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Cannes Yachting Festival 2026: What to Expect This September

IARLA BYRNE29 August, 20264 Mins read126

A75I0624-Panorama-Modifier-LR - photo © KELAGOPIAN - CYF 2025

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The Cannes Yachting Festival returns to the Côte d’Azur this September, bringing together some of the biggest names in international yachting.

Running from 8 to 13 September 2026, the event will once again take over the Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto. With plenty of new launches, world premieres and the latest developments in marine technology, the festival will transform the Cannes waterfront into one of the world’s major showcases for sailing and motor yachts.

More than 700 boats and yachts are expected to be presented, ranging from compact models to large luxury yachts, alongside hundreds of exhibitors representing shipyards, equipment manufacturers, designers, brokers and other specialists from across the international marine industry.

Yachting takes over Cannes

Held every September since 1977, the Cannes Yachting Festival traditionally marks the start of the autumn boat-show season in Europe.

Its location is a major part of its appeal. Rather than being confined to exhibition halls, much of the show takes place on the water, allowing visitors to see the boats in their natural environment and, subject to individual exhibitors, step aboard many of the models on display.

Selected boats are also available for sea trials by appointment.

The festival is divided between two very different areas of Cannes, with the Vieux Port primarily dedicated to motor yachts and Port Canto bringing together sailing yachts, smaller power boats, brokerage yachts and water toys.

Free shuttle boats operate continuously between the two ports for festival ticket holders.

Motor yachts take centre stage

^{Photo © C. CHARPIN – CYF 2025}

The Vieux Port will once again provide one of the festival’s most impressive sights, with more than 350 boats measuring from 12 to 45 metres expected around the historic harbour.

Leading international shipyards will present new motor yachts, power catamarans, RIBs, tenders and day boats, with numerous new launches and world premieres making their first public appearances in Cannes.

Different sections of the port have their own particular focus. Quai Saint-Pierre features luxury day boats, open models and flybridge yachts, while Quai Max Laubeuf accommodates larger motor yachts and high-performance models.

^{Photo © C. CHARPIN – CYF 2025}

The Pantiero area is home to the Power Cat Village, large RIBs and marine equipment and technology, while the Palais des Festivals hosts leading names from the wider yachting industry, including equipment specialists and premium marine services.

Sailing dominates Port Canto

Across the bay, Port Canto offers a rather different atmosphere.

Its Sailing Area is billed as the world’s largest in-water exhibition dedicated to new sailing yachts, bringing together monohulls and multihulls from major international manufacturers.

Port Canto is also home to the Power Boat Marina, dedicated to motor boats up to 12 metres, while the Brokers & Toys area combines two very different sides of the yachting world.

Here, visitors can discover a selection of prestigious pre-owned yachts from 25 metres alongside the latest water toys and leisure equipment.

^{Photo © C. CHARPIN – CYF 2025}

The combination gives visitors the opportunity to compare new and brokerage yachts while also discovering some of the increasingly sophisticated equipment designed to accompany life on the water.

Innovation and sustainability

Technology and environmental responsibility continue to play an increasingly important role in the international yachting industry, and both will have a strong presence in Cannes.

The festival’s Innovation Route highlights exhibitors developing new technologies and more sustainable approaches to boating.

Selected products and projects can be identified throughout the show by the Innovation Route logo, creating a trail across the festival for visitors interested in the future of the industry.

The accompanying Innovation Route Awards recognise developments across four categories: navigation equipment, sustainable products, innovative vessels and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

The winners will be announced on the festival’s opening night, with a special jury prize also possible for an outstanding innovation.

^{Video via Cannes Yachting Festival on YouTube}

Supporting the SNSM

For several years, the Cannes Yachting Festival has supported the SNSM (Société Nationale des Sauveteurs en Mer), France’s national sea rescue organisation.

Staffed largely by volunteers, the SNSM provides a vital lifesaving service at sea, with highly trained crews responding to maritime emergencies across the French coastline. Its rescue operations are carried out free of charge, reflecting the organisation’s longstanding commitment to safety at sea.

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World premieres on the Riviera

For manufacturers, Cannes provides an important international stage on which to unveil their latest models.

Dozens of new boats traditionally make their world or European debuts during the festival, attracting prospective owners, brokers, industry professionals and international media.

But the show is not solely aimed at those preparing to invest in a new yacht. It also offers boating enthusiasts an opportunity to explore the changing face of the industry, compare different designs and discover everything from navigation systems and marine equipment to tenders, water toys and onboard services.

And, with the yachts lined up against the backdrop of Cannes and La Croisette, there are few more appropriate settings in which to do it.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Event: Cannes Yachting Festival

Dates: Tuesday 8 to Sunday, 13 September, 2026

Venue: Vieux Port and Port Canto

Opening hours:

10 am to 7 pm from Tuesday to Thursday
10 am to 10 pm on Friday
10 am to 7 pm on Saturday
10 am to 6 pm on Sunday

Ticketing:

General Public Tickets – from €40
VIP & Platinum Packages – from €220
Professional tickets (reserved for nautical industry professionals from Tuesday to Friday) – from €60

Accessibility:

The organisers of the Cannes Yachting Festival are committed to making the event as accessible and welcoming as possible, ensuring all visitors can enjoy the show in a safe and comfortable environment.
Disabled access is provided to all stands, with consideration also given to individual requirements, including access needs and sensitivity to noise and lighting.
Visitors with specific accessibility requirements are encouraged to contact the organisers in advance for further assistance.