Press schedule: The talking points at Cannes and Monaco this year

The busiest month in the yachting calendar is here. The Cannes Yachting Festival is mere days away (9-14 September), followed swiftly by the Monaco Yacht Show (24-27 September). We'll be attending both (of course), alongside brokers, owners and some of the world's most spectacular superyachts. For those curious to see behind the scenes – or getting prepared ahead of the season – BOAT takes a closer look at this year's press schedule.

New designs and models teased

Cannes is typically the newsiest of the two shows. Running from 9-14 September, the Festival is the first major show in the Mediterranean season and is characterised by a flurry of fresh designs, new models and future-focused announcements. While details are naturally being kept under wraps, the press schedule has been filling up with tease-worthy tidbits.

British yard Pearl Yachts has hinted at a 30.5-metre hybrid project, while fellow British builder Princess Yachts will be lifting the lid on its new C Range, which signals "its entry into an entirely new market segment". Turkish yard Numarine – which recently celebrated the launch of its flagship, Miouch – will be evolving its explorer offering with a new project, with Greenline Yachts (the hybrid arm of GX Superyachts) also scheduled to reveal its latest project.

But don't worry; all the excitement won't be contained to Cannes. The Monaco Yacht Show has also promised some exciting presentations, including an all-new design from Turkish builder Turquoise Yachts (rumoured to be 80 metres) and a neo-classic concept collaboration between British designer H2 Yacht Design and Turkish yard Dynamiq.

A shift in approach as major yards forego traditional stands

This year, Heesen caused a stir with the news that it had decided to forego its stand at the Monaco Yacht Show. The official announcement came a month after the yard's acquisition by Dutch entrepreneur Laurens Last, implying a broader shakeup – and new strategic approach – for the Dutch yard. In lieu of a stand, Heesen has teased an "exclusive and immersive experience" directly on board its attending superyachts, including the recently delivered Solemates. This year's visitors will no doubt be curious to see what the brand has up its sleeve.

This is not the first time a major yacht builder has taken a step away from Monaco's traditional format. Dutch yard Feadship also withdrew from its stand last year, choosing to focus its energy on its product showcase (including the iconic Wedge Too). The pedigree builder also expressed an interest in connecting with clients in a more "casual" and relaxed context, which led to the opening of a "curated hospitality lounge" for interested buyers and partners. Will other yards follow suit? And if so, how will this change the landscape of the show in the coming years?

Some groundbreaking debuts – and breakthrough attendees

This year's shows have exceeded expectations with some record-breaking superyachts. Expectedly, Cannes has the volume of major debuts, including the 46.9-metre RJ – Cantiere delle Marche's largest yacht to date. A "pure-bred explorer", Cannes attendees will be keen to discover her secretive Achille Salvagni interiors and "super-equipped" gym, commissioned by a returning client of the yard.

On the other end of the scale is a 24-metre entry from Picchiotti, a heritage brand that now sits under The Italian Sea Group. The model, known only as Picchiotti Gentleman 24, is the first in a new Gentleman line designed to celebrate the "golden age of yachting". She has been penned by prolific Italian designer Luca Dini and will have an increased eco focus, complete with an ultra-efficient aluminium hull design and a full-electric propulsion option. Little else is known about the build – though she has been coined a "rebirth" for Picchiotti as one of Italy’s oldest established shipyards.

As for Monaco, there has been plenty of buzz around her largest attendee: the world's first fuel-cell superyacht, Breakthrough. At the core of this Feadship build is a 3.2mW fuel cell system running on cryogenic liquid hydrogen stored at -253°C. This system generates electricity for hotel load and coastal cruising – emission-free, with water as the only byproduct. She's one of the Monaco Yacht Show's largest ever attendees at 118.8 metres, as well as the largest motor yacht ever launched in the Netherlands, full stop. How's that for a headliner?

Port Hercule will also be populated by the likes of Boardwalk – commissioned by billionaire CEO and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta – Ares Yachts' flagship sailing yacht Simena and Alfa G, which won a World Superyacht Award for her "exceptionally high-quality" refit in 2024.

Good vibes, better parties

Working in the yachting industry is rewarding, but after hours of conferences, off-the-cuff interviews and dock walking, it's best to let off a little steam. At the moment, Monaco's social schedule is the most outstanding. To name but a few, there's cocktails on board Moonen Yachts' 37.8-metre Cocoon, held in association with IYC; a Ferretti Group dinner in Marco Mareterra, a restaurant that sits inside the "transformational" new residential area of Monaco; and a Camper & Nicholsons cocktail dinner at the Yacht Club de Monaco. 

BOAT will also be hosting a few soirees, including the highly subscribed BOAT International Party in Monaco. Full details TBC...

For to-the-minute coverage of both shows, check out BOAT's hub pages on the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show.