on 22 Sep 2023
The 46th edition of the annual yachting extravaganza saw 130 world premieres by the largest French and international boat builders.
The Cannes Yachting Festival ended on Sunday 17 September 2023, after six days, and show organisers have confirmed 55,000 visitors attended the quays of the Vieux Port and Port Canto during the event’s 46th edition.
In total, this year’s event saw 610 exhibitors displaying 705 boats, including 542 new motor boats, 115 new sailing boats, 48 second-hand yachts and 130 world premieres by the largest French and international boat builders.
Alongside them, the latest equipment and accessories and service companies exhibited on the outdoor quays and in the Palais des Festivals.
“The 46th Cannes Yachting Festival has just closed its doors under the best auspices,” said Sylvie Ernoult, director of the Cannes Yachting Festival. “This year, we reached a record with 705 boats and 55,000 visitors from all over the world (more than 130 countries). From the first days of the show, we got a lot of positive feedback from our 610 exhibitors, who were very satisfied with the sales generated and visitor quality.
“Many eco-friendly innovations were showcased in all areas of the show, and our visitors made good use of the “Green” route and appreciated it. The new, in-water area for small boats from 8 metres long also found its audience. We are proud and pleased with these results, which acknowledge our efforts to continually meet both our exhibitors and visitors’ expectations as best we can.”
The Vieux Port is entirely dedicated to those in the motor boat industry, and featured more than 540 boats this year. The Jetée and Super Yachts Extension brought together international boat builders. In total more than 70 yachts over 22 metres long were displayed.
On the other side of the traversante, Quai Max Laubeuf presented around twenty power catamarans in water, including impressive boats measuring up to 24 metres long and 12 metres wide, with more than 70 small- and medium-sized monohull boats (rigid and semi-rigid) also showcased on land and in water.
In the Vieux Port Palais, the Luxury Gallery brought together an exclusive selection of well-known or more exclusive brands, artisans and high-end services. For the first time, the Vieux Port accommodated around 50 small 8- to 12-m boats exhibited in water in a new marina near the areas displaying the RIBs and “100 per cent electric or hybrid” boats.
Also on the Pantiero, more than 90 equipment manufacturers exhibited alongside boat builders making small and medium-sized boats. Quai Saint Pierre presented a selection of speedboats, all vying with each other in terms of design and technology.
At the other end of the Croisette, the new sailing boats were moored in Port Canto in a dedicated area displaying 115 10- to 30-metre boats, including around thirty making their world debut. In this area, visitors were also able to explore the Start-up Village, designed in partnership with Mer Angels and BNP Paribas Banque Privée, which showcased innovations in the sector.
On the other side of Port Canto, visitors were able to admire the 48 large second-hand yachts on sale or available to rent, including nine large sailing yachts. Water toys were displayed in areas on land, which are constantly developing towards sportier, more technical and eco-friendly products with a higher design spec.
As the season’s first international boat show, the Cannes Yachting Festival teams are on the front line to see the growing efforts various companies in the marine industry are making to reduce their carbon footprint. By following the show’s ‘Green Route’, which clearly identifies the products and initiatives that are moving in this direction, visitors were able to see the evolution that is underway and admire technological gems using “greener” propulsions: propeller and/or engine design to reduce energy consumption.
Cannes Vieux Port renovation area
The Cannes Yachting Festival also witnessed the first Posidonia Alliance launch event. Made up of public, private and NGO actors, Posidonia Alliance aims to establish the conditions for a strong and visible collective dynamic, capable of raising genuine awareness of preserving Posidonia among citizens, elected representatives, boat enthusiasts and all those involved economically and socially on the French Mediterranean coast.
During this 46th edition, management members of show organiser RX France presented the project for the September 2024 edition to exhibitors. The project for the next editions was prompted by the major renovation and modernisation plan for the Vieux Port that is being carried out by the City of Cannes and the new port operator, Marina Vieux Port de Cannes (MVPC, made up of IGY Marina and the Fayat Group).
READ: Cannes Yachting Festival Changes Show Layout for 2024
To take into account the development, some of the exhibition areas on land and in water that are currently in the Vieux Port will be moved to new areas in Port Canto. The 2024 show will therefore extend even more in Port Canto, which will be able to accommodate more boats around a new loop that will make visits easier.
Save the date 2024
The next Cannes Yachting Festival will take place from Tuesday 10 to Sunday 15 September 2024.
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