Fiera Nautica di Sardegna 2026, Porto Rotondo at the centre of industry, innovation and local supply chain
The fifth edition of the Fiera Nautica di Sardegna marks an evolution in the positioning of the event, increasingly oriented towards serving as an industrial platform for the region. The exhibition, scheduled from 7 to 9 May at Marina di Porto Rotondo, was presented at the Yacht Club Porto Rotondo in the presence of institutions and industry stakeholders. The event was also streamed by PressMare.
Opening the presentation, Livio Fideli, President of Cipnes Gallura, highlighted the growth path of the event and the strengthening of its internationalisation strategy, made possible also through coordination with the Regional Department of Industry. Alongside him, Angelo Colombo, responsible for the organisation of the show, and Aldo Carta, Director of Cipnes, outlined respectively the exhibition innovations and the role of the event in consolidating the regional production chain.
The institutional framework was completed by contributions from the Regional Councillor for Industry, Emanuele Cani, and the Mayor of Olbia, Settimo Nizzi, both of whom emphasised the role of yachting as a driver of economic and infrastructural development. In closing, the Maritime Director of Northern Sardinia, Gianluca D’Agostino, underlined the importance of the sea as both a cultural and economic resource, with particular attention to younger generations.
The approach that emerged during the presentation is clear: to transform yachting from a predominantly tourism-driven sector into a structural component of the regional production system. In this context, the shift in organisational responsibility to the Department of Planning and Industry represents a break from the past, introducing a more production-oriented vision focused on attracting investment.
The figures confirm the steady growth of the event. The 2026 edition will feature around 200 boats on display and 150 stands, almost fully allocated, with the participation of operators across the entire supply chain, from craftsmanship to industrial production. This reflects the expansion of the regional yachting sector, with exports reaching €43 million, up on the previous year.
One of the defining elements of the event remains its strong connection with the territory. Among the participation requirements is the presence of production activities in Sardinia, a choice aimed at strengthening the local supply chain and consolidating the so-called “Made in Sardinia” within the broader Made in Italy system. In this direction also goes the involvement of industrial consortia from different areas of the island, from Ogliastra to Sassari and Porto Torres.
From an exhibition standpoint, the 2026 edition introduces design solutions aimed at improving visitor flow. In particular, the use of floating platforms will allow for the creation of a continuous on-water exhibition path, forming a semicircular layout without interruptions along the harbour. This choice responds both to functional needs and to a greater integration between quays and water space.
Alongside the exhibition component, the event strengthens its role as a platform for discussion. The programme of talks addresses themes related to industrial development, sustainability and training, with the involvement of the Universities of Cagliari and Sassari, as well as local training institutions. The objective is twofold: to retain skills within the region and to meet the growing demand for specialised labour from shipyards.
Environmental issues represent a further axis of development. The focus is on the compatibility between industrial growth and the protection of the marine ecosystem, with discussions dedicated to biofuels and low-impact technologies. In this context, sustainability is also seen as a competitive factor in attracting high-quality investments.
The show is therefore part of a broader strategy aimed at positioning Sardinia as a yachting hub in the Mediterranean, capable of connecting production, research and services. A path that also involves strengthening infrastructure and building an integrated system between companies and institutions.
The Porto Rotondo event thus presents itself not only as a showcase, but as a synthesis of an evolving phase for the regional yachting sector, in which the sea becomes a driver of economic development as well as a source of tourist appeal.
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