The Cannes Yachting Festival 2024 dazzled the Vieux Port and Port Canto with an exhibition of more than 700 sailing and motorboat models in a demonstration of innovation, luxury and design, with a special focus on sustainability and immersive experiences.
Several shipyards took advantage of the French event to showcase their progress towards a greener industry, presenting their hybrid and electric propulsion vessels at the nautical gathering that has been held since 1977. Hybrid propulsion systems - electric and diesel engines - significantly reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Also on display were yachts with integrated solar panels that generate energy to power on-board auxiliary systems without the need to start the engines.
Manufacturers such as Sunreef Yachts and Arcadia Yachts stood out by showcasing vessels that incorporate sustainable technologies, such as the Sunreef 80 Eco designed with environmentally friendly materials and equipped with high-performance batteries and an integrated solar power system.
Special emphasis was also placed on eco-friendly design, with the use of recyclable materials in the construction process and systems to reduce the environmental impact during the yacht's operation. New fuels such as hydrogen and biofuels were presented as future alternatives.
Sustainability was one of the main topics for shipyards at the Cannes Yachting Festival.
Tailor-made
The yachting industry has always been about customization, and this was another aspect on display at Cannes. The growing trend for "bespoke" yachts allowed owners and potential buyers to work closely with designers and shipyards to create one-of-a-kind vessels tailored to their tastes and preferences. The Bespoke Luxury Yacht Zone provided a space where attendees could learn about examples of customization, from opulent interiors with exclusive materials to unique deck configurations, custom pools, hot tubs and integrated entertainment areas.
Brands such as Sanlorenzo and Benetti showcased their ability to offer not only high-end yachts, but also the ability to configure every detail, from layout to décor style. The ability to design wellness spaces, such as onboard gyms and spas, or integrate cutting-edge technology, such as advanced home automation, has pushed this market towards greater exclusivity.
Innovation in smaller boats
For the first time at this edition, an area of more than 21,500 square feet and 985 feet of dock were used to display more than 170 boats of up to 42.6 ft., including 140 in the water and thirty on land, with rigid or semi-rigid hulls. In addition to the boats, outboard motors were on display on land.
With the increasing demand for more affordable and versatile yachts, the shipyards paid special attention to offering models that combine luxury with greater maneuverability and lower operating costs.
This segment is ideal not only for new owners, but also for those looking for coastal cruising or a more agile and flexible experience on the water.
The Solaris Power 44 Open and the DeAntonio D50 Coupé stand out for their intelligent design that maximizes the use of space and offers a high level of comfort and technology without compromising performance. Innovations in this segment included improvements in fuel efficiency, intelligent navigation systems and greater adaptability to different sailing conditions.
Immersive experience
Another novel attraction was the integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, which offered visitors a completely new way to experience yachts. Various yards and brands allowed visitors to take virtual tours of their vessels, allowing them to visualize and tour them in 3D without physically being on board.
These experiences offered not only an immersive preview of the yachts' interiors and exteriors, but also real-time customization options. Participants were able to change colors, materials and layouts while virtually navigating the vessel.
These tools not only streamline the buying process, but also enhance the builders' ability to showcase a greater number of models without having to physically carry all the boats.
Yacht-builders showed their hybrid and electric boats at the nautical event, which has been held since 1977.
And the winner is...
Alongside the Cannes Yachting Festival, the World Yachts Trophies were awarded to the most outstanding models of the year. One of the most important awards went to the 400-ft. superyacht Kismet, built and chartered by Lürssen, named Yacht of the Year 2024, in addition to awards for Best Interior Design, Best Layout and Best Yacht Achievement. This impressive vessel features extreme luxury and on-board amenities, including an indoor movie theater, spa, gym and entertainment areas, making it a benchmark for indulgence in the yachting world.
Other awards went to innovative models in various categories such as sustainability and design. Among them, the Sanlorenzo SP92 was praised for its focus on energy efficiency and respect for the environment, with a design that minimizes ecological impact. The Azimut Seadeck 7, with its hybrid technology, was also praised for reducing carbon emissions by up to 40%, reinforcing the trend towards more sustainable sailing.
Text: Amura ± Photo: Cannes Yachting Festival