on 11 Sep 2026
The selected projects range from smart mooring and hybrid propulsion to engine technology and marine habitat restoration.
The Cannes Yachting Festival has announced five winners of the 2026 Innovation Route Awards, covering projects in areas including mooring technology, outboard engine production, hybrid propulsion and marine biodiversity.
The winners were selected from 47 applicants included in this year’s Innovation Route, which runs across the Vieux Port and Port Canto during the festival.
Launched by the Cannes Yachting Festival in 2024, the Innovation Route showcases new technologies and projects from across the boating industry. This year’s entries address areas such as energy consumption, emissions, manoeuvring, materials and marine ecosystems.
An expert jury selected the winners across four award categories, along with a Special Jury Award. The jury comprised Guillaume Arnaud des Lyons, deputy managing director of the Fédération des Industries Nautiques; Thierry Berest, marine expert at Boat & Sea Consulting; Rachel Goult, managing director of Yacht Carbon Offset; Jean-Christophe Guillaumin, journalist at Figaro Nautisme; Geoffroy Langlade, journalist and entrepreneur; and Elena Patriarca, director at Adzurra.
“The boating industry is undergoing profound change. As a member of the Innovation Route jury, I am proud to contribute to highlighting and recognising innovative projects and new solutions for a more sustainable boating industry.” Jean-Christophe Guillaumin, journalist, Figaro Nautisme.
“It is an honour to be part of the Innovation Route jury for the 2026 edition of the Cannes Yachting Festival,” says Elena Patriarca, director, Adzurra. “Throughout the selection process, I had the opportunity to discover how this year’s candidates are transforming today’s challenges into concrete solutions, balancing technological boldness with environmental viability to make boating more responsible, safer and more efficient.”
The Best Navigation-Enhancing Equipment award went to Smart Mooring from BlueNav. The system is controlled through the BlueNav app, allowing users to monitor and adjust a boat’s position from anywhere on board. When combined with BlueNav motors and its Precision+ GPS system, the technology provides position-keeping and assists with mooring manoeuvres.
The Best Sustainable Product award was given to Suzuki Edge Ecoat, an anodising technology applied to several components of Suzuki outboard engines. The treatment is designed to improve corrosion protection and extend component service life. According to Suzuki, it also cuts CO₂ emissions associated with drying and curing processes by 50 per cent.
Excess Catamarans’ Excess 11 received the Best Innovative Boat award. The 37ft cruising catamaran has twin helm stations and an interior layout designed around life on board. A hybrid version is also available, using a generator and two electric motors for silent manoeuvring and fully electric sailing.
The Best CSR Initiative award went to D-Marin’s Biohuts Marine Biodiversity Restoration Initiative, developed with Ecocean. The project involves installing Biohut artificial habitats in D-Marin ports. The structures provide refuges for juvenile fish, supporting their development and contributing to local marine ecosystems.
The Special Jury Award was presented to Azimut Yachts for the Grande 44M. The 43.6-metre yacht uses a carbon-fibre superstructure and Carbon-Tech technology, which the builder says reduces weight by up to 30 per cent. Its four-deck layout includes an upper deck that can be converted into an open owner’s area overlooking the sea.
“The winning projects this year showcase the richness and diversity of the innovations driving the transformation of the boating industry,” says Cannes Yachting Festival director Constance Brément. “From propulsion and materials to equipment, navigation and CSR initiatives, each brings a concrete response to the evolving expectations of boaters and contributes to enhancing the experience at sea.
“With the Innovation Route Awards, the Cannes Yachting Festival aims to give particular visibility to the boldest and most relevant initiatives.
“These five winners demonstrate that performance, responsibility, the pleasure of being on the water and new experiences can go hand in hand. They invite the entire industry to explore new horizons.”
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