Italy has commanded more than 50% of the global yachtbuilding market over the last decade, according to leading superyacht intelligence platform SuperYacht iQ. The next-largest market shares over the last 10 years—just 10% for the U.K. and 8% for Turkey—underscore Italy’s dominance in the superyacht manufacturing arena.
A joint report in 2022 by Altagamma-Deloitte and ICE, the Italian Trade Agency, revealed that Italy’s yachtbuilding industry generated an economic impact of $13.3 billion (€11.4 billion) and supported over 54,000 jobs. When marine tourism is included, the sector’s total contribution to the national economy rose to $32.3 billion (€27.7 billion).
Italian yachtbuilding is led by industry giants Azimut | Benetti; Ferretti Group, which includes Riva and Pershing; Sanlorenzo; historic names such as Baglietto; and powerhouse corporations like The Italian Sea Group. Other prominent builders include Mangusta, Palumbo Group and Next Yacht Group.
Collectively, they produce hundreds of yachts annually—135 vessels over 98 feet (30 meters) were completed in 2024. To put that in perspective, the second-largest producer that year, Turkey, delivered just 19 yachts of a comparable size.
While there are countries that produce much larger yachts on average, like The Netherlands and Germany, for example, Italy leads in terms of sheer units.
Why Does Italy Produce Yachts On Such An Extraordinary Scale?
The answer lies in Italy’s deep and enduring link to the sea. With 7,600 kilometers of coastline and a strategic position near Europe’s principal trade routes, Italy developed its shipbuilding capabilities early, laying the foundation for a thriving maritime industry. Commercial shipbuilding evolved into luxury yachtbuilding, supported by a wealth of infrastructure, generational expertise and a skilled local workforce.
Today, Italian yacht owners are a significant part of the global market. High-profile figures such as Formula 1 boss Flavio Briatore, fashion icons Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Roberto Cavalli and Pier Luigi Loro Piana have all been linked to notable yachts. A rich sailing heritage, bolstered by regattas and world-class sailors, has further cemented Italy’s status as a yachting powerhouse.
Italian Design
Plus, with so many fashion designers choosing to own yachts, it’s clear that Italy’s connection to design and style plays a role, too. Many superyacht features that we consider standard today originated in Italy—things like unfolding sea terraces around the beach club and glass-bottomed pools were popularized by Italian-built superyachts.
Many Italian owners also show a strong preference for domestic brands. For example, Ferretti Yachts’ new 940 model was sold to an Italian client, while Columbus Yachts’ 164-foot Anjelif was commissioned by a leading Italian pharmaceutical entrepreneur.
The Italian Yacht Scene
The country’s passion for boating comes to life in events such as the Genoa International Boat Show, the premier Italian motor yacht showcase. This year’s edition is placing a spotlight on the next generation of yacht designers and builders (with discounted tickets for visitors under 25) and introducing TechTrade Days, a new initiative dedicated to showcasing the most groundbreaking, industry-shaping technologies and innovations.
Other key dates on the calendar for Italy include the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, which is held off the Italian island of Sardinia in Porto Cervo and attracts a strong fleet of the world’s most prominent sailors and sailing boats to compete for the title.
Italy’s mastery of yachtbuilding is the product of centuries of maritime tradition, plus a culture that prizes design, style and craftsmanship coupled with a relentless drive to innovate. From family-run shipyards to global industry leaders, the country has built a legacy for itself as a superyachting powerhouse.