Lights over the Sea: Allumee Lights Up the Opening of the 66th Genoa Boat Show
“LIGHTS OVER THE SEA”—that was the promise of the opening night of the 66th Genoa International Boat Show.
On Thursday, October 1, 2026, as night fell, a magical show featuring 600 drones lit up the harbor before an enthralled audience.
A Record-Breaking 2026 Edition
This 66th edition will go down as one of the most memorable in the show’s history.
Genoa broke its attendance record with more than 138,000 visitors—an 11.2% increase over 2025—along with more than 4,600 test sailings and 215 new models unveiled over six days. Its president, Piero Formenti, now refers to it as the world’s leading boat show.
Over the course of six days, the show brought together exhibitors from 45 countries and five continents, as well as more than 1,000 boats on display: motor yachts, explorer yachts, sailboats, multihulls, maxi-RIBs, and superyachts. Major Italian and international shipbuilders unveiled their flagship models there: Ferretti Group (Riva, Pershing, Wally), Azimut|Benetti, Sanlorenzo, Mangusta, Absolute, and Bluegame, alongside Princess, Jeanneau, and Frauscher.
The 2026 edition has significantly expanded its superyacht section, with a larger area dedicated to boats on the water. The largest boat on display, the Mangusta 165 REV, measured 49.9 meters, alongside the Azimut Grande 44M and the Pershing GTX116. The “Living Made in Italy” area showcased vessels ranging from 35 to 50 meters, including an Agusta AW109 helicopter by Leonardo.
Few countries have a relationship with the sea quite like Italy’s. Its maritime industry is one of the country’s greatest industrial and cultural strengths, and Italian shipyards remain a global benchmark in recreational boatbuilding. Allumee is particularly proud of this.
The drone show paying tribute to the world of yachting
The show was conceived as a tribute to the auto show and everything it stands for: innovation, design, excellence, and sustainability.
Scenes of sailboats and yachts took shape above the harbor, drawn by light in shades of color chosen with the utmost care: deep blues fading into purples, oranges, and golden hues reminiscent of a sunset over the sea.
Two messages set the tone for the event: the symbolic scene “We are made of Sea,” taken from the event’s promotional materials, and a warm welcome to the guests: “Welcome to the 66th International Boat Show.”
An audience captivated from the very first scene
The reaction was immediate from the spectators gathered on the terrace overlooking the harbor. From the very first scene, the audience erupted in cheers and applause. The sight of the drones flying over the harbor was impressive, and the display was magnificent against the night sky.
The unveiling of the “Salone Nautico” logo was met with particularly enthusiastic applause—a moment of pride for an audience made up of the very people who keep this industry alive.
That’s when a drone show becomes much more than just entertainment. It’s a visual storytelling experience that the audience shares together—content they film and share. A moment that lives on long after the event is over.
Allumee, throughout Europe and beyond
Founded in 2020, Allumee designs and produces large-scale drone shows through local teams across Europe and around the world. The same artistic excellence and operational precision are brought to every event, no matter where it takes place.
Our expertise in supporting your projects:
- Strategic Consulting and Experiential Marketing
- 100% Customized Art Direction by Our In-House Creative Team
- Full operational implementation, including administrative procedures
A hallmark of the premium segment
From luxury brands to major institutions, from Monaco to Genoa, Allumee has made its mark in the skies across the worlds where image and detail matter most: yachting, luxury hospitality, premium automobiles, culture, and sports.
