Napoli Boat Show kicks off: Mediterranean vision and a boutique model on the water

The first edition of the Napoli Boat Show was inaugurated yesterday at Marina di Stabia and will run from March 18 to 22 in the Gulf of Naples. From its debut, the event presents a clear positioning: not a traditional boat show, but a “boutique” format focused on boats in the water, sea trials and a selected audience.

PressMare met Fabio Piantedosi, creator and president of the Napoli Boat Show, and Enrico De Gregorio, commercial director, to discuss its origins, strategic choices and development outlook.

PressMare – President, you insist on defining the Napoli Boat Show as an “event” rather than a boat show. Why?

Fabio Piantedosi – Because we wanted to differentiate ourselves. We did not want to replicate a traditional exhibition model, but to create something more curated. We selected exhibitors, even turning some down, to maintain qualitative consistency. The goal is to have leading companies and progressively involve shipyards directly, not only through dealers.

PM – Does this approach also apply to the audience? What is your target?

FP – Yes. We introduced a €25 entrance ticket specifically to select the audience. We want genuinely interested visitors, not just large numbers. It is a clear choice: less quantity, more quality in business relationships.

PM – From an operational standpoint, what was the key factor in attracting exhibitors also from outside the region?

Enrico De Gregorio – The key was very practical: the possibility to carry out sea trials in a simple and immediate way. Here there are no rigid time slots, each company manages outings independently. This reduces the complexity typical of other boat shows and makes the event more effective commercially.

PM – Can we say that “ad libitum” sea trials are the real distinctive feature?

EDG – Without a doubt. It is our main characteristic. Everyone can leave the marina and test boats without strict organisational constraints. This is immediately perceived as an advantage by both clients and exhibitors.

PM – How important is the geographical context in this model?

EDG – Very important. You leave the marina and within minutes you are between Sorrento, Capri and Positano. It is a natural asset that makes the experience unique and strengthens the event’s value.

PM – Does the Napoli Boat Show aim beyond the local market?

EDG – Absolutely. We are a Mediterranean port and must operate on that scale. The goal is to attract companies and visitors from across the Mediterranean. This year the international component is still limited, but the direction for future editions is already set.

PM – President, your model integrates sectors beyond yachting. What is the logic?

FP – The idea is to create an experiential event. We involved fashion, food, beverage and media. There will be moments such as the Friday evening “Sunset”, with extended opening hours until 10 pm, onboard events and activities for exhibitors with their clients. It is not only about seeing boats, but about experiencing a broader context.

PM – This approach recalls the concept of “diffused luxury”…

FP – Exactly. An ecosystem where yachting interacts with other high-end sectors. Gastronomy, with chefs and show cooking, also follows this direction.

PM – How does the Napoli Boat Show fit within the local event landscape?

FP – I believe in collaboration. Naples needs to work as a system. Different events can be complementary: for example, one more focused on boats ashore and another on boats in the water. The key is to build critical mass and create value for the territory.

PM – How was the relationship with local institutions?

FP – Very positive. The municipality, law enforcement, tourism operators – everyone supported the project. There is a shared intention to grow this initiative and make it a structural asset for Castellammare.

PM – This is the first edition. What phase are you in?

FP – This is year zero. We are not perfect, but we built this project in just a few months and we are satisfied with the result. The real assessment will come at the end, based on attendance and audience quality.

PM – Looking ahead, what are the objectives?

FP – The first goal is to become a Mediterranean reference point, then to grow nationally and internationally. The location allows for future expansion. We are also looking at possible synergies with international events taking place in the Naples area.

With over 200 brands, boats in the water and dynamic sea trials in the Gulf of Naples, the Napoli Boat Show presents itself as a project aiming to build a distinct identity within the exhibition landscape. A model combining curated selection, on-water experience and integration with other luxury sectors, with the stated goal of evolving from a local event into a Mediterranean platform.

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