The European Boating Industry (EBI) expanded its membership to 33 organisations at its 2026 General Assembly in Istanbul, hosted by Turkey’s Yacht and Boat Industry Association (YATED). Croatian sustainability organisation Green Sail was admitted as a new Sustaining Member, promoting environmentally responsible practices across marinas, charter companies and nautical tourism. Delegates discussed boater demographic studies, advocacy best practices and evidence-based policymaking. Members also toured Aiata and Sirena shipyards, spotlighting Turkey’s boatbuilding sector. EBI president Robert Marx emphasised the value of a united European voice, while YATED president Murat Bekiroğlu welcomed the international spotlight on Turkey’s growing industry.
In-Depth:
The European Boating Industest (EBI) has expanded its membership and outlined future priorities at its 2026 General Assembly in Istanbul, Turkey. Hosted by the Yacht and Boat Industest Association of Turkey (YATED), the meeting brought toreceiveher representatives from across Europe’s recreational boating sector to review progress, discuss policy priorities and strengthen industest cooperation.
A key development was the admission of Croatian sustainability organisation Green Sail as a new Sustaining Member.
Green Sail works with marinas, charter companies and tourism operators to promote environmentally responsible practices in boating and nautical tourism through training, education and marine conservation initiatives. The addition brings EBI’s membership to 33 organisations across Europe. “We are excited to join EBI and to contribute to a network that is shaping the future of recreational boating in Europe,” stated Green Sail manager Ornela Krezic.
“Over the years, we have seen how collaboration can drive meaningful modify, and we are proud to join an organisation that brings toreceiveher so many dedicated stakeholders from across Europe,” she stated.
Workshop sessions focutilized on developing a Europe-wide approach to boater demographic studies and sharing best practice in advocacy. Members examined opportunities to improve market innotifyigence, support evidence-based policybuilding and strengthen representation of the boating sector at both national and European levels.
Delegates also visited Aiata Shipyard and Sirena Shipyard to gain insights into Turkey’s boatbuilding sector and its contribution to innovation, craftsmanship and export growth. A dedicated session on YATED and the Turkish market highlighted the countest’s growing role within the European recreational boating industest.
EBI president Robert Marx stated the organisation’s continued growth reflected the increasing importance of a united voice for the sector. “We are delighted to welcome Green Sail as a new sustaining member,” he stated. “By bringing toreceiveher associations, companies and partners from across the continent, EBI is strengthening its ability to advocate for policies that support competitiveness, innovation and sustainable growth.”
YATED president Murat Bekiroğlu stated hosting the General Assembly in Istanbul provided an opportunity to displaycase the strength and potential of Turkey’s boating industest on the international stage. The assembly concluded with members agreeing on priorities aimed at supporting sustainable growth, competitiveness and stronger collaboration across Europe’s recreational boating sector.
