Cannes Yachting Festival takes place from 9 to 14 September 2025
From September 9 to 14, the French Riviera will once again set sail for the future of yachting as the Cannes Yachting Festival returns to the iconic Côte d’Azur. Now in its latest edition, Europe’s largest in-water boat show will host over 700 boats and 600 global exhibitors, making it a cornerstone event on the international nautical calendar.
Held annually across the Vieux Port and Port Canto, the festival serves as the grand opening of the sailing season, drawing over 55,000 visitors from around the world last year alone. From seasoned yacht owners to curious newcomers, attendees will be treated to a showcase of state-of-the-art vessels—ranging from 5 to 50 metres in length—including sailing yachts, catamarans, motorboats, and groundbreaking electric and hybrid crafts.
A Global Showcase of Nautical Excellence
The Cannes Yachting Festival continues to be a pivotal platform for shipyards, naval architects, designers, and equipment manufacturers to unveil their latest models and innovations. With the yachting industry undergoing rapid transformation driven by technological advancement and the green transition, the show is not only a celebration of craftsmanship and design but also a pulse check on the future of marine mobility.
From semi-rigid hulls to high-performance multihulls, and from traditional combustion to next-gen electric propulsion, the range on display underscores the industry’s evolution toward efficiency, comfort, and environmental responsibility.
Innovation and Sustainability in Focus
This year, the Innovation Route returns as a curated trail through the festival grounds, spotlighting pioneering concepts across eco-design, sustainable materials, alternative propulsion systems, and smart connectivity. Selected projects will receive dedicated promotion and signage, helping visitors easily identify the most forward-thinking solutions on the show floor.
“The yachting industry is undergoing a structural shift, and the Cannes Yachting Festival continues to serve as a catalyst for innovation and change,” said Sylvie Ernoult, Director of the Cannes Yachting Festival. “Our role is to support the sector by providing a high-visibility platform for launches and exchanges, while delivering a premium experience for our exhibitors and visitors alike.”
Enhanced Layouts and Visitor Experience
In response to growing visitor numbers and demand for clarity, the festival layout has been further optimized. The Vieux Port will remain the domain of motorboats measuring between 12 to 45 metres, while Port Canto is segmented into three distinct zones:
- The Sailing Area, featuring over 120 new sailing yachts over 10 metres in length.
- The Power Boat Marina, dedicated to motorboats up to 12 metres.
- Yacht Brokerage & Toys, showcasing pre-owned yachts, nautical toys, and premium services.
This reorganization allows for smoother navigation, clearer categorization, and an uninterrupted walking loop around Port Canto—significantly enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Continued Commitment to Sector Growth
In the face of economic uncertainty and shifting global dynamics, the Cannes Yachting Festival maintains its position as a vital commercial and networking hub for the maritime industry.
“For this new edition, our mission remains unchanged: to offer an exceptional showcase where every stakeholder—from emerging brands to industry leaders—can debut new products, connect with clients, and launch the season in style,” added Ernoult. “We are also upgrading key elements such as main entrance layouts and our sea shuttle services to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for all.”
Anchoring the Future of Yachting
As the industry continues to navigate a course toward sustainability and innovation, the Cannes Yachting Festival remains not just a celebration of marine luxury but a strategic barometer for where the yachting world is headed next. Whether you’re a buyer, builder, broker, or boating enthusiast, Cannes in September is the place to be.
