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.
Royal Huisman has unveiled a 50-meter concept yacht named AERA. The design incorporates a wing sail system and fuel cell technology aimed at reducing emissions. The concept follows the shipyard's 2024 launch of Project Tidal Shift, an environmental initiative focused on ecological preservation.The yacht's wing sail, developed by Artemis Technologies and Rondal, measures 245 square meters and is capable of rotating 360 degrees. The unstayed wing sail system does not require traditional sails, sheets, blocks, or winches. Two electric motors inside the yacht rotate the mast, while hydraulic cylinders control adjustable flaps along its trailing edge.AERA is designed to operate under 500 gross tonnage. The concept results from a collaboration between Royal Huisman, Rondal, designer Cor D. Rover, and Artemis Technologies. The design allows the vessel to function under both sail and power.Royal Huisman previously delivered the world's first hybrid superyacht, Ethereal, in 2009. The shipyard states that AERA represents a continuation of its focus on integrating new technologies to address sustainability in yacht building.Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credit: Royal Huisman
September 17, 2025
Tankoa Yachts has completed the acquisition of the business division of Otam. The transaction, finalized in agreement with both companies' founding families, includes the Otam brand and its historic shipyard in Genoa. The dockyard facilities in Santa Margherita Ligure remain under the current ownership.The acquired Genoa facility comprises approximately 4,800 square meters of covered areas, 3,300 square meters of open-air spaces, and a water basin of nearly 10,000 square meters. Tankoa Yachts plans to implement a restructuring program that will include extending concessions, reorganizing the areas, and constructing new production sheds.The operation includes the integration of Otam's workforce into Tankoa Yachts. All employees are being transferred to ensure job continuity and to add new skills and experience to the shipyard.The Otam brand, with its existing heritage and international reputation, becomes part of Tankoa's portfolio. Tankoa Yachts stated it will preserve the brand's legacy while defining a strategy aligned with its long-term vision.This acquisition represents a continuation of the expansion project Tankoa Yachts presented at the beginning of 2025 and strengthens the company's presence in the Genoa region.Credits: Tankoa Yacht
September 17, 2025
Sanlorenzo will present a fleet of eight yachts at the 65th Genoa International Boat Show, scheduled from September 18 to 23, 2025. The exhibition will be headlined by the Italian public debut of the new SL110A model.SL110AThe 33-meter SL110A represents the latest evolution of the shipyard's asymmetrical line. Its exterior design was developed by Zuccon International Project, with interior spaces curated by Piero Lissoni. The yacht achieves a top speed of 27 knots. Notable features include an owner's suite spanning the vessel's full beam with direct access to a forward pool area.SL86AThe display will include several other models from Sanlorenzo's product lines. The Smart Performance series will be represented by the SP92 sports yacht. The asymmetrical line will feature both the SL86A and SL90A models. The semi-displacement range will include the SD90 and SD96, designed for flexible interior layouts. The SX100 and SX88 crossovers, blending flybridge motor yacht features with explorer yacht characteristics, will complete the presentation.SD90This extensive showcase marks Sanlorenzo's participation in one of Italy's principal nautical events. The shipyard's presence at the Genoa show underscores its continued focus on the domestic market and its diversified product portfolio. Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Guillaume Plisson; all provided by Sanlorenzo
September 17, 2025
Zeelander Yachts will present its new flagship model, the 24-meter Zeelander 8, for the first time at the Monaco Yacht Show 2025. The yacht will be located at berth C27 Quai Chicane during the event, which takes place from September 24 to 27.The yacht features a layout with social areas on the main deck, including lounging and dining spaces, along with a galley. The lower deck contains three guest cabins. The master stateroom is positioned amidships and includes windows and a headroom exceeding 2.1 meters. The first hull includes customized modifications, such as relocating the galley to the starboard side of the salon and integrating the bar area with the cockpit.The yacht is equipped with a large targa sunroof and retractable aft doors. Sound levels are reported to measure below 65 dBA at its full speed of 32 knots. The yacht can reach speeds of up to 40 knots with optional larger engines.Each hull is built to owner specifications, with customization handled by the shipyard's engineering team. The exterior design maintains the stylistic features consistent with other yachts in the Zeelander range.Zeelander Yachts was founded in 2002 in the Netherlands by Sietse Koopmans. The first model was unveiled to the public in 2008. The launch model Z44 received positive reviews at the Monaco Yacht Show and drew enormous crowds, despite being at an event dominated by much larger yachts. Within three years, the Z44 had been successfully introduced to the US as well as Europe, and it was an obvious direction to add a larger model to the fleet. The first Z55 was delivered in November 2015, and the flagship Z72 was launched in March 2019.Credit: Tom van Oossanen/Zeelander Yachts
September 16, 2025
Pearl Yachts has established a new French dealership, Pearl France, with an office in Antibes. The facility is located at Avenue de Verdun, 06600 Antibes, in the Port Vauban area. The office is operated by Cenk Efe, Founder and Director of the Mallorca Marine Group 1994, and will serve as the brand's exclusive representative in France.Iain Smallridge, Founder and Managing Director of Pearl Yachts, stated: “France has always been one of the most important markets for Pearl Yachts. With the opening of Pearl France, we are strengthening our presence in the Mediterranean’s most vibrant yachting hub. Cenk’s expertise and reputation are second to none, and we are confident that this new chapter will bring our boutique philosophy and unique approach even closer to every client and brand enthusiast based in France.”Iain Smallridge and Cenk Efe Cenk Efe, Director of Pearl France, added: “We are honoured to be launching Pearl France in Antibes. French clients value elegance, craftsmanship, innovation, and discretion; qualities that Pearl embodies in every detail. The response so far has been exceptional, and we look forward to growing the brand’s legacy along the Côte d’Azur and beyond.”This opening follows the establishment of Pearl Germany and Pearl Gulf earlier this year.Founded in 1998, Pearl Yachts has established itself as one of the UK’s leading shipyards, specializing in designing luxury motor yachts known for their voluminous interiors, opulence, and design excellence. Credits: Pearl Yachts
September 16, 2025