Best of Boats Award finalists to be unveiled at Cannes Yachting Festival
The finalists for the 2026 Best of Boats Award will be revealed at the Cannes Yachting Festival next week, marking a first for the international boat show.
Thirty boats will be announced across seven categories during a special cocktail reception at the Port Canto VIP Club on Wednesday 9 September at 6pm.
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The announcement will form part of the 49th Cannes Yachting Festival, which runs from 8 to 13 September across the Vieux Port and Port Canto.
More than 680 exhibitors and nearly 700 boats ranging from five to 50 metres are expected at this year's show, which is set to welcome around 56,000 visitors from around the world.
For the first time, the festival will host the announcement of the Best of Boats Award finalists, bringing together boatbuilders, specialist journalists, jury members and other professionals from across the European yachting industry.
Record number of boats shortlisted
Created in 2014 by an international jury of yachting journalists, the Best of Boats Award recognises motorboats based on their intended use and the needs of boaters.
A record 30 boats have been selected for 2026 across seven categories: Best for Beginners, Best for Family, Best for Fun, Best Electric, Best for Adventure, Best RIBs and Big Boats.
The jury is made up of 15 members from Europe and the United States, with the awards placing a particular focus on new models and innovation within the industry.
Winners to be announced in Berlin
Cannes Yachting Festival Director Constance Brément said hosting the announcement represented a new highlight for the event and an opportunity to showcase the boats, innovations and expertise shaping the future of yachting.
The reception will begin with the official unveiling of the finalists before continuing as a networking event for jury members, boatbuilders and industry professionals.
The 30 finalists will be revealed at Port Canto on 9 September, with the winners of the 2026 Best of Boats Award announced in Berlin on 26 November during the OutVenture Boat & Fun show.