BOATPro data indicates a 70 per cent increase in the number of larger yachts (40 metres and above) due to appear at the Cannes Yachting Festival when compared to last year’s figures.
In 2023, there were 10 yachts at the show measuring 40 metres or above, while this year, that figure is already up to 17. The trend appears to be in continuation from last year, where visiting yards and brokers suggested an increasing consumer interest in the larger size segments. However, there have yet to be any confirmed yachts above 50 metres attending this year’s show, where last year had two.
Attending yachts by size segments
24m – 30m: 44
30 – 40m: 37
40 – 50m: 17
Looking at the complete lineup, 98 yachts are due to appear across Vieux Port and Port Canto this year, with several last-minute entries expected to be announced in the coming weeks. This will likely bring 2024’s performance closer in line with 2023, which saw 109 yachts in attendance.
As ever, motor yachts are expected to make up the lion’s share of yachts on display in Cannes with just three confirmed sailing yachts (24 metres and above) in attendance – a significant decline from 12 last year. Still, the yachts on display represent a number of key industry innovations, such as Nautor Swan’s first hybrid sailing yacht, the 28.3-metre Swan 88 Dreamcatcher, in her global debut. The yacht has been designed for both performance and comfort, featuring "feminine exterior lines" penned by veteran Swan designer German Frers.
According to BOATPro, the average LOA is 5.1 per cent higher this year at 32.9 metres, and the average GT is 15.6 per cent higher at 222GT. The biggest new yacht set to appear at this year’s show is currently the 45-metre Go, the first of Tankoa’s T450 series. The yacht will be marking her global debut in Cannes after being delivered to her North American owner earlier this year (2024).
This year has also seen a spike in the number of debuting yachts, which has increased from 18 in 2023 to 24 so far in 2024. In addition to Go, some of the biggest include Cantiere delle Marche’s first Flexplorer 146 yacht, the 44.3-metre Maverick, as well as the second Columbus Atlantique 43 yacht, Frette.
Additional debuts include Ocean King’s first Doge 400 GT yacht Lori – with BOATPro indicating a second unit in the series already in construction – and Telli, the first hull from Custom Line’s Navetta 38 series, a reinvention of the brand’s popular Navetta 37 series.
"With two weeks to go until the Festival opens, we can’t wait to see our visitors and exhibitors," said festival director Sylvie Ernoult. "As has been the case every year, the Cannes Yachting Festival gets the season underway by unveiling an extremely eclectic offer. We will be proud to welcome nearly 700 boats including 120 world premiers and 640 exhibitors. Our visitors will be able to see the crème de la crème of the marine industry, with the most famous boat builders and equipment manufacturers, as well as newcomers to the industry, who all come to present their designs."
Read More/The new yachts you can’t miss at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024