The Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 is underway. Running from 8 to 13 September, attendees can expect another spectacular showcase of yachts spanning both Port Vieux and Port Canto. For the 49th edition, BOATPro counts nine sailing yachts attending the main event.
BOAT rounds up "yacht to know" about the sailing yachts at Cannes this year...
For those attending the Cannes Yachting Festival, visit Jetee 116 to say hello to the BOAT International team.
My Star
Length: 35.1m
Builder: Alloy Yachts
Yacht to know: Delivered in 1994 from the New Zealand-based shipyard, this sailing yacht was the fourth design by Dubois Naval Architects, with interiors by Mark Whiteley and Trish McKay. She underwent a major refit in 2015, with additional upgrades in 2019 and 2023. As a result, she now boasts a raised saloon layout offering panoramic views. In 2017, Israeli entrepreneurs Maya and Liran Talit bought the yacht and embarked on an almost four-year expedition from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, the US to the Galápagos, across the South Pacific and up to Alaska. She is set to be the largest sailing yacht in attendance at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival.
Epiphany
Length: 34.2m
Builder: McMullen & Wing
Yacht to know: Conceived to be a world-cruising yacht with a high-quality finish, the 34.2-metre Epiphany was delivered in 2003 from Auckland-based shipyard McMullen & Wing, which collaborated with Auckland Maritime Interiors to design her interiors. Germán Frers completed her exterior design and naval architecture. Her warm and inviting interiors, finished in European beechwood, contrast with her lightweight aluminium construction. A standout feature of this classic sailing yacht is her sailing capabilities: an advanced carbon rig and quality sail inventory, combined with her bluewater credentials, make Epiphany an ideal vessel for an experienced sailor.
Bianca II
Length: 26.2m
Builder: Grand Soleil
Yacht to know: Bianca II was delivered in 2026 from Italian shipyard Cantiere del Pardo, as the first unit from its flagship 26.2-metre Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise (GS Plus 80 LC) model. Naval architecture was penned by Italian designer Matteo Polli, while Nauta Design was responsible for the yacht’s exterior and interior styling and layout. Built for sailors who want a vessel for extended periods at sea in comfort and safety, the yacht features an epoxy-based vinylester resin and carbon fibre hull for optimised on-water performance. Her narrow bow widens gradually towards the aft to maximise internal volume, while providing a smooth entry into the water. Inside, she features a "contemporary luxe" design scheme, with a cream-and-wood palette complemented by oak furnishings.
Bianca II is just one of many yachts making her debut at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival.
Read More/First look inside Cantiere del Pardo's first flagship Grand Soleil model Bianca IIFitzrovia
Length: 26m
Builder: YYachts
Yacht to know: Another new face alongside Mavì is the 26-metre Fitzrovia, which was delivered to her owners in August 2026 by German boat builder YYachts. The second version of the shipyard's popular Y8 model, Fitzrovia was designed by Mallorcan design studio Surge Projects by Javier Jaudenes, with interiors by David Thulstrup. A significant contrast to the previous Y8 model is the wider stern, which, combined with a mast set further back, provides ample speed. Inside, she is 20 per cent larger than her predecessors and offers guests a variety of configurations, including an option to place the owner's suite and dedicated saloon in the bow or stern.
Elvi
Length: 26m
Builder: Nautor Swan
Yacht to know: Fresh from her delivery in June, the first unit from the Finnish shipyard's new Swan 80 line features naval architecture by Germán Frers, while Lucio Micheletti was behind the exteriors and Misa Poggi styled the interiors. The Swan 80 is positioned as an entry-level vessel in the Swan Maxi range, crafted in a "more versatile and owner-friendly format" while offering the volume and capabilities of a much larger yacht. Her eye-catching blue exterior encases a near-flush teak deck with a low-profile coach roof running aft from the mast. The flat cockpit section provides numerous seating and storage configurations. At anchor, the transom can be transformed into a swimming and sunbathing area, opening into a beach area with easy access to a swim platform and tender garage.
Lagoon Eighty 2
Length: 25m
Builder: Lagoon
Yacht to know: Following her debut at the 2025 festival, the 25-metre Lagoon Eighty 2 will return for the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival. Designed by VPLP Design and Patrick Le Quément, VPLP Design developed her naval architecture and Nauta Design designed the interiors. Access to the water was of paramount importance during construction. A swim platform can reach up to 22 square metres when deployed and is designed to accommodate a tender or jet ski. When in use by guests, this space provides a prime sunbathing spot with curated freestanding furniture. Aboard, the more than 50-square-metre flybridge offers outstanding views and is equipped with twin helms and solar panels.
Waipiti
Length: 24.8m
Builder: CNB
Yacht to know: The 24.8-metre Waipiti was delivered to her owner in August 2026 as one of eight yachts in the shipyard's CNB 78 yacht series. Philippe Briand is credited with her design and naval architecture, while Jean Marc Piaton penned her interiors. With brighter, more spacious interiors than the preceding CNB 76 yachts, Waipiti features an ergonomic, stylish cockpit with multiple storage compartments and a welcoming dining table that can be lowered and used as a large sun lounger. The starboard side features a wine cellar or fridge and an integrated coffee machine.
Sunreef 80
Length: 24.4m
Builder: Sunreef Yachts
Yacht to know: Described as a "silent catamaran", this 24.4-metre vessel is powered by clean propulsion and advanced energy systems, which, according to the shipyard, "mark a bold leap forward in sustainable yachting". Designed entirely in-house, her bow section offers ample customisation, including reshaped trampolines for a classic sailing feel or sunpads to create a serene front perfectly shielded from sun and wind — tailored for any mood or moment. The salon sits aft, blending into a sizeable cockpit made larger by the shortened superstructure. A standout feature is her enhanced Ocean Lounge, with innovative folding platforms that create an expansive relaxation zone.
Mavi
Length: 24m
Builder: Ice Yachts
Yacht to know: A newcomer on the sailing yacht scene, the 24-metre Mavì is one of two premium models from Italian shipyard Ice Yachts. Designed in collaboration with Felci Yacht Design, the ICE80 Blue Water model combines elegance, comfort and versatility for long-range cruising, with a curved glass windshield inspired by the 1960s Riva Super Aquarama style and a twin-cockpit layout that separates the guest zone from the manoeuvring area. Her deck features wide side decks and a low coachroof, while a commodious swim platform sits at the stern alongside a 3.5-metre tender.