“Slow Cruising” is the leading trend at the 49th Cannes Yachting Festival

Slow Cruising is the new trend that is starting to be preferred by new boat owners, a philosophy that invites rediscovering the pleasure of traveling by sea through staged navigation, respecting marine ecosystems. Not just a style choice, but a new way of living on the boat, with more relaxed rhythms, flexible routes, and an onboard experience focused on psychological well-being.

“Slow boating responds to a very concrete expectation: to give time back to the journey by sea and space to the explored territories. The boats, as well as the marina networks and destinations present this year, demonstrate how travel and stops are essential components of the nautical experience, serving a more responsible, local, and eco-conscious way of sailing“, explains Constance Brément, Director of the Cannes Yachting Festival.

A change of course that becomes a new trend – Slow Cruising

The data reflects this change: according to a study by the Fédération des Industries Nautiques (FIN), 72% of sailors now want to slow down their pace, 65% aim to reduce fuel consumption, and 58% express frustration with rigid itineraries.

A marina network allows boaters to navigate close to shore, adapt stops to the weather, and reduce engine use. Furthermore, this organization addresses two fundamental needs:

• Environmental protection: avoids overcrowding in bays and more fragile ecosystems, directing boats to equipped areas.
• Local enhancement: transforms the port from a transit point to an enrichment towards the culture, gastronomy, and craftsmanship of the place.

This new chapter in boating is certainly evidenced by the fact that many shipyards are implementing corporate policies to meet new demands. Greenline Yacht was one of the first to start offering hybrid boats for slower navigation, without the use of internal combustion engines for travel between islands. From trawlers for long distances to new units like the Sea Loft by Jeanneau or the Oasis Meu Amor 1029 by Caelum. Meanwhile, the Aventura 37 Explorer highlights the growing popularity of low fuel consumption trawler catamarans, designed to give more value to the itinerary than to speed. Boats are changing their appearance and transforming into true oases of well-being in perfect Slow Cruising style.

Destinations

The main operators and tourist resorts will be present at the Cannes Festival (which will host over 680 exhibitors, 700 boats, and nearly 150 world premieres), this participation demonstrates the desire to make stops a strategic component of the journey by sea.