The annual Cannes Yachting Festival is back again this year. Between September 7 to 12, Cannes’ Vieux Port and Port Canto will be home to some of the world’s most prestigious yachts. Last year’s affair was cancelled due to the pandemic and boat builders are raring to showcase their creations and woo potential buyers.
This year’s event will be organised at two locations: Vieux Port and Port Canto. At the former, the harbour will play host to 450 prestigious new motorboats and yachts ranging from 3 to 45 metres in-water in length.
Set in the heart of the city of Cannes, Vieux Port is one of the oldest harbours on the French Riviera and the idyllic seafront view sets the stage for the event’s Luxury Gallery. At this dedicated space for everything luxury, visitors will be greeted with an eclectic range of exquisite products from some of the world’s most opulent brands.
Port Canto will bring 108 new boats from the range of 10 to 35 metres in length and 50 brokerage yachts over 22 metres. Within Port Canto, a Sailing Area brings together the leading players in the sailing industry to exhibit their greatest creations — both monohull and multihull — to the world.
As most of the world’s yachting shows were cancelled last year, the pent up demand to showcase at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival is unprecedented. The affair this year also promises the return to a new normal in the yachting world as did the world of fashion where physical runways are back in action.
Surrounded by the idyllic surroundings of the Mediterranean islands, here are some of the boats to look out for at the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival.
Azimut Grande Trideck
The superyacht’s most prominent feature is its Sea View Terrace that is a 30sqm deck that sits aft of and above the private patio on the main deck while also covering much of the 30sqm beach club. Other outdoor areas include the aft upper deck, which features the main outdoor dining area, a circular whirlpool tub and a large sunbathing area while taking in the vastness of the surrounding waters.
Sanlorenzo SD118
This four-deck yacht has asymmetric designs throughout and most showing of it is the side deck on port side on the upper deck, while the starboard side is like that of a wide-body hull. It also has a submersible swim platform and the drop-down sides provide a 19sqm beach club, which can be set up for diving and other watersports.
Jeanneau Yachts 60
Both the Classic and Cruiser models will be on display. The former will be more racing-oriented with a retractable hood and helm bimini. It lacks an arch so the deck is more streamlined and the cockpit is open to the rear without an aft bench or outdoor gallery, making it even sleeker.
The Cruiser version features a hardtop with a canvas sunroof that can be electronically controlled and an arch and hood fitted with Lexan which gives excellent forward visibility as though glass panels have been installed.
Wally WHY200
The 200GT Wally Hybrid Yacht is the first full wide-body by the innovative brand, which is part of Ferretti Group. It features a spectacular 4.7m-high glazed bow housing a stunning 37sqm master suite overlooking the sea, with a 270-degree view of the horizon — the aim is to create the sensation of floating above the water. The upper deck is also an extended structural top with no supporting pillars.
Riva 76’ Perseo Super
Designed by Officina Italiana Design founder Mauro Micheli, the new 76ft Sportfly has an 18ft beam and is also a multi-award-winning yacht. The 76’ has a sun deck of 4sqm in area and at the lower deck, three en-suite guest cabins are available, with a fourth being optional, and a small lounge and a galley.
Silent 60
The Silent 60 has a length of 18 metres and features a new high-performance hull with a reverse bow, while details include long window stripes on the hulls and more window surface overall. It is also fitted with 42 solar panels on the roof and hardtop, which can produce 17kWp. Furthermore, the yacht comes with the company’s aeration system that can cool down its interiors while the reverse-cycle has no problem providing warmth during colder months.
Beneteau Grand Trawler 62
The Grand Trawler 62 is the company’s largest model currently within the range of motorboats it offers. Fitted with two MAN i6 730hp engines, the motorboat can hit a cruising speed of eight knots with a 10 per cent fuel reserve. Italy’s Nauta Design handled the interior design of the yacht and focused on large living areas for guests to spend a long time on board.
For more information about the Cannes Yachting Festival, click here.