Cannes Yachting Festival completed its 8–13 September programme across Vieux Port and Port Canto, with the organiser now reporting more than 710 boats and yachts and 56,600 visitors. For buyers comparing craft from 12 to 23.99 metres, the two-harbour format provides a useful view across motor and sailing designs.

A six-day market snapshot

The festival’s official post-show website lists more than 680 exhibitors alongside the fleet and visitor figures. Those reported totals describe the event as a whole, including boats both below and above Luxury Yacht Guide’s editorial length range.

The figures should not be treated as a count of sub-24m yachts or completed sales. Displayed vessels, attendance and transactions are different measures, and the organiser does not publish a sale for each exhibit.

Two harbours with different roles

Vieux Port concentrates much of the motor-yacht display, while Port Canto hosts sailing craft and other sectors including the brokerage and tender areas. Visitors can consider different hull forms, deck plans and practical onboard space within the same itinerary.

A static yacht display is a chance to shortlist, not proof of a particular range, speed or long-term maintenance cost. A properly arranged sea trial and independent survey still matter before purchase.

What matters to a 12–23.99m owner

For this part of the market, berth dimensions, crew arrangements, cabin use and local service support are often more useful comparison points than the largest headline yacht at the show. A builder’s official model data should be matched to the actual production year and chosen options.

Suppliers and equipment exhibitors are also relevant to current owners considering navigation, power or interior updates. Individual equipment integration requires the yard or qualified contractor to check compatibility.

Looking to the next edition

The official programme identifies 7–12 September 2027 for the festival’s fiftieth edition. That is a future date rather than a confirmed list of boats, launches or sales, which will be announced separately.

The 2026 summary and matching official festival photograph are sourced to the event organiser. This independent article focuses on its relevance to the luxury-yacht sector rather than repeating competitor coverage.

Primary source: Cannes Yachting Festival official report. Independently written by Luxury Yacht Guide.