The French Riviera prepares to host one of the yachting world's most anticipated events as the Cannes Yachting Festival returns for its 49th edition on 8-13 September 2026. Spanning two iconic ports along the Côte d'Azur, this year's festival promises to be the most innovative yet, with new leadership, enhanced visitor experiences and a strengthened focus on sustainable boating solutions.
New leadership, renewed vision
The 2026 edition marks a significant milestone as Constance Brément takes the helm as festival director. With a background in sailing and luxury, Brément brings fresh energy to an already prestigious event while maintaining the festival's core strengths.
"In a constantly changing environment, the Cannes Yachting Festival reaffirms its role as a strategic partner and growth lever for the international yachting sector," Brément explains. "We are continuing our mission to provide an exceptional setting to highlight innovations in the sector and launch the season."
Her vision focuses on three key pillars: strengthening the event's international reach, creating unique visitor experiences and enhancing the "festival" atmosphere that sets Cannes apart from traditional boat shows.
What to expect at this year's spectacle
The scale of the Cannes Yachting Festival is staggering. This year's edition will bring together more than 680 exhibitors from across the global yachting industry, a fleet of 700 boats ranging from five to 50 metres in length, nearly 150 world premieres setting trends for the entire season and 56,000 expected international visitors from the recreational and professional boating sectors.
As Europe's largest in-water boat show, Cannes serves as the definitive platform where the entire yachting community - from casual enthusiasts to industry professionals - gathers in one place at one time.
The festival's geography across two locations creates distinct zones for different boating segments, with a sea shuttle service running every 15 minutes to connect the two ports.
The historic Vieux Port showcases the power and prestige of motorboating, featuring vessels from 12 to 50 metres, including superyachts, flybridges, open boats, trawlers and RIBs. The Power Cat Village on the Pantiero specifically highlights motor catamarans, while the newly configured Jetée will host a premier exhibition for yachts in water and engine manufacturers on land.
Large yachts will be relocated to Quai Max Laubeuf, and the Palais continues to showcase exceptional yacht equipment and fittings expertise.
Port Canto offers a completely continuous visitor experience via a 2.5-kilometre loop that connects multiple specialised areas. The Sailing Area is the world's largest in-water fleet of sailing boats over 10 metres, featuring 120 new models. The Power Boat Marina will showcase 180 dayboats up to 12-13 metres in length. The Yacht Brokerage sector promises an exceptionally dense offering this year, with more than 45 boats over 25 metres. And the Toys area will feature the latest water sports equipment and accessories.
Innovation takes centre stage
Beyond the impressive display of vessels, the Cannes Yachting Festival positions itself as a showcase for industry innovation, particularly as the sector accelerates its energy transition and works to attract new boating enthusiasts through simplified, sustainable solutions.
Now in its second edition, the Innovation Route creates a dedicated pathway through both ports, allowing visitors to discover the most cutting-edge and sustainable solutions in the industry. Selected exhibitors receive enhanced visibility through dedicated digital communication and specific signage.
The Innovation Route Awards recognise outstanding projects across four categories: best navigation-improving equipment; best sustainable product; best innovative boat; and best CSR initiative.
An international jury of professionals and journalists will announce finalists and winners on Tuesday 8 September at the Exhibitors Cocktail Reception. The jury may also award a special "favourite" prize for particularly striking innovations.
The 2026 jury includes Guillaume Arnaud des Lyons (deputy general delegate of the FIN), Thierry Berest (maritime expert at Boat & Sea Consulting), Rachel Goult (managing director of Yacht Carbon Offset), Jean-Christophe Guillaumin (journalist at Figaro Nautisme), Geoffroy Langlade (journalist and entrepreneur) and Elena Patriarca (director of Adzurra S.r.l.).
"Sustainable innovation is no longer an option, it is the future of our sector," says Rachel Goult, the jury's newest member. "I'm joining this jury to assess concrete solutions that address climate challenges while preserving yachting excellence."
In a festival first, Cannes will host the ceremony announcing finalists for the 2026 Best of Boats Awards. Featuring a jury representing 15 countries, the event takes place on Wednesday 9 September at 18:00 at the Port Canto VIP Club.
The Innovation Route reflects broader industry transformation driven by electrification, emission reduction and evolving usage patterns. While electric motor boats currently represent less than eight per cent of the global market, they're emerging as a primary driver of growth and innovation.
Last year's Innovation Route Awards highlighted this shift, recognising groundbreaking projects including: SEA.AI's WATCHKEEPER, a smart collision-prevention system using artificial intelligence; MODX 70, the first 100 per cent electric 70-foot catamaran combining inflatable wings and hydrogenation; Millikan's autonomous solar-electric catamaran; VAAN R5, a 95 per cent recyclable sailboat; and Benetti's B.YOND 37M (Special Jury Prize), a hybrid superyacht reducing nitrogen oxides emissions by 85 per cent.
For anyone passionate about yachting - whether amateur or professional, buyer or dreamer - the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 represents an opportunity to witness the present and future of an industry in dynamic transformation.
To find out more or buy tickets, visit the Cannes Yachting Festival.
Sponsored content created for the Cannes Yachting Festival