Cannes, 14 September 2026 – From 8 to 13 September, the Cannes Yachting Festival, in the heart of the Vieux Port and Port Canto, brought together 680 exhibitors and 700 boats from 5 to 55 metres, including nearly 150 world premieres. Providing a great source of inspiration for the 56,000 visitors from all over the world, this 49th edition confirmed the major role of Europe’s largest in-water boat show within the international ecosystem.

For her inaugural edition at the helm of the Festival, Constance Brément drove a clear ambition: to preserve the event’s DNA while strengthening the quality of the experience, its international reach, and its role as a showcase for the transformations across the boating sector. The edition also focused on new ways of using the sea.

“This inaugural edition as Director of the Cannes Yachting Festival will remain a deeply memorable moment for me. Once again this year, in the heart of Cannes’ two iconic ports, we brought together an exceptionally rich showcase, committed exhibitors and the partners who make such a dynamic and globally focused event possible. Their trust, combined with the remarkable commitment of our teams, has enabled the show to deliver fully on its promise: to kick off the international boating season, highlight the major changes in the sector and foster succession connections between professionals, enthusiasts and visitors.” Constance Brément, Director of the Cannes Yachting Festival.

THE FINEST IN YACHTING GATHERED ACROSS TWO ICONIC PORTS

Spanning 100,000 m² of net exhibition space, the Cannes Yachting Festival once again offered an exceptional panorama of contemporary yachting. From sail and motor, monohulls and multihulls, to new boats and pre-owned yachts, dayboats, equipment, engines, destinations, toys and services: every world of yachting was represented, offering every visitor the opportunity to experience the sea their own way and explore new horizons.

Dedicated to motor yachting, the Vieux Port hosted a prestigious selection of new boats ranging from 12 to 50 metres. From the Jetée to the Quai Max Laubeuf, via the Quai Saint-Pierre, the Pantiero and the Palais des Festivals, visitors discovered the latest creations from major international shipyards, as well as innovations from engine manufacturers, equipment suppliers, designers, marinas and service companies. Located in the heart of the port, the Power Cat Village brought together around thirty motor catamarans, including some of the most innovative models on the market.

Vieux Port, Jetée

Port Canto, Sailing Area

At Port Canto, the Espace Voile (Sailing Area) presented 120 new sailing boats over 10 metres in length, including both monohulls and multihulls. The Power Boat Marina gathered 180 motorboats up to 13 metres, including dayboats and rigid inflatable boats, while the Yacht Brokerage Area exhibited nearly 45 pre-owned yachts over 25 metres in length. The Toys Area completed this showcase with the latest innovations dedicated to nautical leisure and exciting new ways to experience the water.

In total, 95 catamarans – 51 sailing and 44 power models – illustrated the growing prominence of multihulls and the diverse range of boating experiences on offer today.

CSR, SLOW LIFE, ALTERNATIVE PROPULSION: NEW BOATING TRENDS AT THE HEART OF THE 2026 EDITION

This 49th edition clearly demonstrated that the boating sector is undergoing a major transformation. From hybrid propulsion, solar energy, recyclable batteries to hydrogeneration, recycled materials, optimised manufacturing processes and low-impact coatings: far from relying on a single technology, the sector’s transition now relies on a multitude of complementary solutions.

The Festival also highlighted new ways of reimagining and experiencing yachting. “Slow yachting”, based on comfort, silence, self-sufficiency and high-quality stopovers, is establishing itself as a powerful trend. Visitors discovered boats designed as genuine living spaces, alongside destinations and marina networks that place a growing emphasis on itineraries, exploring local regions, and the overall onboard experience.

Over six days, shipyards, equipment suppliers, architects, designers, brokers, skippers and boaters shared their expertise and visions within an exclusive setting where innovation, elegance and the art of living converge.

THE INNOVATION ROUTE AWARDS RECOGNISE SUSTAINABLE YACHTING

Launched in 2024, the Innovation Route continued its mission in 2026: to identify and promote the most impactful solutions supporting the transformation of the boating sector.

Out of 120 applications received, 47 projects were selected by a panel of industry professionals and specialist journalists: Guillaume Arnauld des Lions, Thierry Berest, Rachel Goult, Jean-Christophe Guillaumin, Geoffroy Langlade and Elena Patriarca.

Identified by dedicated signage across the Vieux Port and Port Canto, alongside enhanced marketing support (digital channels, the catalogue, press relations and the TV studio), the selected innovations provided visitors with a clear, practical insight into the sector's major developments: electrification, energy efficiency, safety, onboard intelligence, new materials, and restoration of marine biodiversity.

The winners of the second edition of the Innovation Route Awards were unveiled on 8 September during the Exhibitors’ Cocktail Reception:

Best Equipment Enhancing the Boating Experience: Smart Mooring – BlueNav
Best Sustainable Product: Suzuki Edge ECoat – Suzuki Marine
Best Innovative Boat: Excess 11 – Excess Catamarans
Best CSR Initiative: Biohut® – Marine Biodiversity Restoration Initiative – D-Marin
Special Jury Prize: Large 44M – Azimut Yachts

The five winners received the official 2026 Innovation Route Awards trophies, true custom-made pieces of art designed by France Hélice.

Winners Innovation Route 2026

A NEW INTERNATIONAL EVENT AT THE HEART OF THE FESTIVAL
For the first time, the Cannes Yachting Festival hosted the revealing of the 31 finalists for the Best of Boats Award 2026, one of the most important international awards dedicated to motorboats.

Held on 9 September at the Port Canto VIP Club, this ceremony brought together international shipyards, journalists and industry professionals across seven categories, celebrating the diverse range of yachting trends. This new highlight confirms the Festival's role as the inaugural event of the boating season, serving as an exclusive stage for the boats and innovations shaping the future of the industry.

AN INAUGURATION IN THE HEART OF CANNES
The official opening of this 49th edition brought together numerous elected representatives, marine industry representatives and institutional leaders.

The Festival was officially opened by Nicolas Gorjux, First Deputy Mayor of Cannes and President of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes; Jean-Michel Arnaud, Deputy Mayor of Cannes in charge of the sea, ports, the coastline, port facilities, beach facilities and maritime services and Vice-President of the Cannes Lérins Agglomeration; Jean-Paul Chapeleau, President of the French Marine Industry Federation (FIN); RX France executives Michel Filzi and his successor Filippo Rean; and Constance Brément, Director of the Cannes Yachting Festival, in the presence of several Cannes municipal councillors.

This strong turnout bears witness to the Cannes Yachting Festival's deep local roots and its pivotal role in enhancing the international profile of both Cannes and the Côte d’Azur.

COMMITTED PARTNERS CREATING A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
The success of this edition also relies on the commitment and expertise of its partners, who contribute to the quality of the welcome, the smooth running of the event, and the overall experience offered to visitors and exhibitors.

Roche Bobois brought a unique, vibrant identity to the Vieux Port VIP Club, showcasing one of its iconic outdoor collections within the space. Range Rover provided guest transfers from Nice airport, while the Maison de Champagne Louis Roederer accompanied the Festival’s special moments in the two VIP Clubs as well as in the Panoramique and Skippers restaurants.

Partners from the marine sector also played an essential role in ensuring the smooth running of the event. Marinepool, the Festival’s official clothing partner, provided its expertise to outfit the event's teams. Onboard the Focus Motor Yachts fleet, VIP visitors enjoyed a premium crossing between the Vieux Port and Port Canto, right in the heart of the Bay of Cannes.

Thanks to the boats provided by Yamaha, the marine team welcomed and guided the exhibited vessels as they approached the ports. Powered by Mercury, the crossings were manoeuvred with precision throughout the maritime programme. Pantaenius, a European yacht insurance specialist, insured the boats used by the on-water operations team as well as the transit infrastructure.

Finally, Deo Juvante Yachts partnered with the Festival’s press relations teams, Edelweiss Service International supported the Captains' Programme, and Ultra Marine brought the Vieux Port Solarium to life.

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
In 2027, the Cannes Yachting Festival will celebrate fifty years of nautical history, passion and innovation from 7 to 12 September. This anniversary edition will once again bring together, across the Vieux Port and Port Canto, all the international players who have contributed since 1977 to making the Festival a truly unique event.

KEY FIGURES FOR THE 2026 SHOW
56,000 international visitors
680 exhibitors
700 boats from 5 to 55 metres (360 at the Vieux Port and 340 at Port Canto)
Nearly 150 world premieres
120 new yachts
180 boats up to 13 metres in the Power Boat Marina
95 catamarans, including 51 sailing and 44 power models
Nearly 45 pre-owned yachts
100,000 m² of net exhibition space
720 journalists representing 45 countries