Cannes Yachting Festival Debuting Superyachts to See

Many large-yacht exhibitors and buyers consider the Cannes Yachting Festival the kick-off to boat-show season. The event, which dates back to 1977, runs from September 12 to 17 this year. Among the thousands of in-water displays, you’ll find tenders and toys, powerboats, sailboats, and of course superyachts. Make these Cannes Yachting Festival debuting superyachts must-visits when you go.

Arcadia Yachts was among the first to embrace the shippy styling revolution that has become prevalent these days. The A96 continues the A Line tradition of having a high bow, geometric superstructure looks, and transformable alfresco areas. However, the megayacht marks Arcadia Yachts’ first collaboration with Igor Lobanov, for interior design. Expect heightened sophistication, within a still-energy-conscious craft. You’ll therefore find embedded solar panels within some of the glass.

Gulf Craft’s Majesty Yachts division is debuting this motoryacht, whose looks come from the Dutch design company Phathom Studio. Amid her six staterooms, the master certainly stands out, with 161 square feet (15 square meters) of space. It also has a skylight that’s actually the bottom of the foredeck pool. The trideck’s interior overall has a midcentury modern vibe.

The first Ducale 120, whose owner christened her Vãyus, reflects Ocean King’s background in commercial shipbuilding. Simultaneously, she reflects its Italian heritage, with striking design details throughout. An extraordinary 2,691 square feet (250 square meters) of alfresco space caters to relaxation and entertaining, featuring two pools. Since the Ducale 120 emphasizes exploring the world, Ocean King says she sees a best range of 7,500 nautical miles with twin MAN engines.

Among the Cannes Yachting Festival debuting superyachts, few have a more fitting name than the first Pershing GTX116. Her owner christened this 35-knot craft Caffeine. The GTX116 introduces new exterior styling for Pershing, plus a new focus. Specifically, the yacht blends the hallmark sport-fly style with more family-friendly utilization of space inside and out. The five-stateroom layout pairs with about 1,615 square feet (150 square meters) of outdoor areas, much of which flows uninterrupted to the interior.

Although one of the smallest Cannes Yachting Festival debuting superyachts, the Y80 is big on amenities. Princess Yachts provides three configurations for just the main aft deck, in fact. If you’re a traditionalist, go for a typical U-shape table and benchseating, plus stowage for two SeaBobs. But, chances are you’ll like the “infinity cockpit,” with a glass bulkhead aft. It also includes a table and two settees that slide electrically to become a casual dining spot or an equally casual seating area.

Pledging a 20-knot cruising speed, the crossover-like SX100 relies on quadruple Volvo Penta IPS engines. This means much more space for guests below decks compared to other diesel engines. All staterooms, including the master, are on this deck. The expansive transom space can convert from a watertoy-stowage spot to a beach club in minutes, too.

As much as the Cannes Yachting Festival debuting superyachts will be popular, you can visit exhibitors embracing eco-friendly methods, too. The show organizers have created a Green Route, with a corresponding logo, delineating them. Some of these exhibitors include electric-only watertoys, engines running on alternative fuel, and companies specializing in more environmentally friendly construction.

Finally, you can take advantage of VIP visitor packages. The Riviera e-ticket provides two of you access over all six days. Upon arriving at the Nice airport, a helicopter can take you directly to the show. A concierge will arrange private visits to the yachts of most interest to you, including using the VIP water taxis between the two ports. Additionally, you receive a guided tour of the show via boat. You further get priority use of the courtesy cars, a lunch at one of the restaurants, and access to the VIP clubs in both ports. The VIP e-ticket, meanwhile, is valid for either one or all six days of the show. Benefits include using the VIP entrances and VIP clubs, along with the courtesy car service and VIP water taxis.

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