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Celebrating boating

The second edition of World Boating Day, coordinated by the Superyacht Life Foundation, will be taking place on 24 May 2025.

01 February 2025

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World Boating Day, an international open day for the entire leisure boating industry already spanning over nine countries in 2024, is on its way to grow bigger in its Second Edition. On 24 May, Superyacht Life Foundation is inviting businesses, foundations and yacht crew from within the boating and yachting industries to open their doors for a “glocal” celebration.

World Boating Day 2025 is championed by over 37 industry organisations, across the world, and its message is carried by six country-specific ambassadors. The three pillars of World Boating Day were defined together with key stakeholders and associations representative of the industry’s many corners.

 

Attracting talent

From specialised craftsmanship and operating crews on board to those leading tomorrow’s ventures, this pillar encourages participants to share knowledge about career paths within our industry and the opportunities available for young people and late joiners alike.

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A great example of this in action is World Boating Day 2024, where initiatives like these helped open doors for future talent: an open day at superyacht shipyard Bilgin Yachts welcomed students from a Technical University, Navigo Toscana and Italian Superyacht Life invited future students to explore their training facilities, and MisliMore hosted an educational seminar on how to enter the industry as a crew member.

Comments from participants in the inaugural World Boating Day were all positive. “Taking part in this event was like reaffirming our membership in the small, yet tightly-knit nautical community,” said Eva Orsi, President at Tankoa Yachts.

“The feeling of all being linked together is truly enriching. This year has been the first of, we hope, many to come. It was amusing for us to organize it, we at Tankoa were proud to demonstrate to students what a career in the nautical sector means. Moreover, launching our new 50-metre yacht added a festive note to this significant day.”

Farouk Nefzi, CMO at Feadship commented, “With the very first World Boating Day, Feadship aims to showcase the craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication behind the superyacht industry. It’s not just about building yachts; it’s about creating added value for owners, fostering employment, and preserving maritime production capabilities in the Netherlands. We’re celebrating the beauty of enjoyment on the water and highlighting the hard work and knowledge that make it possible.”

ICOMIA’S Joe Lynch said, “It is a great pleasure to be celebrating World Boating Day, whilst ICOMIA hosts its annual congress in La Rochelle. This gathering of industry leaders from across the globe allows us to discuss and plan how we can collaborate to promote a safe, sustainable and successful future for boating. We are delighted that World Boating Day is part of this plan and allows us all to showcase our industry and encourages all boaters, new or experienced, to participate and to enjoy the experiences we provide.”

Massimo Casoni, General Manager at Benetti added, “We are very pleased to have participated in the first edition of World Boating Day, especially given the enthusiasm shown by the public from the very beginning.

“This event provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our strong relationship with the local community and share our passion for yachting with a broader audience, eager to discover our world. In just one day, our Benetti headquarters in Livorno welcomed more than 1,500 visitors, both adults and children, entertaining them with several activities.

“Guests enjoyed visiting the museum which tells our heritage through 150 years of history, showed interest in walking through the sheds where we build our yachts, and had fun using 3D virtual glasses to visualize the interior spaces of a Benetti. Visitors also had a chance to meet a crew or access the ancient lighthouse located in the marina.

“I believe this kind of event helps position the yachting industry as a symbol of excellence to be preserved and offers professional career opportunities for future generations.”

In Australia, Stephen Milne, Brand & Communications Director at Riviera stated, “Riviera was proud to open our gates to showcase the largest motor yacht building facility in the southern hemisphere as part of the World Boating Day celebrations.

“Visitors had the unique opportunity to see and learn about the full build process of a Riviera luxury motor yacht from design and mould-making all the way through to the final and extensive QC process.

“There’s no doubt that taking part in such a tour creates a much greater understanding and appreciation of the skills and qualities required to build world-class motor yachts. In turn, we hope that such an experience might inspire some to become involved with our great industry or to explore the fabulous joys that only boating offers.”

Creating media value

Boating is traditionally associated with ultimate relaxation, quality time with loved ones, and a deep passion running through the hearts of its users, stakeholders and operators.

It is time to share a broader perspective and inspire the media to spread the word; from the economic benefits and positive societal impacts to sustainability innovations shaping daily life offshore, and the exceptional individuals who sustain it all with passion and dedication.

How was the word spread through more than nine countries? Through its digital campaign, the Superyacht Life Foundation reached close to 14 million users through its social media channels, with press releases resulting in more than 80 articles in 12 countries – relayed by its curated database of journalists.

Additionally, thanks to the press distribution by each participating company, the campaign was covered by international media outlets relaying the events far and wide. You can read the Campaign Report here.

 

Expanding our boating community

The boating community has traditionally been seen as exclusive, passed down through generations—but it’s time to open the gates, break barriers, and make the joys of our industry accessible to all. Whether it’s mingling with seasoned experts or simply sharing what makes us passionate boaters, this initiative ensures that newcomers feel warmly welcomed and encouraged to join this one-of-a-kind celebration of the leisure boating industry.

World Boating Day 2024 brought this vision to life through a variety of engaging experiences: a day at the yard with Benetti in Italy, starting with morning yoga, afternoon sailing classes, and guided tours; an exclusive tour of the Riviera factory on Australia’s Gold Coast; designing your own yacht with Feadship in the Netherlands; test-driving boats with Freedom Boat Club in Sydney Harbour; or a marina day with diving lessons and nautical knot workshops at West Istanbul Marina in Turkey.

 

How to register

Any business, organisation, yacht or crew member is welcome to join the global campaign. Head to the registration form and enter your details. The World Boating Day Community Manager will be in touch to share details, assets and support you where necessary.

Armed with our comprehensive range of assets, you will be set to start promoting your event to your most relevant audience(s). Let us enhance your reach and share the pride we hold for this industry!

Good to know: any event already existing can be added to the map, and any event taking place from 19 to 25 May will take part in the campaign.

For information contact laurie@worldboatingday.com.

 

thesuperyachtlife.com

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