Initially launched during the Monaco Yacht Show to an audience of superyacht builders, World Boating Day aims to open the doors of the nautical sectors to enthusiasts and curious people of yachting and superyachts to raise awareness and educate a wider audience on what boating, how accessible it is, the positive impacts the sector can have and the career opportunities it offers. This unique, global experience will bring together industry professionals and the public on an unprecedented scale in a celebration of all that is boating and all that the industry behind it offers.

Since the event's soft launch, 15 superyacht builders and one marina have pre-registered for the inaugural event, which will take place on the weekend of 25-26 May 2024 . Over the coming months, the Superyacht Life Foundation will work with industry bodies and other professional organizations to encourage participation from all levels of the yachting industry. Whether it's a shipyard, a design studio, a manufacturing plant, a sailing school, a marina or any other maritime organisation, World Shipping Day is an opportunity to join forces as a recreational boating community, organizing local, newsworthy events for a global cause.

The idea of creating an internationally coordinated event was born from simple but fundamental objectives. Firstly, by educating people - young and old - and making them passionate about boating and water, World Boating Day aims to open new channels to discover what recreational boating is and therefore to create an engagement pipeline, igniting a passion in potential boaters, potential yacht owners and potential industry employees of tomorrow.

Secondly, World Boating Day is an opportunity to showcase the extraordinary breadth of career opportunities and depth of talent that exists in the yacht and superyacht industry, in order to attract the next generation of talent, from trades to engineering and all the other facets that go into the design, construction and management of pleasure boats and superyachts.

The aims of the event also include the desire to show what the nautical industry offers as a whole and in particular for superyachts the opportunity to remove the veil and show both the human side and that of the positive impact of nautical and the industry behind it, which in turn can help change perceptions of the sector and broaden its appeal through greater understanding. The aim is to target not only the public, but also traditional media who can then add further value to the event through their coverage.

How to participate

The World Boating Day idea encompasses a wide range of potential activities , from invitation-only events to public open days, employee days, student days, boat-trying initiatives, water sports lessons, interactive experiences in the works, virtual tours – the only limit is your imagination on how you would like to participate. While the organizing team encourages all boat, yacht and superyacht builders, shipyards and companies to open their doors, the event will also include online activities and participation for those who cannot attend the live events.

The Superyacht Life Foundation is preparing advice, guidance and practical materials for participating companies, which will include materials, ideas and general public relations management for the days and help to attract visitors through the central platform the Foundation is creating, which will also include references in event marketing materials and coverage where appropriate.