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 commenced work on Project 412, an 80-meter-plus sailing yacht for a repeat client. The full-aluminum vessel will rank among the largest sailing yachts built by the Dutch shipyard when completed.The yacht features a carbon rig supplied by Rondal, designed for performance sailing and global circumnavigation. While exterior details remain confidential, the project continues Royal Huisman's specialization in large-scale sailing superyachts.Jan Timmerman, CEO of Royal Huisman, stated: "We are honored to embark on this new super-sized sailing yacht project for a returning owner. Project 412 promises a true sailing experience while offering a distinctive and sustainable alternative to large powerboats."The construction reinforces Royal Huisman's position in the XXL sailing yacht segment. No delivery date or additional specifications were disclosed. The yard currently has multiple large sailing projects in progress at its Netherlands facilities.Project 412 will join Royal Huisman's portfolio of custom sailing superyachts, which includes several of the world's largest sailing vessels. The commission demonstrates continued demand for performance-oriented sailing yachts in the 80-meter-plus range.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.Credits: Royal Huisman
May 15, 2025
Sanlorenzo S.p.A. announced its Q1 2025 financial results, reporting €213.5 million in net revenues from new yacht sales, a 9.6% year-over-year increase. The company's EBITDA rose to €37.0 million (+8.5% YoY), while net profit reached €21.2 million (+8.0% YoY).The Superyacht Division grew by 10.4%, and Nautor Swan contributed €23.8 million in revenues. Geographically, the Americas saw a 40.6% increase, while Europe grew by 8.6%. The company’s backlog stands at €1.2 billion, with 89% of orders sold to final clients and deliveries scheduled through 2028.EBITDA margin slightly decreased to 17.3% (from 17.5% in Q1 2024), attributed to the Nautor Swan acquisition. Excluding this effect, profitability would have improved. EBIT increased by 4.2% to €26.8 million, maintaining a 12.6% margin.Net financial position shifted to -€28.1 million due to seasonal working capital needs ahead of the Mediterranean delivery season (May-July). The company also repurchased €3.7 million in treasury shares and acquired 60% of AF Arturo Foresti S.r.l. for €0.7 million.Order intake in Q1 2025 reached €178.1 million (+5.9% YoY), reinforcing confidence in the Sanlorenzo, Bluegame, and Nautor Swan brands. The company confirmed its 2025 guidance, citing strong demand with waiting lists extending to 2028.Massimo Perotti, Chairman and CEO, stated: *"Our business model – unique in the international yachting landscape – continues to deliver excellent profitability and long-term visibility. We are reinforcing leadership in the 30 to 50-metre segment, supported by a sophisticated client base and semi-custom production."*Perotti noted that only 5% of revenues come from yachts under 30 meters, minimizing exposure to potential U.S. tariff risks. The company remains optimistic about sustainable growth and value creation.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: Sanlorenzo
May 15, 2025
Wally has completed sea trials for its new wallyrocket51 racing yacht, marking the Ferretti Group brand's first dedicated race boat design. The 15.5-meter (51-foot) yacht demonstrated performance capabilities during testing off Valencia ahead of its competitive debut at the ORC National Championship in Sorrento earlier this month.Developed as a one-design class optimized for both IRC and ORC racing formats, the wallyrocket51 incorporates several technical innovations. Naval architecture by Botin Partners features a 6,250kg displacement hull with 640-liter water ballast tanks and pre-preg carbon construction with Corecell and Nomex cores. The design includes a 94-square-meter square-top mainsail and 265-square-meter gennaker, delivering 360 square meters of downwind sail area."The market is splitting between owners who want to cruise and those who want to race professionally," said Wally founder Luca Bassani. "We decided to build a one-design boat at around 50 feet, which ended up at 51 feet." The strict one-design rules aim to maintain competitive parity while extending the model's racing lifespan.The yacht's development team included 28-time world champion Vasco Vascotto and Guillermo Parada, who consulted on performance characteristics. "We wanted to create a boat that could make owners and sailors happy - faster than anything else out there, with a controllable budget," Vascotto stated. Early testing showed strong upwind pointing ability and downwind speed, with Parada noting the yacht's "taller rig relative to its size" incorporates recent technological developments.Key operational features include:Convertible between electric-powered one-design and manual-powered IRC/ORC configurationsWater ballast system allowing 6-7 second side-to-side transfersReduced crew requirement of 11 sailorsRemovable hydraulic systems for rating optimizationThe wallyrocket51 dominated its first competitive outing at the ORC Central and Southern Tyrrhenian National Championship, winning three of four races. The model is scheduled to compete in the Cowes-Dinard-Saint Malo race, Admiral's Cup, and Fastnet Race this summer.Wally has not disclosed production numbers or pricing for the wallyrocket51 class. The yacht represents the brand's strategic shift toward dedicated racing models alongside its cruising-oriented offerings. Santa Maria Magnolfi design studio incorporated signature Wally styling elements including an inverted sheerline and distinctive stern design while maintaining racing functionality.Pure Design & Engineering oversaw construction at a specialist racing yacht yard, with particular attention to weight management. Adolfo Carrau of Botin Partners noted the design's offshore capabilities, stating the yacht was "engineered since day 1 for offshore races" despite its light displacement.The wallyrocket51 will next appear at the 2025 European racing circuit, with Wally anticipating strong interest from both professional campaigns and owner-driver programs.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credit: Ferretti Group
May 15, 2025
German yacht builder YYachts has launched the Y6, a 20-meter sailing yacht designed for single-handed or short-handed operation. The carbon-epoxy constructed vessel combines customizable layouts with performance-focused engineering for autonomous cruising.The Y6 offers owners configuration options including three or four cabins, an office space, crew quarters, or a customized owner's suite. Interior materials include oak, walnut, and mahogany, with clients permitted to employ external designers. All sailing controls are accessible from the helm station, with an optional Y on Watch system providing remote technical support.An electric propulsion system is available alongside conventional options. The lightweight composite construction maintains performance in light winds while preventing interior odors, according to the builder."The Y6 is for those who want to sail independently, but without any compromise in design, comfort or performance," said YYachts founder Michael Schmidt.The yacht targets the 60-65 foot market segment, though pricing and delivery timelines remain undisclosed. The model joins YYachts' portfolio of minimalist sailing yachts, continuing the brand's emphasis on customizable, performance-oriented designs.No specific performance data or range estimates were provided for the new model. The Y6 represents the company's latest response to demand for owner-operated luxury sailing vessels.YYachts is a German shipyard that builds carbon sailing yachts between 70 and 100 feet in length. The portfolio consists of the Y7, Y8 and Y9 models; the Custom Division implements completely individual designs.Credits: YYachts
May 14, 2025
VisionF Yachts has unveiled interior details of its VISIONF 101, a 30.7-meter aluminum power catamaran currently under construction at the Turkish shipyard. The vessel, scheduled for launch in autumn 2025, represents the builder's largest project to date and will be the first aluminum catamaran of its size built to RINA Commercial Class standards.The VISIONF 101 features a shallow 1.45-meter draft designed for coastal cruising and access to secluded bays. Accommodation includes four guest cabins, with the owner's suite spanning 29.5 square meters across half of the starboard hull. The layout provides an 18-square-meter bedroom, 6.5-square-meter dressing room, and 5-square-meter ensuite bathroom. Three additional guest cabins continue the neutral-toned interior design scheme.Main saloonThe catamaran offers 132 square meters of flybridge space and a 103-square-meter main saloon. Crew accommodation consists of three cabins for five staff members. A 76-square-meter foredeck features an integrated cinema system, while the superstructure incorporates curved glass elements to maximize natural light.Main saloonPower comes from four Volvo Penta IPS 1350 engines producing a combined 4,000 hp, enabling a top speed of 17 knots. The roof utilizes Glass Fibre Reinforced Polyester construction to reduce weight.Owner cabinVisionF Yachts currently has eight models in production, including electric and aluminum catamarans ranging from 14 to 47 meters. The company has not disclosed pricing or ownership details for the VISIONF 101 project. The RINA Commercial Class certification indicates potential charter use, though operational plans remain unconfirmed.The vessel's design emphasizes maneuverability in both open water and coastal conditions, with the shipyard describing it as combining "comfort, luxury and refined aesthetics" for extended cruising. VisionF Yachts in Turkey was set up by Coşkun Bayraktar in Istanbul in 2019, but despite the shipyard’s relative youth it is a brand that is going places in the power catamaran world. In November 2020, VisionF Yachts debuted its first vessel, the VisionF 80. Credits: VisionF Yachts
May 14, 2025