Events worldwide: Shipyards, marinas and boat schools invite you to visit

World Boating Day aims to bring the boating industry and the public together. That is why companies in the industry worldwide are being called upon to open their doors and gates to visitors on 23 May 2026. The aim is to give them direct access to shipyards, design studios and marinas.

Some events have been running since the beginning of the week, others only start on Sunday. However, most of the participating companies are inviting people to visit them tomorrow. The organisers hope to reach around 21 million people with the event and get them excited about water sports.

The initiative was launched in 2024 as a non-profit campaign. It is supported by the Superyacht Life Foundation. The aim is to make the boating industry accessible to a wide audience. Interested parties can learn about professional fields and experience maritime technology. The event is aimed at families, students and people interested in the industry alike.

Events in Europe

On Mallorca, for example, the Balearic Marine Cluster organises an extensive programme. Astilleros de Mallorca, STP Shipyard Palma and Club de Mar Mallorca are involved in the programme. Visitors can book shipyard tours and take part in sailing activities. Workshops on maritime topics complete the programme. Cultural events round off the programme.

In Monaco, Cluster Yachting Monaco coordinates several participants. Espen Øino opens his design studio to interested parties. Sanlorenzo MED shows its production facilities. La Belle Classe Academy offers educational programmes. And Monaco Marine provides insights into technical processes. Meetings enable direct dialogue with experts.

The Italian shipyard Benetti launches the "Connecting Excellence" initiative. Young designers meet experienced industry experts. The exchange is intended to promote new perspectives in yacht design. Participants gain insights into current design processes.

And Malta is also taking part. Here, the focus is on a relaxed format at the Hotel Excelsior. Q Global Accounting Ltd and Dingli & Dingli are organising yoga by the water. The Vikings Sailing School is giving a lecture on sailing. The focus is on the attitude to life around water.

Overseas programmes

World Boating Day is also celebrated on other continents. The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum in California offers workshops. Together with Sail to Shelter, they show how discarded sails can be reused. Participants make bags and other items from them. The campaign combines sustainability with craftsmanship.

Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale is aimed specifically at families. The programme introduces children and parents to boating. Simple exercises teach the basics of seamanship. The event takes place directly on the water.

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in Australia presents the latest boat models. Visitors can view yachts and book test drives. Interactive stations explain maritime technologies. The show combines product presentation with a hands-on experience.

Digital formats

Even if companies in Germany are reluctant to take part in the day, German boaters can still join in. Code\Luxe and BÄMboats are launching an online collaboration. The digital content is available worldwide. Videos provide insights into various areas of the boating industry. Webinars cover technical and design topics.

Participating companies

The industry includes shipyards, sailing schools, marinas and suppliers. Design studios and training centres also take part. The spectrum ranges from small sailmakers to superyacht shipyards. Each participant designs their own programme.

Some companies invite people to family celebrations. Press tours grant media representatives access. Online campaigns complement the on-site events.

On the organiser's website worldboatingday.com an interactive map shows all events at all locations. This allows interested parties to quickly find events in their neighbourhood. Some companies require pre-booking, others are freely accessible.

Supporting organisations

Over 40 industry associations support World Boating Day. These include the International Superyacht Society and the International Yacht Brokers Association. METSTRADE, the Marine Industry Association of South Florida and the National Marine Manufacturers Association are partners. Regional associations such as British Marine and Superyacht Australia are also involved.