With less than a month left before the start of one of the world's largest yacht exhibitions, Yacht Harbour takes a look through the highlights of Cannes Yachting Festival 2019, that will see its 42nd edition from 10 to 15 September 2019.
Last year, the exhibition attracted 51 thousand visitors from all over the world, to witness 542 exhibitors who brought 638 boats to the Cote d'Azur, including 219 new models. This year, according to forecasts, the number of exhibitors will grow by 8%, to over 50 thousand visitors.
What’s on:
In 2019, the Cannes Yachting Festival will cover even larger spaces. The Port Canto, which hosted an exposition of water toys and brokerage superyachts last year, will be fully occupied this time, with its main part devoted to sailing vessels. The total length of the berths with sailing hulls only will make 400 meters, the same quantity will be left for catamarans. On the ground, 4,000 square metres will be provided for sailing yachts manufacturers, twice as much as last year.
Starting from September, the show will fully occupy the entire Gulf of Cannes, said Sylvie Ernoult, director of the festival. The water part of the sailing yachts exposition will increase by almost 30%, of the motor ones - by 10%. Their goal was to open the largest exhibition of sailing ships on the water in the world, she said.
In total, 120 sailing yachts between 10 to 35 metres in LOA will be displayed in the Port Canto. In addition, Skipper restaurant will open doors at the entrance of the sailing area, with a terrace to enjoy a view over the masts selection.
Every day from 10 to 11 in the morning it will be possible to enter the exhibition for free through the Port Canto (after registering on the official website). Meanwhile, Port Canto and the Old Port will be connected through regular RIBs shuttles, as it was in the previous years.
The entire Old Port will be divided into zones, where each one will be dedicated to yachts of a certain size category and assigned with a particular colour accordingly. For instants, ‘compact superyachts’ of 20–30 metres can be found in the blue Jetee zone, medium-sized boats of 14–20 metres will be found at the new Terrasse Pantiero pontoons. A separate pier (blue zone) will be allocated to motor catamarans, close by a new exhibition of boat engines. Furthermore, for superyachts of 30–50 metres in length, there is the Superyacht Extension.
What else on display except for yachts:
Take a look at the Luxher Gallery, located in a round building near the main entrance, for premium watches, jewellery and fashion accessories, as well as designer utensils, bedding, furniture and arts. The Yachting Café nearby will offer dishes by hereditary pastry chef, Mason Dalloyau, whose ancestors fed cakes of Louis XIV himself.
La Regata, the regatta of small catamarans will take place on September 12 and 13 for the first time. From the Port Canto, it will be possible to watch live athletes competing in the Gulf of Cannes, or even join one of the crews and participate in the competition.
On Friday, September 13, the exhibition will run on an extended schedule and close at 10 pm. Between the 19th and 22nd hours, a lot of parties will take place. The Ambassador of the Cannes Yachting Festival 2019, a sailing star, the winner of the last Vendee Globe, Armel Le Cléac’h, might also be seen there.
Another point of attraction, Concours d’Élégance parade demonstrating vintage boats will take place in the Old Port. Last year, the 1935 Triple Cockpit built by Hacker-Craft Shipyard won the main prize among vintage display items, while Cockwells titanium tender took ‘the most impressive modern boat’. This year's Concours d’Élégance will take place on September 14 at 16:00 local time.
Other interesting news is that in the near future, the organisers of the event might be changed. Since already two year, the copyright holders have been suing each other for the right to perform management duties, and the latest decision of the Paris court is not in favour of the current ones - Reed. The court upheld the demand of the French Maritime Industry Federation to cancel the post-contract clause, according to which the right to hold the festival until 2041 is assigned to Reed. The decision has not yet entered into force, with an appeal filed.
Below is the list of the 10 of the largest superyachts on display in 2019:
#10. Odyssey
Builder: Princess Yachts (2015)
Length: 40.16 m
Price: $ 17,453,500
Built by Princess Yachts in 2015 with a beam of 8 metres and a draft of 2.3 metres, Odyssey features a steel hull and GRP superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 395 tons. She is powered by MTU engines giving her a maximum speed of 23 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots. Odyssey's maximum range is estimated at 2,000 nautical miles. The motor yacht can accommodate 10 guests in 5 cabins with an interior design by Fendi Casa and an exterior design by Bernard Olesinski.
#9. The Majesty 140
Builder: Gulf Craft (2018)
Length: 43.1m
The Majesty 140 has been created by Gulf Craft’s own Design Studio. She offers accommodation on-board for up to 12 guests across five cabins, including a main-deck owner’s suite complete with a fold-out balcony and an en-suite Jacuzzi bathtub. Key interior materials include Italian leather, Onyx Costa Blanca marble and crystal door handles. The open-plan saloon on the main deck includes an L-shaped wrap of seating and a dining area for up to ten guests, while other key features include a superyacht beach club and a skylounge of 55 square metres. Majesty 140 features a top speed of 20 knots.
#8. Samhan
Builder: Overmarine (2008)
Length: 49.9m
Price: $ 17,500,000
Built by Overmarine in 2007, and hull #2 of the famous 165’ line, Samhan features interior and exterior design is by Stefano Righini, with a contemporary flair throughout the yacht. Able to welcome 10 guests, Samhan has five ensuite cabins, plus accommodation for a crew of 9. Powered by triple MTU 16V 4000 M90 engines, Samhan clocks impressive top speed of 40 knots, cruising at 30 knots, with a comfortable range of 600 nautical miles. In addition, she is trademarked with a shallow draft of 1.5 metres.
#7. Roe
Builder: Turquoise Yachts (2016)
Length: 47m
Previously named Razan, the motor yacht designed by H2 Design can accommodate 12 guests across 6 cabins. She is capable of a maximum speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots.
Roe features a full displacement steel hull and aluminium superstructure, with teak decks. She was built to ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) ✠A1, Yachting Service, E , ✠AMS classification society rules, and is MCA Compliant. Moreover, she is fitted with 'zero speed stabilisers' which work when the yacht is stationary, particularly in rough waters.
#6. Mangusta Gransport 45/01, the Project Capri
Builder: Overmarine (2019)
Length: 45.3m
The Project Capri features laid-back-style layout smoothly connecting various onboard areas. She features a spacious main deck, while the distinctive feature on this yacht is her upper deck, where the central living room is connected to both the stern, via large sliding glazed doors, and the forward sun bridge.
The sun bridge features an infinity pool with a waterfall and a Jacuzzi for up to 7 people. All the amenities are offered to up to 12 guests accommodated across 5 cabins. The yacht has a maximum speed of 26 knots, a range of 3,500 miles at 11 knots, and a draft of only 2.2 metres.
#5. Lilium
Builder: Bilgin (2019)
Length: 47.5m
Price: € 24,500,000
With a beam of 8.75 metres and a draft of 2.5 metres, the newest Bilgin has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. The second hull of Bilgin 156 series, she boasts a gross tonnage of 499 tons. The motor yacht can accommodate 10 guests in 5 cabins with an interior design by H2 Yacht Design and an exterior design by Unique Yacht Design.
She is powered by MTU engines of 1500 hp each giving her a maximum speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 11 knots. Lilium's maximum range is estimated at 5000 nautical miles.
#4. Cecilia
Builder: Wider (2018)
Length: 49.98 m
Price: € 30,000,000
With a beam of 9 metres and a draft of 1.98 metres, Cecilia has an aluminium hull and aluminium superstructure. Designed by Fulvio de Simoni, she can accommodate 12 guests in 5 cabins. Guests on board will appreciate the sizeable swimming pool in the transom, sophisticated bridge control panel, and sumptuous interior decor. Furthermore, Wider 165 can accommodate a 6-metre tender in the transom garage, along with a personal submarine.
The yacht is powered by MAN engines of 805 hp each giving her a maximum speed of 13 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots. Cecilia's maximum range is estimated at 5000 nautical miles.
#3. Blue Night
Builder: Benetti (2000)
Length: 50m
Price: € 10,950,000
Formerly known as Aquila, Blue Night was built by Benetti in 2000 with a beam of 9 metres and a draft of 2.84 metres. Stefano Natucci is responsible for her beautiful exterior and interior design, offering accommodation for up to 14 guests in 6 cabins, comprising a master suite, 2 double cabins and 2 twin cabins. She is also capable of carrying up to 10 crew onboard.
She is powered to a maximum speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 16 knots. In 2013, she underwent a significant refit.
#2. Andiamo
Builder: Baglietto (2017)
Length: 47.6 m
Price: € 23,950,000
She was built by Baglietto in 2017, featuring a beam of 9.5 metres and a draft of 2.65 metres. The yacht was designed by Francesco Paszkowski and built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 499 tons. She is powered by CAT engines of 1500 hp each, giving her a maximum speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots. Andiamo's maximum range is estimated at 4,500 nautical miles. The motor yacht can accommodate 12 guests in 6 cabins.
Builder: Dream Ship Victory (2013)
Length: 64.52 m
Price: € 32,000,000
The sailing superyacht was built by Dream Ship Victory in 2013. She boasts interior designs by Ken Freivokh and exterior styling by Valeriy Stepanenko.
With a beam of 10.5 metres, the vessel can accommodate 10 guests across 5 cabins. She has a maximum speed of 13 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots. Mikhail Vorontsov's maximum range is estimated at 2,950 nautical miles.
Florida-based MarineMax broker James Corts has facilitated the sale of a new Ocean Alexander 35R to longtime clients, marking their fourth yacht purchase through Corts in two years. The experienced owners, previously operating vessels between 60-88 feet, took delivery of the 35-foot model for private cruising in Florida waters.The buyers selected the 35R for its enclosed skylounge configuration, climate-controlled upper deck, and crew accommodation layout. "The 35R checked all their boxes with its refined design and comfortable living spaces," said Corts, who has represented Ocean Alexander at MarineMax Naples since 2021.Ocean Alexander's Head of Global Operations Dan Mundy acknowledged Corts' role in the transaction: "His continued success reflects deep industry knowledge and dedication to clients." The manufacturer did not disclose the sale price or delivery timeline for the semi-custom motor yacht.The 35R model features a three-stateroom layout with crew quarters, joining Ocean Alexander's Revolution series targeting owners downsizing from larger vessels. MarineMax remains the exclusive Ocean Alexander dealer for Florida's southwest coast, with Corts having closed multiple seven-figure transactions for the brand in 2024.This sale continues a trend of experienced owners transitioning to smaller, more manageable yachts with premium amenities. Ocean Alexander reports strong demand for its 27-42 foot models in the Florida market, particularly from repeat customers. The new owners plan to use the vessel exclusively for private family cruising.With a rich heritage spanning over 45 years, Ocean Alexander stands at theforefront of the yachting industry. Renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and dedication to luxury, Ocean Alexander continues to redefine the standards of luxury yachting, offering vessels that are both performance-oriented and comfortable.Credits: Ocean Alexander
May 22, 2025
Columbus Yachts has launched its new 42-meter Crossover model, M/Y Big Naan, at its Savona shipyard in Italy. The steel-hulled explorer with aluminum superstructure was built for an American owner, with construction supervised by owner's representative Trevor van Wyk and brokerage handled by Zarpo Yachts.Designed by Hydro Tec with interiors by Hot Lab, the Crossover 42 features explorer-style exterior lines with a bulbous bow and distinctive angular superstructure. The yacht accommodates 11 guests across four lower deck cabins and a full-beam master suite on the main deck featuring a central bed, walk-in wardrobe, office area and bathroom with separate shower compartment. Crew quarters provide for nine staff members.The aft deck combines leisure and functional spaces with a 17-square-meter swimming pool and tender storage served by a built-in crane. A beach club on the lower deck incorporates a hydraulic door and receives natural light through side windows and a glass-bottom pool. The yacht is powered by twin Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines delivering a maximum speed of 14 knots and transatlantic range exceeding 5,500 nautical miles at 10 knots.Columbus Yachts currently has four additional vessels under construction at Savona, including a Crossover 47 scheduled for 2027 delivery and two ISA Gran Turismo 45 Alloy hulls that will be completed at the company's Ancona facility. The shipyard did not disclose the build time or price for Big Naan, which will undergo sea trials before delivery to its owner.The Crossover 42 model represents Columbus Yachts' approach to compact explorer vessels, combining long-range capabilities with leisure amenities typically found on larger superyachts. The launch follows the 2023 delivery of the first Crossover 42, M/Y Dragon, and expands the Palumbo Group subsidiary's portfolio of explorer-style vessels.Technical features include two watermakers producing 8.6 cubic meters daily, 60 cubic meters of fuel capacity, and dual stabilizer systems for both underway and at-anchor use. The yacht's interior design emphasizes natural materials and functional spaces suited for extended cruising.Columbus Yachts was established in 2008. In early 2019, the shipyard launched the new flagship Columbus Classic 80m M/Y Dragon, which joins in the Columbus star-studded fleet with the award-winning Sport Hybrid 40 Divine, the 57m M/Y Taiba and the 40m M/Y Eleonora III. The Columbus range offers four different lines: Sport, Classic, Crossover and Custom for unique projects. Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples and Savona), operating under just as many world-renowned brand names: ISA Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine, Extra Yachts and Palumbo SY Refit.Credits: Columbus Yachts
May 22, 2025
Italian boatbuilder Capoforte has unveiled a special "Summer Edition" of its CX240 day cruiser, available as a limited production run until August 2025. The 7.5-meter model features a monochromatic white exterior with cognac-colored upholstery accents and a sunset gold-finished console, powered by a matching white Yamaha F200XCA2 200hp outboard engine.The design draws inspiration from Mediterranean coastal architecture, with Valentina Procopio, Head of Marketing at Capoforte, explaining: "The white palette reflects traditional lime-washed buildings while offering practical cooling benefits through sunlight reflection." Below deck, the cabin accommodates a double berth that maximizes the vessel's 2.5-meter beam, with optional toilet compartment availability. Natural light floods the interior through elongated side windows enhancing the connection to the marine environment.Functional elements include a convertible helm seat that extends the aft dinette and a retractable canopy providing sun protection across the cockpit area. The helm station maintains vertical positioning for improved ergonomics while operating.Priced comparably to standard CX240 models (base price €85,000), the Summer Edition targets both novice and experienced boaters for coastal day cruising. Capoforte will continue offering its standard color options - including Ulisse Blue and Sepia Black - alongside this temporary variant.The Antwerp-based builder specializes in sub-8-meter day boats with Mediterranean styling cues. The company has not disclosed production numbers for the limited edition, maintaining its policy of small-batch manufacturing. The CX240 platform remains one of Capoforte's most popular models, recognized for combining compact dimensions with cabin amenities uncommon in its size class.Sea trials conducted in Mediterranean conditions confirmed the Summer Edition maintains the standard model's seakeeping capabilities, including performance in choppy conditions. Delivery timelines remain consistent at 8-10 weeks from order confirmation.The limited edition will be displayed at select European boat shows throughout summer 2025, beginning with the Cannes Yachting Festival in September, where Capoforte plans to showcase both Summer and standard edition CX240s side-by-side.Capoforte has twenty years of experience in boatbuilding. Over one hundred people work at the building site of Roccelletta di Borgia, close to Catanzaro. The yards extend to a production area of 19,500 sq. m, of which 9,500 covered. Credits: Capoforte
May 22, 2025
Damen Yachting has commenced sea trials for its latest 53-meter Yacht Support vessel at its Antalya facility, following the yacht's launch last month. The trials mark the final phase before the vessel's scheduled completion in summer 2025.This represents the third unit of the YS53 model, following the 2024 deliveries of Bad Company Support 175 and Five Oceans. The YS53 series targets owners requiring multifunctional support vessels, featuring an axe bow design for improved seakeeping and high bow construction for deck protection.Project Manager Pim Oostra stated: "We are delighted this YS53 has started sea trials, an important step toward summer completion." The Antalya shipyard continues work on final outfitting during the testing period.Damen Yachting has delivered over 20 support vessels across its Yacht Support range. The YS53's design emphasizes operational reliability, with an aft deck configured for various tender and equipment deployments. No client details or delivery destination were disclosed for this third hull.The vessel's technical specifications remain consistent with previous YS53 models, though Damen hasn't confirmed whether this unit includes custom modifications. The sea trials will evaluate performance parameters ahead of the scheduled summer handover.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
May 21, 2025
Vripack has completed the interior concept for Burger Boat Company's new 55-meter superyacht, drawing on their 25-year collaboration with the Wisconsin shipbuilder. The design emphasizes natural materials, functional storage solutions, and adaptable lighting schemes for the custom-built vessel.The interior scheme features American walnut flooring and ceilings throughout, complemented by Calacatta Gold and Dark Emperador marble in guest bathrooms. Vripack prioritized maintaining sightlines through large picture windows while incorporating discreet storage units, particularly in the main salon. "Floor-to-ceiling windows are important, but shouldn't sacrifice functionality," said Vripack co-creative director Bart Bouwhuis.Lighting design forms a key element, with layered illumination including sconces, mini spots, and underlighting to transition from daytime to evening ambiance. The owner's stateroom employs a lighter color palette with customizable artwork displays, while guest areas feature Poltrona Frau furniture including Archibald armchairs.Storage solutions were expanded across all decks, addressing a common owner priority. The design maintains what Bouwhuis describes as "an easy-going foundation" with textured fabrics by Dedar and high-gloss finishes adding visual richness. Loose furniture selections include a Poliform Westside coffee table in the main saloon.The project continues Vripack's longstanding partnership with Burger, having previously collaborated on yachts including the mahogany-clad Ingot and the Slide Hull-equipped Burger 50 Cruiser. No delivery date was specified for the 180' model, which represents Burger's contemporary approach to custom yacht building.Vripack's design targets what Bouwhuis identifies as the typical Burger owner's priorities: "A vessel that's practical, comfortable, and tailored to their specific desires." The studio balanced aesthetic considerations with maintenance requirements and durability for extended cruising use.The Burger 180' interior marks another American-European collaboration for the Dutch designers, who have increasingly focused on storage optimization and transitional lighting schemes in recent superyacht projects. The yacht's technical specifications and propulsion details remain undisclosed at this stage of construction.Vripack is a yacht-design studio with a portfolio that represents over 7400 designs, made strong through its extensive naval architecture and engineering experience. From the moment they opened their doors in 1961, Vripack studio’s approach to design has been governed by the playful interaction between form and function.Credits: Vripack
May 21, 2025