About World Boating Day
World Boating Day is a non-profit, inclusive open day that celebrates leisure boating. By hosting events under one unified banner, it brings the industry closer to people, making it more accessible and engaging for participants and visitors alike. World Boating Day 2026 will be celebrated on 23 May, with events taking place throughout the week of 18–24 May.
Our Mission & Vision
World Boating Day is about sharing stories, knowledge and perspectives that bring boating closer to people. Our mission is to create space for openness and exchange while highlighting the people, ideas and progress that shape boating today.
We see a future where boating is more connected to everyday life, understood not as a closed world, but as one that welcomes curiosity and participation. A future where people engage with boating responsibly and appreciate its craftsmanship, culture and innovation.
How it works
World Boating Day is a global campaign shaped by participating companies and organisations. They take part by opening their doors for a day, hosting events that reflect who they are and what they do best. Each event is independently designed, big or small, solo or collaborative, and brought together under one shared moment and one global banner, forming an open, worldwide celebration of leisure boating.
Who can participate
From shipyards to sailing schools and everything in between, World Boating Day is open to all parts of leisure boating, (super)yachting and water sports. Host an event your way – big or small, in person or online – and be part of a global moment of connection.
OUR AMBASSADORS
Luke McCaul
Australia Ambassador
Meet Luke, the founder of Zeal Marinas, his passion and energy for growing marinas and boatyards truly define the spirit of "zeal." His ambassadorship sparked incredible enthusiasm among participating companies, with momentum and excitement growing daily across the South Pacific.
Filippo Ceragioli
Italy Ambassador
Ciao from Filippo who is making waves in the yachting world! With 20 years of industry know-how and a huge passion for sustainability, Filippo is shaking things up! As the founder of Ceragioli-Storåkers Associates, he’s got the perfect mix of expertise and drive to keep the World Boating Day community riding high!
Julia Riedmeier
Germany Ambassador
Say hello to Julia, a true champion of conscious luxury in the boating world and more! As the founder of Code \ Luxe, she’s all about inspiring a thoughtful, forward-thinking approach to yachting. Her passion and commitment make her a perfect fit to help grow our World Boating Day community with energy and purpose.
Nikusia Kooijmans
Netherlands Ambassador
Meet Nikusia, Head of Marketing and Sales Manager at ONEXP and President of YPY The Netherlands. Recognised as the Netherlands’ Best Young Sales Professional, she drives industry growth and is passionate about bringing new audiences into yachting.
Liz Schmidt
USA Ambassador
Say hello to Liz, founder of Aboveboard Consulting and Executive Director of the Women Offshore Foundation. A driving force for change in maritime and non-profit sectors, she’s passionate about empowering others and growing the World Boating Day community.
Andrea Tagliaferro
USA Ambassador
Meet Andrea Tagliaferro, founder of Yacht Femme. With a background in design and marketing, she brings creative energy to the yachting world and is passionate about empowering women in the industry. Her drive and enthusiasm make her a natural spark for the World Boating Day campaign.
Oğuz Bilgin
Turkey Ambassador
Meet Oğuz, a naval architect and maritime enthusiast. As founding president of YPY Türkiye, he has built a strong community for young professionals in the industry. With years of engineering experience and deep roots in yachting, he’s helping drive the Turkish yachting community forward for World Boating Day.
Marina Jarniat
France Ambassador
Bonjour from Marina — entrepreneur and yachting enthusiast. As founder of Crusoe, she brings strong marketing and brokerage expertise to the industry. With a strategic mindset and commitment to excellence, she’s a perfect French ambassador for World Boating Day.
FAQ
Participants
We have made it very easy for you! Simply click here, register your account or sign in and access your Participant Portal within a few minutes! For questions, feel free to contact us.
There is no cost for participants and visitors to take part in World Boating Day.
Any companies, organisations, and institutes in the leisure boating and (super)yachting industries are encouraged to open their doors and organise local, in-person and online events to increase engagement and positive connections. This may include shipyards, design studios, sailing schools, marinas, and more.
World Boating Day will take place on May 23, 2026. Each participating company will have the flexibility to host an event in the week of May 18-24, 2026. Please check the event page to browse the list of possibilities!
Visitors
Take a look at the world map or list of events to decide which event you are interested to attend. Once you’ve made your choice, visit the dedicated event page and follow the registration steps.
If you have any questions, please contact the event organiser.
Find one of the events on this page and follow the steps to register.
For any questions about the event, please contact the organiser directly.
Participants will have the freedom to choose the nature of their planned activities for World Boating Day. This could entail but not limited to:
- Open day with guided tours & presentations
- Career day for students
- Friends & family day
- Sea trials
- Workshops
- Press tours
- Online campaign
Discover the companies participating in the 2025 edition of World Boating Day & where you can find them here.
Any individuals, students, children, parents, media, or anyone interested in learning more about these unique maritime sectors are invited to attend local and online open days to gain firsthand access to the pioneering companies and individuals at the forefront.
Please reach out directly to the organising company of the event you have registered for. Their contact information can be found on each event’s page.