The Cannes Yachting Festival, the inaugural event of the world yachting season, returns to Cannes from September 8 to 13, 2026. Now in its 49th edition, the world’s largest in-water boat show brings together more than 680 exhibitors and a fleet of 700 boats ranging from five to 50 meters, alongside nearly 150 world premieres that set the tone for the season ahead. Some 56,000 international visitors are expected across the six-day event, held between the Vieux Port and Port Canto.
The 2026 edition marks a new chapter for the festival under newly appointed director Constance Brement, whose background spans sailing and the broader luxury sector. Her stated priorities center on strengthening the event’s international reach, sharpening the visitor experience, and reinforcing the festival atmosphere that has come to define the show. Brement has described the event as a strategic partner for the international yachting industry, pointing to the quality of the exhibitor lineup and the caliber of visitors arriving from around the world as the foundation of its continued success.
Two Ports, One Seamless Journey
The festival is organized across two complementary sites in the Bay of Cannes, each dedicated to a distinct segment of the boating world.
Motor Yachts at the Vieux Port
The Vieux Port hosts motor vessels ranging from 12 to 50 meters, including superyachts, flybridges, open models, trawlers, and RIBs, with the Power Cat Village showcasing motor catamarans along the Pantiero. For 2026, the redeveloped Jetee will introduce a dedicated in-water exhibition space alongside land-based engine manufacturers, while large yachts move to Quai Max Laubeuf. Equipment manufacturers and service companies line the surrounding quays, and the Palais continues to feature high-end yacht fittings and fixtures.
Sailing and Brokerage at Port Canto
At Port Canto, a 2.5-kilometer loop connects the Sailing Area, home to the world’s largest in-water fleet of sailing boats over 10 meters, with the Power Boat Marina and its 180 dayboats up to 13 meters. The Yacht Brokerage sector is particularly well represented this year, with more than 45 boats over 25 meters on display, alongside a dedicated Toys area. A sea shuttle running every 15 minutes links the two ports throughout the event.
Innovation Route and Its Awards
Reflecting the sector’s ongoing shift toward electrification and reduced emissions, the festival is bringing back its Innovation Route and launching the second edition of the Innovation Route Awards.
The Innovation Route Awards
The initiative identifies exhibitors presenting the most innovative and sustainable solutions in the industry, giving them a dedicated route through both ports along with added visibility through digital promotion and on-site signage. Nearly 90,000 boating licenses are issued in France each year, and while electric motors still represent a modest share of the global market at under 8%, the segment is regarded as one of the industry’s primary sources of growth and innovation.
Winners across four categories, best navigation-improving equipment, best sustainable product, best innovative boat, and best CSR initiative, will be announced at the Exhibitors Cocktail Reception on Tuesday, September 8. The panel of judges, made up of maritime professionals and journalists, may also present a special jury prize for a standout entry. Last year’s inaugural awards recognized projects including an AI-based collision prevention system, a fully electric 70-foot catamaran, and a 95% recyclable sailboat, with a hybrid superyacht capable of cutting NOx emissions by 85% taking the Special Jury Prize.
A First for Best of Boat Awards
The 2026 festival will also host the announcement of finalists for the Best of Boat Awards, Europe’s largest award program dedicated to motorboats, for the first time. The ceremony, judged by representatives from 15 countries, takes place on Wednesday, September 9, at the Port Canto VIP Club.
The Inaugural Event of the Yachting Calendar
As the opening event of the global yachting season, the Cannes Yachting Festival sets the stage for the year ahead, drawing boat builders, brokers, and buyers from across the industry to the Cote d’Azur. With its expanded innovation program, first-time Best of Boat Awards ceremony, and a fleet spanning the full range of the boating world, the 2026 edition positions itself as a defining moment for the sector’s next season. For more information and tickets, visit the Cannes Yachting Festival
