From 8 to 13 September, the Cannes Yachting Festival, in the heart of the Vieux Port and Port Canto, brought together 660 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 toexperience 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
At Port Canto, the 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. “Slowyachting”, 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.
