It is the premier event that kicks off the global yachting season. The Cannes Yachting Festival is gearing up for its 49th edition, taking place from 8 to 13 September against the stunning backdrop of the French Riviera. The figures confirm the strategic importance of this event – which is also Europe’s largest in-water boat show – featuring an extremely wide range of boats, as well as equipment, engines and services: over 680 exhibitors are expected, showcasing a fleet of 700 boats ranging from 5 to 50 metres – sailing or motorised, monohull or multihull, rigid-hulled or semi-rigid, electric, hybrid or combustion-engine, new or used – spread across the Vieux Port and Port Canto.

As part of the event’s programme, there is great anticipation for the return of the Innovation Route, following its debut last year: a trail that identifies and highlights the most innovative and committed solutions contributing to the appeal and sustainable transformation of the nautical sector. Linked to this are the Innovation Route Awards, which recognise the most deserving projects – in the categories of best equipment for optimising navigation, best sustainable product, best innovative boat and best RSI initiative.

Sustainable innovation is, in fact, the real challenge the sector is tackling, and it is driving a revolutionary transformation fuelled by electrification, emissions reduction and the search for new applications. Although still a niche market today (less than 8 per cent of the global market), electric-powered boats are in fact one of the sector’s main drivers of growth and development. “Sustainable innovation is no longer an option, but the future of our sector,” says Rachel Goult, Director of Yacht Carbon Offset and a member of the 2026 jury.

“In a constantly evolving landscape, the Cannes Yachting Festival reaffirms its role as a strategic partner and driver of growth for the promotion of the international yachting sector,” concludes Constance Brément, Director of the Cannes Yachting Festival. “For this new edition, our mission remains to provide an exceptional setting to showcase the sector’s innovations and kick off the season.” With renewed momentum whilst maintaining continuity.

Photo credits: Cannes Yachting Festival – Abracadabra Studio