History of the
Valencia Boat Show
From a floating exhibition in 2009 to the Mediterranean's leading nautical show. A story of passion, resilience and unstoppable growth.
The Beginning
The Unión de Empresas Náuticas (UEN), founded in 2008, organizes the first floating exhibitions at Marina Real Joan Carles I. A small group of Valencia's nautical companies decides to create an annual event. The dream of a great boat show in Valencia starts to take shape.
VLC Boat Show is Born
From April 18 to 22 at Marina Real Joan Carles I, Valencia hosts its first official boat show. Under the name VLC Boat Show, the event arrives with clear ambition: to become the Mediterranean's reference. The result exceeds all expectations: nearly 40,000 visitors and over 13 million euros in business generated.
"A show born to stay"
Consolidation and Growth
The show reaches 50,000 visitors, confirming its traction as a reference nautical event in the western Mediterranean. International brands start looking at Valencia as a priority destination. The spring model works, but the team begins to envision a necessary evolution of the format.
The Great Reinvention
Historic strategic decision: the show abandons spring and leaps to late October. The new format bets exclusively on new boats, top international shipyards join —Bavaria, Beneteau, Hanse, Jeanneau— and two sea trial days are added. The change transforms it from a fair to a complete nautical experience. Veles e Vents becomes the heart of the event.
Only new boats. Only the best of the sector.
New Leadership, New Drive
Renewal of the management team with Mercedes Gomis leading the UEN. The show consolidates its autumn positioning and gains reference sponsors, including MAPFRE as official insurer. The 2018 edition reinforces the international profile of the event and lays the groundwork for the professionalisation phase.
Professionalisation
Historic milestone: over 90 exhibiting companies — absolute record —, 40% of them new. Feria Valencia joins as a strategic partner, bringing its expertise in major event management. The 2019 edition introduces the definitive formula: professional sales zone and a free public zone with activities for everyone. Result: 22,300 visitors, the best figure since the date change.
"The largest nautical show in Valencia to date"
Virtual Valencia Boat Show
The COVID-19 pandemic does not stop Valencia Boat Show. For the first time in nautical show history, the event is held 100% online. The virtual platform, developed by Grupo Alfatec, recreates La Marina de Valencia in VR and 360°. The result defies the impossible: 129 companies — more than ever in person — free access from any device, live virtual boat tours and attendees from 10 countries. An edition that demonstrated the sector's resilience.
The first 100% virtual nautical show in history.
The Grand Return
The show returns to in-person format with renewed strength. The 2021 edition breaks all historical records: 102 exhibitors, over 70 new boats, 38,000 sqm and 22,570 visitors from over 20 nationalities. The 30% growth in surface area compared to the previous year is a statement of intent: Valencia Boat Show is more alive than ever.
Feria Valencia Joins the Equation
The 14th edition marks an organizational milestone: Feria Valencia formally joins as co-organizer alongside La Marina de Valencia and the UEN. The trio reinforces the logistical and commercial capacity of the event. Over 100 exhibitors, 20% new faces, and over 20,000 visitors confirm the growth model is solid.
Return to Veles e Vents
After the technical cancellation of 2023 — the Valencia 2007 Consortium did not authorise use of La Marina — Valencia Boat Show returns in style. From October 23 to 27, the iconic Veles e Vents building once again becomes the heart of the event. The numbers are staggering: 26,332 visitors — the best in history —, 150 brands, over 140 boats and 47,000 sqm of exhibition space. A return that is also a declaration of maturity.
The most visited edition in Valencia Boat Show history.
International Expansion
From October 22 to 26, Valencia Boat Show takes a qualitative leap with its 16th edition. 179 brands — a new record —, over 140 new boats and an expanded location around Veles e Vents as the central axis of the event. The show consolidates as an international launch platform and must-attend destination for the leading European nautical brands.
The Story Continues
From October 28 to November 1, Marina Port Valencia and the Veles e Vents building host the 17th edition with the largest venue in its history. Four differentiated exhibition zones, 25 new moorings, 3,000 additional sqm and "Marina", the first artificial intelligence assistant at a Spanish boat show. Valencia Boat Show looks to the future from the best position in its history.
The most ambitious edition in history.
The Beginning
The Unión de Empresas Náuticas (UEN), founded in 2008, organizes the first floating exhibitions at Marina Real Joan Carles I. A small group of Valencia's nautical companies decides to create an annual event. The dream of a great boat show in Valencia starts to take shape.
VLC Boat Show is Born
From April 18 to 22 at Marina Real Joan Carles I, Valencia hosts its first official boat show. Under the name VLC Boat Show, the event arrives with clear ambition: to become the Mediterranean's reference. The result exceeds all expectations: nearly 40,000 visitors and over 13 million euros in business generated.
"A show born to stay"
Consolidation and Growth
The show reaches 50,000 visitors, confirming its traction as a reference nautical event in the western Mediterranean. International brands start looking at Valencia as a priority destination. The spring model works, but the team begins to envision a necessary evolution of the format.
The Great Reinvention
Historic strategic decision: the show abandons spring and leaps to late October. The new format bets exclusively on new boats, top international shipyards join —Bavaria, Beneteau, Hanse, Jeanneau— and two sea trial days are added. The change transforms it from a fair to a complete nautical experience. Veles e Vents becomes the heart of the event.
Only new boats. Only the best of the sector.
New Leadership, New Drive
Renewal of the management team with Mercedes Gomis leading the UEN. The show consolidates its autumn positioning and gains reference sponsors, including MAPFRE as official insurer. The 2018 edition reinforces the international profile of the event and lays the groundwork for the professionalisation phase.
Professionalisation
Historic milestone: over 90 exhibiting companies — absolute record —, 40% of them new. Feria Valencia joins as a strategic partner, bringing its expertise in major event management. The 2019 edition introduces the definitive formula: professional sales zone and a free public zone with activities for everyone. Result: 22,300 visitors, the best figure since the date change.
"The largest nautical show in Valencia to date"
Virtual Valencia Boat Show
The COVID-19 pandemic does not stop Valencia Boat Show. For the first time in nautical show history, the event is held 100% online. The virtual platform, developed by Grupo Alfatec, recreates La Marina de Valencia in VR and 360°. The result defies the impossible: 129 companies — more than ever in person — free access from any device, live virtual boat tours and attendees from 10 countries. An edition that demonstrated the sector's resilience.
The first 100% virtual nautical show in history.
The Grand Return
The show returns to in-person format with renewed strength. The 2021 edition breaks all historical records: 102 exhibitors, over 70 new boats, 38,000 sqm and 22,570 visitors from over 20 nationalities. The 30% growth in surface area compared to the previous year is a statement of intent: Valencia Boat Show is more alive than ever.
Feria Valencia Joins the Equation
The 14th edition marks an organizational milestone: Feria Valencia formally joins as co-organizer alongside La Marina de Valencia and the UEN. The trio reinforces the logistical and commercial capacity of the event. Over 100 exhibitors, 20% new faces, and over 20,000 visitors confirm the growth model is solid.
Return to Veles e Vents
After the technical cancellation of 2023 — the Valencia 2007 Consortium did not authorise use of La Marina — Valencia Boat Show returns in style. From October 23 to 27, the iconic Veles e Vents building once again becomes the heart of the event. The numbers are staggering: 26,332 visitors — the best in history —, 150 brands, over 140 boats and 47,000 sqm of exhibition space. A return that is also a declaration of maturity.
The most visited edition in Valencia Boat Show history.
International Expansion
From October 22 to 26, Valencia Boat Show takes a qualitative leap with its 16th edition. 179 brands — a new record —, over 140 new boats and an expanded location around Veles e Vents as the central axis of the event. The show consolidates as an international launch platform and must-attend destination for the leading European nautical brands.
The Story Continues
From October 28 to November 1, Marina Port Valencia and the Veles e Vents building host the 17th edition with the largest venue in its history. Four differentiated exhibition zones, 25 new moorings, 3,000 additional sqm and "Marina", the first artificial intelligence assistant at a Spanish boat show. Valencia Boat Show looks to the future from the best position in its history.
The most ambitious edition in history.
The 17th edition awaits you
Oct 28 – Nov 1, 2026 · Marina Port Valencia · Veles e Vents
