THE CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL GENERATED IMPORTANT SALES AND ATTRACTED 56,000 VISITORS | Mundo Náutico

The Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 (CYF) celebrated its 49th edition, solidly reaffirming its position as Europe's leading in-water boat show. Over six days (September 7–13), the event attracted 56,000 visitors who came to see 700 vessels ranging from 5 to 55 meters across two iconic locations: the Vieux Port and Port Canto.

CYF 2026 featured 660 exhibitors, including around 150 world debuts alongside numerous European, French, and regional premieres. The 2026 edition marked another significant milestone: it was the first festival under the direction of Constance Brément.

Brément brought a clear vision to her new role: preserving the essence of the event while strengthening the quality of the experience, expanding its international reach, and highlighting the ongoing transformations in the nautical sector.

"This inaugural edition as Director of the Cannes Yachting Festival will remain a deeply memorable moment for me. Once again this year, at the heart of Cannes' two iconic ports, we brought together an exceptionally rich showcase, committed exhibitors, and partners who make such a dynamic and globally focused event possible," Brément commented.

COMPREHENSIVE SHOWCASE OF THE GLOBAL NAUTICAL MARKET

CYF 2026 spanned 100,000 m² of exhibition space, presenting a complete overview of the global marine leisure market. The showcase encompassed new sailboats and yachts, monohulls and multihulls, new vessels and pre-owned yachts, day boats, equipment, engines, tourist destinations, accessories, and services. All aspects of boating were represented, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the sea in their own way and explore new horizons.

VIEUX PORT: DEDICATED TO POWERBOATS

The Vieux Port hosted a wide selection of new motorboats ranging from 12 to 50 meters. Throughout the port, the latest boat and yacht models were displayed alongside innovations from engine manufacturers, equipment suppliers, designers, marinas, and service companies.

PORT CANTO: SPECIALIZED AREAS AND DIVERSITY

Power Cat Village: Gathered approximately 30 power catamarans, showcasing some of the most innovative models in one of the market's fastest-growing sectors.
Sailing Area: Presented 120 new sailboats over 10 meters, including monohulls and multihulls.
Motorboat Marina: Brought together 180 motorboats up to 13 meters, including day boats and rigid inflatable boats (RIBs).
Yacht Brokerage Area: Exhibited around 45 pre-owned yachts over 25 meters.
Accessories Area: Completed the display with the latest innovations dedicated to nautical leisure.

In total, 95 catamarans (51 sailing and 44 power) illustrated the growing importance of multihulls and the diverse range of boating experiences available.

SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION OF THE NAUTICAL SECTOR

CYF 2026 clearly demonstrated that the nautical sector is undergoing a profound transformation. Rather than relying on a single technology, the sector's transition now embraces multiple complementary solutions, including hybrid propulsion, solar energy, recyclable batteries, hydrogen generation, optimized manufacturing processes, and low-environmental-impact coatings.

The festival also highlighted new ways to reinvent and experience the approach to the sea. "Slow yachting"—focused on comfort, silence, self-sufficiency, and high-quality stops—is establishing itself as a powerful trend. Visitors discovered boats designed as genuine living spaces, alongside destinations and marina networks that increasingly emphasize itineraries, local exploration, and the overall onboard experience.

INNOVATION ROUTE AWARDS: RECOGNIZING SUSTAINABLE NAVIGATION

Launched in 2024, the Innovation Route continued in 2026 to identify and promote the most impactful solutions supporting the nautical sector's transformation. Out of 120 applications, 47 projects were selected by a panel of industry professionals and specialized journalists.

These projects were highlighted through dedicated signage throughout the Vieux Port and Port Canto, along with enhanced marketing support across digital channels, catalogs, press relations, and a TV studio. The innovations provided insights into new developments in electrification, energy efficiency, safety, onboard intelligence, new materials, and marine biodiversity restoration.

WINNERS OF THE 2026 INNOVATION ROUTE AWARDS

Best Nautical Experience Equipment: Smart Mooring, BlueNav.
Best Sustainable Product: Suzuki Edge ECoat, Suzuki Marine.
Best Innovative Boat: Excess 11, Excess Catamarans.
Best Biodiversity Initiative: Biohut, D-Marin.
Special Jury Award: Grande 44M, Azimut Yachts.

Source: Ibi News

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