Marketing & Communication
Cannes Yachting Festival 2026: the global boating industry restarts from Cannes
680 exhibitors, 700 boats from 5 to 50 meters, 150 world premieres and 56,000 expected visitors. These are, in summary, the numbers promised by the Cannes Yachting Festival this year. Now in its 49th edition, the inaugural event of the global yachting season is set to return from September 8 to 13, 2026 in the beautiful setting of the French Riviera, confirming itself as the largest in-water show in Europe and one of the most strategic events in the industry worldwide.
Under the guidance of Constance Brément, whom we interviewed exclusively, the Cannes Yachting Festival opens a new chapter focused on continuity and revitalization, aiming to strengthen its international reach and amplify the experiential dimension of the event.
« In a constantly evolving context – commented Constance BrĂ©ment – the Cannes Yachting Festival reaffirms its role as a strategic partner and a growth engine for the promotion of the international yachting sector. For this new edition, our mission remains to provide an exceptional framework to highlight the innovations in the sector and inaugurate the season. The quality of our offering, the commitment of our exhibitors, and the influx of qualified visitors from around the world form the foundations of the success of the Cannes Yachting Festival. This year, we are doing everything possible to celebrate yachting, shine a light on every segment, ensure a smooth path that invites discovery of the latest available innovations, and offer a visitor experience worthy of Cannes».
Two ports, new horizons to explore
As usual, this year the Cannes Yachting Festival will take place between the Vieux Port and Port Canto in Cannes, two complementary hubs that will allow visitors a smooth and immersive visiting experience.
Specifically, the Vieux Port will be the realm of motorboats from 12 to 50 meters, superyachts, flybridges, open boats, and trawlers. At the center of the scene will return the Power Cat Village dedicated to motor catamarans, while the new Jetée will offer a privileged showcase for yachts and motorboats. The large yachts will be concentrated along the Quai Max Laubeuf. Equipment suppliers of all kinds and service companies will also share the docks of this port, while the Palais will continue to enhance exceptional skills in yacht equipment and setup.
At Port Canto, on the other hand, there will be space for sailing and more compact units. Here, it will be possible to admire the largest global exhibition of sailing boats over 10 meters presented in water, with about 120 new models. Next to these, the Power Boat Marina will host about 180 dayboats up to 12-13 meters. There is also great anticipation for the Yacht Brokerage area, which this year promises one of the most significant offerings in recent years with over 45 yachts over 25 meters available on the luxury second-hand market.
Completing the path will be the Toys area and an increasingly efficient connection between the two ports thanks to maritime shuttles that will ensure departures every 15 minutes.
Innovation and sustainability at the center of the scene
If glamour remains one of the distinctive features of the Cannes Yachting Festival, the 2026 edition also dedicates special attention to innovation, the true engine of the sector.
The energy transition, digitalization, and simplification of the sailing experience will be the protagonists of the Innovation Route, the path dedicated to the most advanced technologies and sustainable solutions developed by shipyards and suppliers.
The Innovation Route Awards will also return, now in their second edition, which will reward the most innovative projects in the categories:
– Best equipment to optimize navigation;
– Best sustainable product;
– Best innovative boat;
– Best Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.
The finalists and winners will be revealed on Tuesday, September 8 during the Exhibitors’ Cocktail. The jury may also award a special prize for a particularly significant innovation.
Cannes Yachting Festival 2026: the exhibitors
The list of exhibitors, boats, and products and services is already available online. The lists will be updated until the opening of the show:
– Boats
This year, the Cannes Yachting Festival will host for the first time the announcement ceremony of the finalists for the Best of Boat Awards 2026, the largest European award dedicated to motorboats. This event, whose jury is composed of representatives from 15 countries, will take place on Wednesday, September 9 starting at 6:00 PM at the VIP Club of Port Canto.
