Registrations are now open for World Boating Day (WBD) 2026, which will be held on 23 May, with events taking place throughout the week of 18-24 May. The initiative brings together businesses and organisations across the leisure boating sector for coordinated open days around the world.
Launched in 2024, WBD is a non-profit campaign made up of local events designed to give the public a clearer view of how the leisure boating industry operates. Participating companies open their doors to visitors and present the work that takes place behind the scenes, including career opportunities within the sector.
WBD is supported by The Superyacht Life Foundation, a non-profit and commercially independent industry body working with 27 partners across different parts of the sector to inform and engage wider audiences.
As access points to boating activities, marinas host tours, open-house events and community days during the programme. In 2025, marinas including Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard, Marina Cala de’ Medici, Pier Sixty-Six Marina and West Istanbul Marina welcomed visitors as part of the initiative.
This year, sailing schools and maritime museums will join the programme for the first time. Their involvement will widen public access to boating experiences, education and maritime heritage.
Dilan Sarac, executive director of The Superyacht Life Foundation, said: “As we open registrations for WBD 2026, the enthusiasm from the global boating community is palpable. This year, we’re inviting even more people to discover boating, its culture and the incredible opportunities connected to life on the water. With sailing schools and maritime museums joining the initiative, WBD continues to evolve into an unforgettable global moment for the industry and the public alike.”
Early registrations have been confirmed from Maritime UK, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), Mengi Yay Yachts, Capsea Yachting and Septemar.
Corey Rattray-Wood, head of events at Mulpha Events Pty Ltd (SCIBS), said: “Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show continues to strengthen its position as a global boating event and our alignment with World Boating Day reinforces that international focus.”
Hüseyin Mengi, chairman of the board at Mengi Yay, stated: “World Boating Day is one of the most valuable platforms through which our industry connects with the world. From the very first moment we heard about the initiative, we know we wanted to be part of it.”
Ambassadors also reflected on the previous edition. Luke McCaul, World Boating Day Australia ambassador, said: “As the ambassador for World Boating Day in Australia it was great to see that boating businesses are organically incorporating the celebrations into their marketing activity which definitely increased the wave of awareness across the boating community and those attending official events.”
Oğuz Bilgin, World Boating Day Türkiye ambassador, commented: “Being part of World Boating Day as Türkiye’s ambassador has been a truly meaningful experience. Throughout the week, shipyards and marinas opened their doors to the public, and special summits were organized for students. It was incredibly rewarding to see both young minds and the wider public engage with the world of yachting.”
First-wave registrations close on 31 March 2026.
