regional distribution trends among Italy's boating population. Roberto Neglia, Head of Institutional Relations at the association, presented the findings.The study revealed that 80% of Italian boat owners are over 50 years old, with the largest concentration (45%) in the 60-75 age bracket. Only 4% of owners are between 30-39 years old. Women represent 13% of boat owners, a minority but growing segment that tends to be younger than male owners, with approximately 15% of female owners in the 40-49 age range.Geographical distribution shows relatively balanced representation across regions: North-East (25%), Central Italy (24%), North-West (21%), South (20%), and Italian islands (10%). The analysis identified Rome, Milan, and Naples as the top three municipalities for boat ownership, accounting for approximately one-third of all owners. Southern Italy shows the highest proportion of young boat owners under 40, particularly in the 30-39 age bracket, representing over 25% of the national total for that demographic.The typical Italian boat owner possesses a 10-12 meter vessel with inboard propulsion, built between 2000 and 2009. Regarding propulsion types, 73% of boats use inboard engines, with motorboats being more popular in Southern Italy (73%) and the islands (61%), while sailing vessels gain more market share in Northern and Central regions (48-55%). The most common power category is 251-999 HP (35% of units), followed by 40-115 HP (22%).The study noted significant generational differences in boat preferences. Motor propulsion shows strongest concentration among 60-75-year-olds, while sailboats attract more diversified age groups. Owners of vessels over 24 meters have an average age exceeding 68 years, while owners of registered boats under 10 meters average approximately 58 years.The research also analyzed registration trends, noting that only 2% of registered boat owners are foreign residents. Since 2015, the industry has seen a sharp reduction in new registrations despite sector turnover growth. While the industry reached a record turnover of €8.6 billion in 2024, annual registrations remain significantly below peak levels of 2006, when over 800 new units were registered yearly.The study contrasted boat owner demographics with show visitor demographics, noting that Boat Show attendees average 50 years old, with the 55-64 age bracket representing 34% of visitors and 25-44 year-olds comprising 22%.The analysis of mooring patterns revealed pressure throughout Central and Northern Italy and the Naples province, while Southern regions show deficits in transit mooring availability. Approximately 35% of pleasure boats were built before 2000, with less than 10% constructed after 2020.The research provides data for public and private sector planning regarding infrastructure development, marketing strategies, and policy decisions affecting Italy's marine industry.Credits: Genoa International Boat Show

The Invictus TT550, a 16.87-meter yacht built by Cantieri Aschenez, made its first public appearance at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival followed by exhibition at the Genoa International Boat Show. With a beam of 5.04 meters, the model represents the flagship of the Invictus TT series.The yacht incorporates structural fiberglass tanks integrated into the hull construction, which the shipyard states enhances rigidity and weight distribution. The hull utilizes PET thermoplastic resin, a recyclable material that reduces overall weight. The exterior design includes folding side terraces, a semi-reverse bow, and an extended swim platform.Outdoor areas feature a carbon fiber hardtop covering the dinette and galley area, deep side bulwarks, and a forward lounge shaded by a carbon fiber canopy. The aft section contains a sunpad and sofa with foldable backrest that extends the sunbathing area. A garage provides storage without occupying primary lounge spaces.Rosario Alcaro, General Manager of Invictus Yacht, stated: "The enthusiastic response we have received in Cannes and now in Genoa, from both our dealer network and the public, confirms that we are on the right track. The TT550 is truly one-of-a-kind in terms of design, innovation and performance. Our goal is to keep evolving, to ensure our yachts are never static projects, but always forward-looking, always seeking solutions that enhance both product quality and onboard lifestyle."Below deck, interior layouts offer flexibility with two cabins (Master and VIP) that can be positioned either forward or amidships, accompanied by two bathrooms. Options include a third cabin, central galley, or crew cabin for extended voyages. The interior design was developed by Christian Grande.Customization options include an expanded color palette with new Stone White and Deep Groove exterior tones, paired with Cloudy, Sandy or Woody upholstery shades. The shipyard utilizes water-resistant upholstery textiles developed through cross-industry research. The Atelier Invictus program provides modular layout options and bespoke finishes.Propulsion comes from twin Volvo Penta IPS950 units, providing what the shipyard describes as a balance between sport performance and cruising comfort. The design emphasizes open-air living spaces and connection with the marine environment through multiple outdoor social areas.The Italian shipbuilder produced open type boats with multiple vocations. The debut production will include two ranges of leisure boats, corresponding with two types of propulsion: inboard-outboard for the “GT” series, more tending to leisure and sailing, and outboard for the “FX”, more technical and sporty. Credits: Invictus Yacht

Arcadia Yachts will display two models at the 34th Monaco Yacht Show: the A80new and A96new. The A80new model recently made its international debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival.The A80new measures just under 24 meters in length, a specification that complies with Mediterranean Posidonia Oceanica protection regulations. The yacht features a raised pilot house design and is equipped with solar panels. Its propulsion system consists of Volvo IPS engines, supplemented by a CMC Marine electric fin stabilization system.The main deck functions as a continuous open space with large opening windows. The upper deck provides 80 square meters of space, including an aft outdoor area configurable with loose furniture, a convertible salon under hardtop coverage, a secondary helm station, and a forward area convertible between dining and sunbathing functions. The stern features a beach area with an adjustable platform for water access.The A96new model measures 30 meters in length with five cabins. Arcadia Yachts has sold four units of this model to date. The design emphasizes connection with natural environments through convertible lounge spaces that can be opened to the exterior via side and aft walls. The layout separates guest and crew circulation patterns and includes a fully equipped pantry. An optional second day toilet can be installed on the upper deck.Both models will be exhibited among approximately 120 superyachts at Port Hercule during the Monaco Yacht Show. The designs focus on providing outdoor connectivity and privacy while maintaining operational capabilities in various anchoring conditions.Arcadia Yachts is based in Naples, Italy. Since 2008, Arcadia Yachts has been building semi-custom luxury composite yachts and has succeeded in perfectly integrating artisanal craftsmanship, modern technologies, attention to detail and to the surrounding environment. The Arcadia Yachts fleet has included two ranges since September 2016. The shipyard’s first and most characterizing range is the A range, which includes four models (A85, A85s, A105 and A115). The Sherpa range has a new model, the 24m Sherpa XL, which was launched at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival. The new model, A96, debuted at 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival.Credits: Arcadia Yachts

The 45-meter motor yacht Latitude, designed by Vripack, has been listed for sale with Worth Avenue Yachts following a multi-million-dollar refit in 2025. The refit included a complete technical overhaul with new drive shafts and full electrical rewiring. Currently registered at just under 500 gross tons, the vessel has covered 175,000 nautical miles since its owner, Anil Thadani, acquired it in 2013.Originally built by Timmerman Yachts in 2008, Latitude was not designed as an expedition vessel. Its naval architecture and exterior design by Vripack were initially intended for Northern European climates, featuring kort nozzles around the propellers for improved course stability and debris protection. Despite not being ice-classed, the yacht has completed multiple Arctic expeditions.Thadani stated: “I'm a great lover of experiencing the wilderness in comfort, and Latitude has been the perfect vessel for me to achieve those dreams.” He selected the yacht after evaluating 27 other vessels, specifically seeking a vessel capable of handling the Northwest Passage without ice-class certification. The yacht subsequently became the third vessel to cross the Northwest Passage in both directions in consecutive years and the third to fully circumnavigate the Svalbard Archipelago, reaching within 500 miles of the North Pole.The yacht’s design provides interior volume comparable to 60-meter vessels while maintaining a 45-meter length. Thadani noted: “I also felt it was the perfect size; the design gives you the equivalent of a 60-metre interior volume on a 45-metre boat, and just a shade under 500 gross tons, which is what I wanted.” Structural features include robust engine room design and crew access points designed for maintenance in remote locations.Notable modifications include the replacement of the original sauna with a professional dive room equipped with dual nitrox compressors, diamond plate flooring, and polished aluminum ceiling. Thadani reported: “I've done about 1,100 dives from Latitude, and we can fill all six tanks in 10 minutes thanks to our high-pressure setup that pipes directly out to the swim platform.” Additional changes comprise a reconfigured sundeck with forward-positioned hot tub, expanded al fresco dining area, and conversion of the master suite office into a cinema.Former Captain Sean Meagher, who commanded the vessel for five years until 2018, stated: “One of the things that was remarkable about Latitude when I was on board was the longevity of the crew. On that first 126-day trip from Cape Cod to Vancouver, we were a very untested crew in a very extreme environment, but Latitude has proven herself as an exceptional seagoing vessel time and time again. Even when surrounded by ice in the Northwest Passage, I never felt we were beyond the boat's capabilities.”Following its Arctic expeditions, Latitude cruised extensively in the South Pacific, New Zealand, European waters, and completed six voyages through the Indonesian Archipelago. The yacht’s operational history demonstrates capability in diverse conditions from tropical diving regions to high-latitude environments.Thadani concluded: “My original intention was to have Latitude for five years, enjoy lots of adventures, and then sell her, but it's now been 13 years and counting. You get to see parts of the world that you just can't access without a yacht. For me, the happiest days of my life have been those when I've owned her, and the saddest day will be the one when I sell her.”Vripack is a yacht-design studio with a portfolio that represents over 7400 designs, made strong through its extensive naval architecture and engineering experience. From the moment they opened their doors in 1961, Vripack studio’s approach to design has been governed by the playful interaction between form and function.Credits: Vripack

ISA Yachts, a brand of Palumbo Superyachts, has launched the ISA GT 66-meter model as part of its Gran Turismo yacht series. The exterior design was developed by Team for Design - Enrico Gobbi.The yacht features a metallic blue-grey exterior with a long teak bow designed as a multifunctional lounge area. The design includes floor-to-ceiling windows and wide side decks with glass balustrades. A sky lounge integrated into the profile can be customized as a dining area, gym, or panoramic lounge with a hot tub. The aft main deck features an infinity pool with adjacent lounge areas.The interior incorporates organic furnishings with materials including wood, wenge inserts, marble, and satin-finish brass. The main deck contains a full-beam master stateroom with a walk-in closet, bathroom, and lounge area, along with two guest cabins. The lower deck accommodates four additional double cabins.The wellness area includes a spa and fold-out platforms providing direct access to the sea. The yacht maintains the sport-oriented design characteristics of the Gran Turismo line while emphasizing social areas and natural light throughout interior spaces.Palumbo Superyachts took root in 2008, when the Columbus Yachts brand was established, and in 2011 it launched its first 54m superyacht, emblematically christened Prima (the First). Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples, and Savona); it also operates the following brands: ISA Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine and Palumbo SY Refit.Credits: ISA Yachts