What to Expect at Cannes Yachting Festival 2025

By Nora Hart

As the yachting world prepares to converge on the French Riviera from the 9th to the 14th of September, Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 promises to deliver its most impressive edition yet. Now in its 48th year, this iconic event continues to set the tone for the European boat show season, with nearly 700 boats and an unmatched display of nautical innovation across two legendary ports, the Vieux Port and Port Canto.

From compact day boats to 50-metre superyachts, Cannes Yachting Festival offers an extraordinary showcase of both sailing and motor yachts, monohulls and multihulls, rigid and semi-rigid hulls. Visitors can expect to discover world premieres, cutting-edge marine technologies, and a broad selection of water toys and equipment, all in the beautiful setting of Cannes’ sun-drenched coastline.

This year brings a particularly exciting development with the launch of a new dedicated marina in Port Canto for 8- to 12-metre motor boats. Covering more than 2,000 square metres and offering 300 linear metres of quay, the area can accommodate up to 170 boats, both afloat and ashore. Alongside the vessels, a curated selection of outboard engines will also be on display, offering a comprehensive view into the future of small motor yachting.

The Vieux Port, at the heart of the city and beneath the historic Suquet, continues to champion the motor yacht industry and will once again host the Superyacht Extension, bringing together leading shipyards, designers and equipment specialists. Meanwhile, Port Canto offers a serene backdrop for sailing yachts, brokerage boats, and nautical toys, creating a fascinating and well-rounded experience.

Beyond the boats, the festival invites guests to experience sea trials, take part in the elegant Concours d’Élégance, and engage with the international yachting community. With more than 640 exhibitors and over 55,000 visitors expected, the event remains the definitive place to discover, connect, and celebrate the very best of life at sea.

Whether one is a long-time yacht owner, an industry insider, or just beginning to explore the world of boating, the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 offers something special. It’s more than just a boat show, but a celebration of craftsmanship, innovation, and the lifestyle that comes with life at sea. With its unique blend of elegance, energy, and Riviera charm, this year’s edition is set to be an unforgettable highlight of the yachting calendar.

"In addition to presenting world premieres and state-of-the-art boats in terms of design, the role of the Cannes Yachting Festival is also to highlight technological and environmental advances that are changing the game and redefining the standards of yachting."

Sylvie Ernoult, Director, Cannes Yachting Festival

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"In addition to presenting world premieres and state-of-the-art boats in terms of design, the role of the Cannes Yachting Festival is also to highlight technological and environmental advances that are changing the game and redefining the standards of yachting."

Sylvie Ernoult, Director, Cannes Yachting Festival
By Nora Hart