The Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 will once again put the French Riviera at the centre of the international yachting market. The 49th edition takes place from 8 to 13 September 2026 across the Vieux Port and Port Canto, covering motor yachts, sailing yachts, multihulls, large yachts, brokerage, equipment and marine services.

The organisers expect more than 680 exhibitors, around 700 boats from 5 to 50 metres, close to 150 world premieres and roughly 56,000 visitors. For anyone considering a boat purchase, Cannes is particularly valuable because new models, pre-owned yachts, technical solutions and market trends can all be compared within a very concentrated visit.

Cannes Yachting Festival 2026: dates and opening hours

The show runs from Tuesday 8 to Sunday 13 September 2026. Official visitor opening hours are:

Tuesday 8, Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10: 10:00–19:00.
Friday 11: 10:00–22:00, including the late opening.
Saturday 12: 10:00–19:00.
Sunday 13: 10:00–18:00.

If you are attending with a genuine purchase in mind, one day can be restrictive. Two days make it much easier to split the two harbours, book onboard visits and compare shortlisted boats properly.

Where is it held? Vieux Port and Port Canto

The festival is spread across two Cannes harbours. Each has a different focus, so it is worth organising appointments by area rather than repeatedly crossing between the two venues.

Vieux Port: motor yachts, launches and technology

The Vieux Port, beside the Palais des Festivals, is the main motor-yacht showcase. The organisers announce more than 350 boats roughly between 12 and 45 metres, alongside power catamarans, RIBs, tenders, marine equipment and services.

This is the priority area for buyers looking at flybridges, sport yachts, large open yachts, premium dayboats, superyachts and new launches from international shipyards. The main entrances are Palais des Festivals and Pantiero.

Port Canto: sailing, brokerage, powerboats and water toys

Port Canto brings together the Sailing Area, Power Boat Marina and Brokers & Toys Area. Monohull and multihull sailing yachts sit alongside smaller motorboats, large pre-owned yachts presented by brokers and a broad selection of water toys.

For buyers, this is especially useful because it allows a direct comparison between new and pre-owned boats, helping put depreciation, equipment levels and refit costs into context.

How large is the Cannes Yachting Festival?

Cannes is one of Europe’s largest in-water boat shows. For 2026, the organisers refer to more than 680 exhibitors, around 700 boats and close to 150 world premieres. The official exhibitor directory continues to expand as September approaches, so any brand list should be treated as live rather than final.

Its value is not just scale. In one visit you can move from a cruising sailboat to a catamaran, flybridge, tender, brokerage superyacht or a supplier of electronics and propulsion systems.

Shipyards, brokers and brands attending Cannes 2026

The official 2026 directory already features major names such as Azimut Yachts, Benetti, Bavaria Yachts, Cranchi Yachts, Cantiere delle Marche, Grand Banks Yachts and Palm Beach Motor Yachts. Brokerage companies listed include Burgess, BARNES Yachting and Arcon Yachts.

In sailing and multihulls, manufacturers and distribution networks connected with Bali, Beneteau, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Dufour and Excess are also represented. The final line-up can change before opening day, so check the exhibitor directory and book an appointment if a particular model matters to your trip.

Main themes and trends for the 2026 edition

1. World premieres and new models

Cannes traditionally opens the international autumn boat-show season and many shipyards use it for launches. Around 150 world premieres are expected in 2026.

These launches matter even to pre-owned buyers: they show which layouts, systems, propulsion choices and comfort features are beginning to move previous generations down the market.

2. Innovation Route: efficiency and sustainability

The 2026 Innovation Route runs through both Vieux Port and Port Canto, highlighting technical solutions and sustainable projects. Its awards cover four categories: best equipment improving navigation, best sustainable product, best innovative vessel and best CSR initiative.

It is particularly relevant for owners considering refits, energy savings, new materials, onboard energy management and the next generation of yacht systems.

3. Electrification, lower emissions and efficiency

The organisers themselves identify electrification, emissions reduction and new usage models as forces reshaping the sector. Cannes will feature more hybrid and electric concepts, efficiency improvements and systems intended to reduce consumption without abandoning performance.

Buyers should assess these technologies beyond the headline: real-world range, charging infrastructure, technical support, battery degradation, weight, replacement cost and residual value are all important.

4. Multihulls, sailing yachts and power catamarans

Multihulls remain a major part of the show. Port Canto concentrates the new sailing display while the Vieux Port includes power catamarans. Space, stability and efficiency explain much of the segment’s growth, although berth availability and marina costs should be considered before buying.

5. Brokerage and the pre-owned market

The brokerage area puts large used yachts alongside the new-boat market. It is an excellent reference point for comparing price, age, engine hours, equipment, maintenance and upgrade costs.

If you are actively looking, you can also compare Fontnautic’s used boats for sale and our guide to buying a boat.

How to get to the Cannes Yachting Festival

The main international airport is Nice Côte d’Azur. From Nice, Cannes can be reached by train, road or private transfer. Cannes SNCF station is in the town centre and within easy walking distance of the Vieux Port.

By road, the usual approach is via the A8 motorway. Traffic and parking can become difficult during the festival, so the train is often practical if you are staying outside Cannes.

How to organise your visit if you are buying a boat

Before travelling, make a short list of models and decide what you need to inspect: layout, headroom, visibility from the helm, engine-room access, service points, storage, range, tender arrangements, stabilisation and electronics.

A boat-show visit does not replace a technical inspection. If a specific yacht becomes a serious candidate, the next step is to review documentation, maintenance and history and, where appropriate, arrange an independent boat inspection and marine survey.

Buying a boat in Cannes and taking it to Spain

It is entirely possible, but flag, ownership, VAT status, CE documentation, encumbrances, deletion from registry, insurance, contract and logistics should all be checked before signing. The process can be very different for a new boat, a demonstrator or a pre-owned yacht.

Fontnautic can help coordinate yacht documentation and formalities and, where required, boat transport to Spain. On used boats, the asking price should always be considered alongside deferred maintenance, refit, electronics, haul-out and transport costs.

Practical tips for making the most of Cannes 2026

Book important visits: access to some yachts is restricted or appointment-only.
Plan each half-day by harbour: avoid wasting time moving repeatedly between Vieux Port and Port Canto.
Prioritise: reviewing 8–12 boats properly is more useful than trying to board everything.
Wear comfortable shoes and carry basic identification: you will walk a lot and some exhibitors qualify visitors before private viewings.
Compare written specifications: engines, generator, stabilisation, electronics, packages and optional equipment can materially change the real price.
Ask about availability and delivery: a show boat may already be sold, be a demonstrator or differ from the specification available for delivery.

Is the Cannes Yachting Festival worth visiting?

For a serious buyer, yes. Few European events allow such a concentrated comparison of motor yachts, sailing yachts, multihulls, large yachts, brokerage, equipment and innovation.

The key is to go with a clear objective and not make a purchase decision purely on the show experience. Cannes is excellent for shortlisting and comparison; the purchase decision should continue afterwards with documentation, market analysis and technical inspection.

Official Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 information

Dates: 8–13 September 2026
Location: Vieux Port and Port Canto, Cannes, France
Opening hours: Tuesday–Thursday 10:00–19:00; Friday 10:00–22:00; Saturday 10:00–19:00; Sunday 10:00–18:00.

Before travelling, always check the official Cannes Yachting Festival website, practical information, the current exhibitor list and the Innovation Route.

Cannes Yachting Festival 2026: dates, opening hours, brands and buyer’s guide