New data released two weeks prior to the start of the 56th Genoa Boat Show reveals that the Italian yachting industry grew by 17% in 2015 – a much higher figure than the initial 12% growth predicted by UCINA Confindustria Nautica Ufficio Studi last spring.

According to the latest edition of Yachting in Figures, Italian foreign trade was on a particularly high level in 2015. Statistics show that Italy was in first place for inboard yacht exports with a 23.7% share of the market, beating the Netherlands (19.6%) and Germany (15.9%). Italy also maintained its world leadership in all segments of the boatbuilding sector, with a 16.3% share of exports.

The Genoa Boat Show is said to be the driving force for development in the sector, with positive figures also coming from Assilea, Italy’s national leasing association. According to latest edition of Yachting in Figures (which will be officially presented in Genoa on September 22), the number of leasing contracts signed at the end of last year’s show was up by 50%.

Genoa remains one of the world showcases for the yachting sector. Big names from the UK yachting industry will be out in force this year. Princess, for instance, is showing three new models: the 30M, the S65 and the V58. Sunseeker will also be there with the brand new Sunseeker 95, while Fairline will be showing the Fairline Squadron 53, Targa 53 and 48.

Several other foreign yards will also be back at the show. In terms of sailing yachts, French yard Amel will be there with the Amel 64, as well as Sweden’s Najad with the Najad 505. As for motoryachts, Spanish shipyard Rodman will present the Rodman 42 and 44, Turkey’s Numarine will display the Numarine 78 HT, and from the US Chris Craft will be back at the show with the Chris Craft 42.

The Norwegian Fjord and the English Sealine brands, owned by Germany’s HanseGroup, will be showing the Fjord 42 and the Sealine 530 and 330.

Now in its 56th edition, the 2016 Genoa Boat Show runs from September 20-25 across a 180,000sq m area, 100,000sq m of which is on the water. In 2015 the show attracted more than 115,000 visitors, 760 exhibitors and more than 1,000 boats.