The Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 is preparing to welcome the global boating industry back to the French Riviera from 8–13 September, bringing together the world’s leading shipyards, designers, brokers and marine brands for what promises to be one of the most exciting editions in the event’s history.
Held across the iconic Vieux Port and Port Canto, the 49th edition of the festival will feature 700 boats, nearly 150 world premieres, more than 680 exhibitors, and an expected 56,000 international visitors, reaffirming its position as Europe’s largest in-water boat show.
A New Chapter for Cannes
This year’s event will be led by Constance Brément, who takes over as Festival Director with a vision focused on innovation, international growth and enhancing the visitor experience.
Her objective is to reinforce Cannes as the place where the global yachting industry unveils its latest products while creating an atmosphere that combines luxury, business and lifestyle.
Two Ports, One Global Showcase
The festival continues its successful dual-port format.
Vieux Port will host the largest motor yachts, superyachts, luxury tenders, RIBs and powerboats up to 50 metres, alongside leading engine manufacturers and premium marine equipment brands.
Meanwhile, Port Canto will present the world’s largest in-water sailing exhibition, featuring more than 120 sailing yachts, a dedicated Power Boat Marina, yacht brokerage displays with dozens of superyachts over 25 metres, and an expanded area dedicated to water toys and marine accessories.
Visitors can move easily between both venues via complimentary sea shuttles operating throughout the show.
Innovation and Sustainability Take Centre Stage
Innovation remains one of the defining themes of the 2026 edition.
Returning for its second year, the Innovation Route will highlight the industry’s most advanced technologies, from electric propulsion and hybrid systems to AI-powered navigation, sustainable materials and next-generation onboard solutions.
The festival’s Innovation Route Awards will recognize outstanding achievements in:
- Best Innovative Boat
- Best Sustainable Product
- Best Navigation Equipment
- Best CSR Initiative
The initiative reflects the rapid transformation of the global yachting industry as builders invest heavily in cleaner propulsion systems, smarter technologies and environmentally responsible yacht construction.
The Global Yachting Season Begins in Cannes
For many leading shipyards, Cannes remains the most important launch platform of the year.
Visitors can expect numerous world premieres from prestigious builders across Europe, alongside the latest brokerage listings, luxury lifestyle brands and marine technology companies.
As always, the festival serves as the traditional opening of the Mediterranean boat show season, before the industry moves on to Monaco later in September.
With luxury, innovation and sustainability shaping every aspect of this year’s event, the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 is once again set to define the future direction of global yachting while offering an unrivalled opportunity to discover the newest yachts and technologies on the market.
