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Spotted: The largest yachts in town for the 2026 Cannes Film Festival

15 May 2026 • Written by Holly Margerrison

Cannes isn’t just about the red carpet – every May, some of the world’s most eye-catching superyachts descend on the French Riviera alongside the film industry’s biggest names. As the 2026 Cannes Film Festival gets underway from 12-23 May, BOAT rounds up the largest and most notable yachts spotted in and around Vieux Port using BOATPro's global fleet tracker...

Just J's

Courtesy of Royal Yacht International

Builder: Royal Hakvoort
Length: 61m
Year: 2016

Fresh from her first-ever appearance on the brokerage market, the 61-metre Just J's is one of the largest superyachts delivered by Royal Hakvoort to date. Designed inside and out by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design with naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design, the 1,150GT yacht was built for an owner who became deeply involved in the creative process, resulting in a highly personalised blend of contemporary and classical styling. Her most remarkable feature is the semi-circular owner’s suite, wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glazing with panoramic 180-degree views and direct access to a private terrace complete with a Jacuzzi. Elsewhere, guests can expect a colourful mix of marble, onyx detailing and rich blue-toned interiors, while expansive exterior decks include a large sundeck with a whirlpool, swimming pool and generous lounge spaces designed for Riviera entertaining.

Paris

Paris was Katamarino

Credit: Damen Yachting

Builder: Amels
Length: 56.2m
Year: 1991

Built in the Netherlands and delivered in 1991, Paris was formerly Katamarino. The yacht appears to be a regular attendee at the Cannes Yachting Festival, having been docked in Port de Cannes in 2024 and 2023. She boasts an interior by Elie Gharzouzi and Struik & Hamerslag, while the exterior is the work of Jack Hargrave. According to BOATPro, she can accommodate up to 16 guests in eight cabins, with further space for a crew of 13. She has a gross tonnage of 803GT.

Gigagi

Gigagi when she was Elixir

Builder: Amels
Length: 55m
Year: 2016

Formerly known as Elixir, the 55-metre Gigagi is one of Amels’ sought-after Limited Edition 180 models, delivered in 2016 with exterior design by Tim Heywood and interiors by Laura Sessa Design. With her elegant profile and generous entertaining spaces, the 707GT yacht fits seamlessly into the glamour of the Cannes waterfront.

Highlights on board include fold-down balconies in both the master suite and main saloon, a beach club complete with a sauna and dive centre and a dedicated skylounge cinema. The sundeck, meanwhile, is designed for laid-back Riviera living, offering oversized sunpads, a barbecue grill and a striking backlit onyx bar.

Eleonora E

Builder: Van der Graaf
Length: 49.5m
Year: 2000

One of the most recognisable classic sailing yachts on the Riviera, Eleonora E is a faithful replica of the legendary 1910 schooner Westward, originally designed by Nathanael G. Herreshoff. Delivered by Dutch yard Van der Graaf in 2000, the yacht combines early 20th-century elegance with modern cruising comforts, making her a perennial head-turner off Cannes. Constructed with a steel hull and teak superstructure, Eleonora E is defined by her soaring twin masts, traditional panelled interiors and timeless silhouette. Her mahogany-clad saloon, classic deck detailing and regatta pedigree have made her a favourite on the Mediterranean classic yacht circuit for more than two decades.

ArtExplorer

Credit: Max Malth

Builder: Perini Navi
Length: 46.5m
Year: 2024

One of BOAT's most-read yacht reports of 2024, ArtExplorer was a project naval architects Axel de Beaufort and Guillaume Verdier simply couldn't refuse. Returning to the Cannes Film Festival for the second year, the world's largest sailing catamaran was commissioned by French tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Frédéric Jousset, whose plan was to build a huge, attention-grabbing floating art gallery which would draw the crowds and bring art to the people. What better setting than at the Cannes Film Festival? Read the full feature to learn more about her purpose...

Secret Life

Builder: Feadship
Length: 45m
Year: 1974

A classic Feadship with serious pedigree, Secret Life was delivered in 1974 and remains a striking example of Dutch craftsmanship from the golden era of motor yacht design. With her traditional lines and understated profile, she brings a touch of old-school Riviera elegance to the Cannes anchorage. Her generous teak decks are designed for entertaining on a grand scale, with multiple al fresco lounging and dining areas that make her well-suited to large gatherings. Inside, the main saloon retains a flexible layout, able to be divided into two separate spaces via a discreet sliding partition, while a hidden library offers a quieter retreat away from the action on deck.

Grand Mariana

Builder: Benetti
Length: 44m
Year: 2006

Grand Mariana is a 44-metre Benetti, delivered in 2006 as part of the Italian yard’s popular Vision series, with exterior design by Stefano Righini. Her classic tri-deck profile and long-standing Riviera presence make her well-suited to the Cannes scene, where timeless Mediterranean styling never goes unnoticed. Designed for relaxed outdoor living, Grand Mariana features generous al fresco entertaining spaces across all three decks, including multiple bars, shaded lounge areas and a sundeck Jacuzzi with panoramic views across the bay. Inside, accommodation is arranged for 10 guests, including a split-level master suite on the main deck alongside two VIP cabins and two twins below.

This Is It

Credit: Lorenzo Tampucci

Builder: Tecnomar - The Italian Sea Group
Length: 43.5m
Year: 2024

While ArtExplorer may hold the spot for the largest sailing catamaran, This Is It certainly delivers in terms of mind-bending design. A particular standout is the central glass pool – set at an angle, floating between the dual hulls – complete with a cascading waterfall. The yacht was commissioned by a young client who wanted something that was "completely new" with the intent to cruise in Greek seas and the multihull design was chosen to counteract the country's challenging winds and waves. She returns for a second year.