Navigator Knows - Show Stopper Cannes Yachting Festival

Each fall, the superyacht industry turns its gaze to three of the world’s most prestigious yachting events – the Cannes Yachting Festival, the Monaco Yacht Show, and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Together, these gatherings set the stage for the latest in design, innovation, and luxury on the water.

In this first instalment of Navigator Knows, we talk to Sylvie Ernoult, Director of the Cannes Yachting Festival, to explore this year’s show highlights and shifting focus – revealing why Cannes remains an essential stop for industry insiders and passionate yachting enthusiasts alike. 

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

What are the key highlights of this year’s show?  

The 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival will be a comprehensive showcase of the latest in yachting, combining tradition and innovation across Cannes’ Vieux Port and Port Canto. Visitors can explore a wide range of vessels – from motor yachts and catamarans to sailing yachts, tenders, and brokerage yachts – alongside equipment manufacturers and service providers. This year’s edition places a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, with the second year of the Innovation Route spotlighting eco-conscious technologies and forward-thinking industry solutions.

What are your key goals for this year’s edition?

To maintain the Festival’s excellence in the international showcasing of sailing vessels, to offer visitors an ever more seamless and qualitative experience, and to support industry stakeholders in their developments, in particular regarding sustainability and innovation.

How many yachts are exhibiting at this year’s show? Any standout launches?

The 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival will feature over 140 world premieres, with a strong emphasis on eco-responsibility and innovative design. Key highlights include the modular INVICTUR TT550, Giangrasso Group’s debut G24 CLASSIC, and the long-range AMER 41m Explorer. Notable sustainable models include the solar-powered SILENT 62, Milkman Boat’s compact M.10, and hybrid yachts from Fountaine Pajot. Standout innovations such as the fully electric MODX 70, Catagura’s eco-designed TORTUE 147, and Azimut’s SEADECK 6, underscore the industry’s shift toward environmentally responsible yacht building.

What new experiences have been introduced this year?

The 2025 edition introduces key improvements to enhance the visitor experience, including optimized entrances at Vieux Port and Port Canto, and an upgraded sea shuttle service for smoother movement between sites. Port Canto’s Power Boat Marina is expanding to showcase around 170 vessels across 30,000 sq ft (3,000m²), creating a seamless 1.5-mile tour around the entire show. The Innovation Route returns with clearer signage and a stronger focus on eco-design and sustainable technologies, contributing to a more immersive and accessible show.

What do you believe sets the show apart from other international shows?

The Cannes Yachting Festival stands out for its stunning setting on the Côte d’Azur, offering a glamorous atmosphere enhanced by the Bay of Cannes, the Lérins Islands, and the city’s iconic landmarks. As Europe’s largest in-water boat show, it features a diverse showcase of over 700 boats, ranging from compact day boats to superyachts, sail and motor. With over 600 exhibitors and 55,000 international visitors, Cannes remains a prestigious, accessible, and forward-looking event on the global yachting calendar.

What’s a behind-the-scenes aspect of the show that most visitors don’t realize?

The Cannes Yachting Festival requires increasingly complex logistics – especially with ongoing work at the Vieux Port – managed through precise coordination. Behind the scenes, a two-month setup and breakdown process ensures the smooth placement of 700 boats and 650 exhibitors. Likened to a game of Tetris, each exhibitor’s needs must align with security, infrastructure, and technical constraints. Success depends on seamless collaboration between sales, technical, marketing, and communication teams, all working to ensure smooth operations, strong industry visibility, and a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.

How do you tailor the show to appeal to the diverse demographic/international audience?

By segmenting the exhibition by boat type and interest – across sailing, motor, multihulls, tenders, and more – the show ensures a clear and immersive experience for all. It also adapts to evolving market trends, incorporating charter and shared ownership options, while its globally diverse exhibitor base guarantees a broad and appealing range of offerings.

What role does the location play in shaping the visitor experience?

Set between the Vieux Port and Port Canto, the seafront location offers full immersion into the nautical world. The iconic setting of the show, nestled between the historic harbour and the famed Croisette, adds a unique blend of prestige and comfort to the exhibition.

FOCUS & STRATEGY

How has the show evolved since you first became involved?

Since my arrival, I have witnessed the show evolvement and international expansion, driven by a balance of loyal exhibitors and new participants, along with constant space optimization on land and water. Key developments – like the introduction of the Sailing area in 2019 and the Power Boat Marina in Port Canto last year – have significantly enhanced the exhibition’s layout and visibility for featured products. These successes reflect our ongoing commitment to innovation and quality. These achievements are thanks to a dedicated team whose professionalism and passion remain the true engine behind the show’s continued success.

Has there been an increase in attendance from certain markets in recent years?

The Cannes Yachting Festival is increasingly international, with 61 percent of visitors now coming from over 120 countries. While traditional European markets like Italy, Germany and the UK remain strong, growing interest form emerging markets highlights the show’s expanding global appeal.

Sustainability is a key theme across the industry. How are you promoting green innovation among exhibitors and participants?

To promote greener innovation, we have introduced several sustainable initiatives. The Innovation Route, now in its second year, showcases advances in eco-friendly motorization, materials, design, and waste management. Exhibitors are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices from the start, including using reusable materials and reducing waste. The show also partners with Green Bee Upcycling Event to boost environmental performance. With strict waste sorting, environmental monitoring, and adherence to “Clean Ports” and “Active in Biodiversity” labels, the ultimate goal is clear: achieving zero discharges in ports.

How do you see the show evolving over the next decade?

Over the next decade, the Cannes Yachting Festival will evolve with enhanced port infrastructure, maintaining high-quality content focused on visitor satisfaction. It will support the nautical industry’s green transition and embrace digital innovations like AI to better serve exhibitors and visitors. The new direction, embodied by Constance Brément, aims to blend bold innovation with its rich heritage, solidifying the show’s position as a visionary leader in the yachting world.

And finally, what is your proudest moment/ achievement organizing the show?

During my thirteen years leading the Cannes Yachting Festival, ambitious projects like the Sailing area and Power Boat Marina initially faced resistance from some exhibitors. However, through persistent effort and creativity, we overcame challenges and turned these spaces into major successes. I’m proud of the strong teamwork involved, including close collaboration with key service providers Brelet and Locaponton who manage the tends and pontoons. Embracing innovation and pushing beyond comfort zones allowed us to grow the festival and shake up traditional expectations, proving that with dedication, even the biggest challenges – like moving yachts – can be achieved.

 If you are interested in attending the Cannes Yachting Festival or looking to view any of the yachts on display, contact your nearest Northrop & Johnson broker.