Cannes Yachting Festival opens today for its 49th edition
The Cannes Yachting Festival opens today, Tuesday 8 September, bringing hundreds of boats and some of the world’s leading names in yachting to the Côte d’Azur.
Running until Sunday 13 September, the 49th edition brings together more than 680 exhibitors and over 700 boats across the Vieux Port and Port Canto, with around 56,000 visitors expected during the six-day event.
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More than 100 world premieres
Founded in 1977, the Cannes Yachting Festival has become one of the major events on the international boating calendar, bringing together shipyards, equipment manufacturers, brokers and marine technology companies.
Nearly 150 world premieres are expected this year, with boats ranging from around five to 55 metres.
The Vieux Port is primarily dedicated to motor yachts, superyachts and marine equipment, while Port Canto hosts sailing yachts, smaller motorboats, pre-owned yachts and water toys.
Free sea shuttles connect the two sites every 15 minutes.
Among the new features for 2026 is the Power Cat Village at the Vieux Port, dedicated to power catamarans.
Port Canto’s Sailing Area, meanwhile, features more than 100 new sailing yachts, including around 20 world premieres.
Innovation in the spotlight
Sustainability and new technology will once again play a major role throughout the festival.
The Innovation Route highlights exhibitors developing new solutions in areas including cleaner propulsion, sustainable products, materials and navigation technology.
The Innovation Route Awards will be presented during the exhibitors’ cocktail reception this evening, recognising achievements across four categories.
Another first comes on Wednesday 9 September, when the finalists for the Best of Boats Awards 2026 will be announced at the Port Canto VIP Club.
Visitors will also be able to step aboard many of the boats on display and, for selected models, arrange sea trials directly with participating shipyards.
Festival runs until Sunday
The Cannes Yachting Festival is open from 10am to 7pm from Tuesday to Thursday, with a late-night opening until 10pm on Friday.
It will then open from 10am to 7pm on Saturday and from 10am to 6pm on Sunday.
The festival runs across the Vieux Port and Port Canto until 13 September, bringing six days of new launches, innovation and international yachting to Cannes.