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: Grande 44M – Azimut Yachts
The five winners received the official 2026 Innovation Route Awards trophies, true custom-made pieces of art designed by France Hélice
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
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
• 660 exhibitors
• 700 boats from 5 to 55 metres (360 at the Vieux Port and 340 at Port Canto)
• Nearly 150 world premieres
• 120 new sailing boats
• 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
