Held from September 8-13, 2015, the 38th Cannes Yachting Festival closed another successful show. With over 50,000 visitors, numbers were stable compared to the previous year, and this in spite of the stormy weather on the final morning.
In addition to the high visitor numbers, the show has great appeal for sector professionals, and is now a date not to be missed on the international events calendar due to its quality and the volume of business generated.
The wide range of boats, services and equipment presented by the 496 exhibitors, the exhibition date, the two ports of the city of Cannes, France and all that it has to offer, a near 50 per cent international visitor base, the presence of journalists from all around the world and various sea trials make the Cannes Yachting Festival the major event of the start of the season for the global nautical industry.
As the nautical industry enters the autumn season, the Cannes Yachting Festival has again set the standard for innovation, new trends and product launches. Visitors had an exclusive preview of some 85 new motor and sailing craft, both single and multihull, from five to 46 metres, launched by the world’s biggest shipyards. Sea trials were offered for 80 per cent of the boats again this year, which is a major sales catalyst.
Eco responsibility was a major trend in terms of boatyards and equipment suppliers at this year’s event. Whether it’s boats with an innovative and less fuel-hungry design, lighter equipment or new propulsion systems, trade buyers are moving towards greener, more environmentally friendly products.
The Cannes Yachting Festival launched its first concours d’elegance. The parade was held at the Vieux Port right in the centre of the show and was watched by a jury of industry professionals and enthusiasts, treating visitors and journalists to a rare spectacle of vintage and modern day boats honouring the rich heritage of pleasure boating.
The Yachting Festival sealed new partnerships with prestigious brands including Jeep, Fred, the Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel, Martinez and Wijet. These leading names confirm the superior calibre of this event. These new partners join existing festival faithfuls Lise Charmel, Ethimo, Musto, Azur Helicoptère, Wajer & Wajer and Tohatsu Fenwick.
A new VIP programme, the Carte Riviera, was created to provide a tailor-made experience for demanding visitors. Holders of this card had access to exclusive services, such as visiting the Cannes Yachting Festival on board one of the organisation’s boats, a tour of the most beautiful craft on show, a direct helicopter transfer to the Vieux Port heliport and access to the concierge service, VIP Club and courtesy Jeeps.
At a press conference held at the Port Pierre Canto, the Cannes Yachting Festival announced that a new space called La Terrasse would be opening at next year’s event. This space will be exclusively for international luxury brands, a chance to rub shoulders with the biggest names in the nautical industry and present their products to a highly select visitor base.
Visitors will be able to explore a range of different worlds: automobile, private aviation, fashion houses, watch-making, jewellery, prestige property, interior design and cuisine. Located on the roof of the Palais des Festivals, the new space will offer a unique panoramic view west over the boats and yachts on show in the Vieux Port and east over the Bay of Cannes, with its Croisette, grand hotels and their private beaches.
Cannes Yachting Festival in figures
• 496 exhibitors (57 per cent international)
• 570 boats from 5m to 46m
• 166 new boats and yachts launched, 85 as a world preview
• 45 charter and second-hand boats on show
• Over 50,000 visitors from five continents
• 10km of boats
• 3km of floating pontoons