With less than a month left before the start of one of the world's largest yacht exhibitions, Yacht Harbour takes a look through the highlights of Cannes Yachting Festival 2019, that will see its 42nd edition from 10 to 15 September 2019.
Last year, the exhibition attracted 51 thousand visitors from all over the world, to witness 542 exhibitors who brought 638 boats to the Cote d'Azur, including 219 new models. This year, according to forecasts, the number of exhibitors will grow by 8%, to over 50 thousand visitors.
What’s on:
In 2019, the Cannes Yachting Festival will cover even larger spaces. The Port Canto, which hosted an exposition of water toys and brokerage superyachts last year, will be fully occupied this time, with its main part devoted to sailing vessels. The total length of the berths with sailing hulls only will make 400 meters, the same quantity will be left for catamarans. On the ground, 4,000 square metres will be provided for sailing yachts manufacturers, twice as much as last year.
Starting from September, the show will fully occupy the entire Gulf of Cannes, said Sylvie Ernoult, director of the festival. The water part of the sailing yachts exposition will increase by almost 30%, of the motor ones - by 10%. Their goal was to open the largest exhibition of sailing ships on the water in the world, she said.
In total, 120 sailing yachts between 10 to 35 metres in LOA will be displayed in the Port Canto. In addition, Skipper restaurant will open doors at the entrance of the sailing area, with a terrace to enjoy a view over the masts selection.
Every day from 10 to 11 in the morning it will be possible to enter the exhibition for free through the Port Canto (after registering on the official website). Meanwhile, Port Canto and the Old Port will be connected through regular RIBs shuttles, as it was in the previous years.
The entire Old Port will be divided into zones, where each one will be dedicated to yachts of a certain size category and assigned with a particular colour accordingly. For instants, ‘compact superyachts’ of 20–30 metres can be found in the blue Jetee zone, medium-sized boats of 14–20 metres will be found at the new Terrasse Pantiero pontoons. A separate pier (blue zone) will be allocated to motor catamarans, close by a new exhibition of boat engines. Furthermore, for superyachts of 30–50 metres in length, there is the Superyacht Extension.
What else on display except for yachts:
Take a look at the Luxher Gallery, located in a round building near the main entrance, for premium watches, jewellery and fashion accessories, as well as designer utensils, bedding, furniture and arts. The Yachting Café nearby will offer dishes by hereditary pastry chef, Mason Dalloyau, whose ancestors fed cakes of Louis XIV himself.
La Regata, the regatta of small catamarans will take place on September 12 and 13 for the first time. From the Port Canto, it will be possible to watch live athletes competing in the Gulf of Cannes, or even join one of the crews and participate in the competition.
On Friday, September 13, the exhibition will run on an extended schedule and close at 10 pm. Between the 19th and 22nd hours, a lot of parties will take place. The Ambassador of the Cannes Yachting Festival 2019, a sailing star, the winner of the last Vendee Globe, Armel Le Cléac’h, might also be seen there.
Another point of attraction, Concours d’Élégance parade demonstrating vintage boats will take place in the Old Port. Last year, the 1935 Triple Cockpit built by Hacker-Craft Shipyard won the main prize among vintage display items, while Cockwells titanium tender took ‘the most impressive modern boat’. This year's Concours d’Élégance will take place on September 14 at 16:00 local time.
Other interesting news is that in the near future, the organisers of the event might be changed. Since already two year, the copyright holders have been suing each other for the right to perform management duties, and the latest decision of the Paris court is not in favour of the current ones - Reed. The court upheld the demand of the French Maritime Industry Federation to cancel the post-contract clause, according to which the right to hold the festival until 2041 is assigned to Reed. The decision has not yet entered into force, with an appeal filed.
Below is the list of the 10 of the largest superyachts on display in 2019:
#10. Odyssey
Builder: Princess Yachts (2015)
Length: 40.16 m
Price: $ 17,453,500
Built by Princess Yachts in 2015 with a beam of 8 metres and a draft of 2.3 metres, Odyssey features a steel hull and GRP superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 395 tons. She is powered by MTU engines giving her a maximum speed of 23 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots. Odyssey's maximum range is estimated at 2,000 nautical miles. The motor yacht can accommodate 10 guests in 5 cabins with an interior design by Fendi Casa and an exterior design by Bernard Olesinski.
#9. The Majesty 140
Builder: Gulf Craft (2018)
Length: 43.1m
The Majesty 140 has been created by Gulf Craft’s own Design Studio. She offers accommodation on-board for up to 12 guests across five cabins, including a main-deck owner’s suite complete with a fold-out balcony and an en-suite Jacuzzi bathtub. Key interior materials include Italian leather, Onyx Costa Blanca marble and crystal door handles. The open-plan saloon on the main deck includes an L-shaped wrap of seating and a dining area for up to ten guests, while other key features include a superyacht beach club and a skylounge of 55 square metres. Majesty 140 features a top speed of 20 knots.
#8. Samhan
Builder: Overmarine (2008)
Length: 49.9m
Price: $ 17,500,000
Built by Overmarine in 2007, and hull #2 of the famous 165’ line, Samhan features interior and exterior design is by Stefano Righini, with a contemporary flair throughout the yacht. Able to welcome 10 guests, Samhan has five ensuite cabins, plus accommodation for a crew of 9. Powered by triple MTU 16V 4000 M90 engines, Samhan clocks impressive top speed of 40 knots, cruising at 30 knots, with a comfortable range of 600 nautical miles. In addition, she is trademarked with a shallow draft of 1.5 metres.
#7. Roe
Builder: Turquoise Yachts (2016)
Length: 47m
Previously named Razan, the motor yacht designed by H2 Design can accommodate 12 guests across 6 cabins. She is capable of a maximum speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots.
Roe features a full displacement steel hull and aluminium superstructure, with teak decks. She was built to ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) ✠A1, Yachting Service, E , ✠AMS classification society rules, and is MCA Compliant. Moreover, she is fitted with 'zero speed stabilisers' which work when the yacht is stationary, particularly in rough waters.
#6. Mangusta Gransport 45/01, the Project Capri
Builder: Overmarine (2019)
Length: 45.3m
The Project Capri features laid-back-style layout smoothly connecting various onboard areas. She features a spacious main deck, while the distinctive feature on this yacht is her upper deck, where the central living room is connected to both the stern, via large sliding glazed doors, and the forward sun bridge.
The sun bridge features an infinity pool with a waterfall and a Jacuzzi for up to 7 people. All the amenities are offered to up to 12 guests accommodated across 5 cabins. The yacht has a maximum speed of 26 knots, a range of 3,500 miles at 11 knots, and a draft of only 2.2 metres.
#5. Lilium
Builder: Bilgin (2019)
Length: 47.5m
Price: € 24,500,000
With a beam of 8.75 metres and a draft of 2.5 metres, the newest Bilgin has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. The second hull of Bilgin 156 series, she boasts a gross tonnage of 499 tons. The motor yacht can accommodate 10 guests in 5 cabins with an interior design by H2 Yacht Design and an exterior design by Unique Yacht Design.
She is powered by MTU engines of 1500 hp each giving her a maximum speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 11 knots. Lilium's maximum range is estimated at 5000 nautical miles.
#4. Cecilia
Builder: Wider (2018)
Length: 49.98 m
Price: € 30,000,000
With a beam of 9 metres and a draft of 1.98 metres, Cecilia has an aluminium hull and aluminium superstructure. Designed by Fulvio de Simoni, she can accommodate 12 guests in 5 cabins. Guests on board will appreciate the sizeable swimming pool in the transom, sophisticated bridge control panel, and sumptuous interior decor. Furthermore, Wider 165 can accommodate a 6-metre tender in the transom garage, along with a personal submarine.
The yacht is powered by MAN engines of 805 hp each giving her a maximum speed of 13 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots. Cecilia's maximum range is estimated at 5000 nautical miles.
#3. Blue Night
Builder: Benetti (2000)
Length: 50m
Price: € 10,950,000
Formerly known as Aquila, Blue Night was built by Benetti in 2000 with a beam of 9 metres and a draft of 2.84 metres. Stefano Natucci is responsible for her beautiful exterior and interior design, offering accommodation for up to 14 guests in 6 cabins, comprising a master suite, 2 double cabins and 2 twin cabins. She is also capable of carrying up to 10 crew onboard.
She is powered to a maximum speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 16 knots. In 2013, she underwent a significant refit.
#2. Andiamo
Builder: Baglietto (2017)
Length: 47.6 m
Price: € 23,950,000
She was built by Baglietto in 2017, featuring a beam of 9.5 metres and a draft of 2.65 metres. The yacht was designed by Francesco Paszkowski and built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 499 tons. She is powered by CAT engines of 1500 hp each, giving her a maximum speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots. Andiamo's maximum range is estimated at 4,500 nautical miles. The motor yacht can accommodate 12 guests in 6 cabins.
Builder: Dream Ship Victory (2013)
Length: 64.52 m
Price: € 32,000,000
The sailing superyacht was built by Dream Ship Victory in 2013. She boasts interior designs by Ken Freivokh and exterior styling by Valeriy Stepanenko.
With a beam of 10.5 metres, the vessel can accommodate 10 guests across 5 cabins. She has a maximum speed of 13 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots. Mikhail Vorontsov's maximum range is estimated at 2,950 nautical miles.
Pearl Yachts has established a new French dealership, Pearl France, with an office in Antibes. The facility is located at Avenue de Verdun, 06600 Antibes, in the Port Vauban area. The office is operated by Cenk Efe, Founder and Director of the Mallorca Marine Group 1994, and will serve as the brand's exclusive representative in France.Iain Smallridge, Founder and Managing Director of Pearl Yachts, stated: “France has always been one of the most important markets for Pearl Yachts. With the opening of Pearl France, we are strengthening our presence in the Mediterranean’s most vibrant yachting hub. Cenk’s expertise and reputation are second to none, and we are confident that this new chapter will bring our boutique philosophy and unique approach even closer to every client and brand enthusiast based in France.”Iain Smallridge and Cenk Efe Cenk Efe, Director of Pearl France, added: “We are honoured to be launching Pearl France in Antibes. French clients value elegance, craftsmanship, innovation, and discretion; qualities that Pearl embodies in every detail. The response so far has been exceptional, and we look forward to growing the brand’s legacy along the Côte d’Azur and beyond.”This opening follows the establishment of Pearl Germany and Pearl Gulf earlier this year.Founded in 1998, Pearl Yachts has established itself as one of the UK’s leading shipyards, specializing in designing luxury motor yachts known for their voluminous interiors, opulence, and design excellence. Credits: Pearl Yachts
September 16, 2025
Heesen Yachts has completed the joining of the hull and superstructure for Project Grace, designated YN 21350. The yacht is the first unit in Heesen's new 50-meter Steel class. The operation, which lasted one week, began at the Talsma shipyard in Franeker, where the steel hull was fabricated. The hull was then transported by river and canal to Heesen's facility in Oss, where the main engines were installed prior to the joining procedure.The yacht is equipped with two MAN engines, each rated at 882kW and compliant with IMO Tier III emissions standards. This is the first Heesen yacht to use this specific engine model.Peter van der Zanden, Head of the Design & Development / Engineering Department, commented: "The new 50-metre Steel series gave us the opportunity to select the ideal engine for our brand-new platform. The MAN D2862LE438 was the clear choice, offering a power and efficiency profile that is perfectly calibrated for Project Grace's performance targets."The exterior design is by British studio Harrison Eidsgaard. The design includes features such as low bulwarks and full-height windows. The studio is also collaborating with Heesen's engineering team on the layout to optimize guest and crew areas.Ruud van der Stroom, Heesen CCO, commented: “Seeing the lines of this first 50-metre Steel yacht take shape is a powerful moment—it’s where the vision becomes a tangible reality. We are confident her iconic design will resonate strongly with a discerning owner.”Project Grace is currently available for sale, with a scheduled delivery date in the first quarter of 2028.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
September 16, 2025
Damen Yachting has confirmed the sale of a new 53-meter Yacht Support vessel from its Yacht Support range. The vessel, currently under construction at the company's facility in Antalya, Turkey, is scheduled for delivery in Spring 2026. This announcement follows the recent sale and delivery of the YS53 Emotional, which will be displayed at the Monaco Yacht Show.The YS53 model is designed to provide logistical support for main vessels, with facilities for additional crew, water toys, and helicopter operations. Its features include an expansive open main deck aft area equipped with a 15-tonne crane for handling submersibles, large tenders, and other heavy equipment. The vessel measures 53 meters with a gross tonnage of 499 and can accommodate 8 guests, 10 crew members, and a captain. The exterior design, interior design, and naval architecture were all developed by Damen Yachting.Jan van Hogerwou, Sales Director North America at Damen Yachting, stated: “This YS53 is the perfect addition to the Owner’s existing fleet and provides the extension of facilities the Owner is looking to achieve with the addition of a support vessel. We would like to thank Stuart Larsen for his collaboration throughout this project. We look forward to the remaining build period as we prepare for delivery in Spring next year."The next available delivery slot for a YS53 model is Spring 2028.Damen Yachting, the yacht-building division of Damen Shipyards Group, employs approximately 500 professionals across its Amels, SeaXplorer, and Yacht Support vessel programs. No purchase price was disclosed for the new build.Credits: Damen Yachting
September 15, 2025
Numarine has introduced a new explorer yacht model, the 27XP, at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. The 27-meter yacht replaces the 26XP model, of which 30 units have been sold.The yacht's exterior design and interiors are by Can Yalman, with naval architecture by Umberto Tagliavini. Two layout options are available: one with five cabins and another with four cabins. The five-cabin configuration includes a main deck VIP cabin, a full-beam master suite below deck, and three additional VIP suites. The four-cabin option moves the wheelhouse to the main deck.The 27XP features an open kitchen concept and enlarged outdoor areas. The flybridge is larger than on the previous model. A raised bow lounge is also included.Twin MAN 560 engines provide a top speed of 13.5 knots and a cruising speed of 10 knots. The yacht has a maximum range of 2,200 nautical miles at 8 knots. An optional enclosed, glass flydeck helm station is available.Ömer Malaz, Founder and Chairman of Numarine, stated: “After keeping our cards close to our chests for a little while as we worked on refining the design, we are thrilled to unveil our latest model, the Numarine 27XP. Longer, roomier and more versatile than her predecessor, she introduces new levels of comfort, light and openness, while still keeping the rugged explorer spirit which defines our XP series. She sets a new standard of elegance and capability in the explorer yacht class.”Numarine, a European high-performance motor-yacht shipyard headquartered in Istanbul, offers a range of yachts from 19 to 45 meters.Credits: Numarine
September 15, 2025
Benetti has presented at Cannes the Oasis 42M, a 42-meter yacht and a new model within its Oasis series. The design focuses on expanding exterior living areas and integrating sustainable engineering that has received a 3-star Sea Index rating.The yacht's primary feature is an aft deck measuring 100 square meters, which includes an 8.3-square-meter pool with a retractable enclosure. The sundeck measures 17.3 meters in length, which Benetti states is the largest in the 40-45 meter yacht segment. An additional lounge area is located on the foredeck.The interior design was developed in collaboration with bonetti/kozerski architecture. The main deck contains a salon, dining area, galley, and a forward area that can be configured as a gym, spa, or cinema. This space includes a drop-down terrace. The upper deck is dedicated to a 50-square-meter owner's apartment with a private 40-square-meter terrace.Enrico Bonetti from bonetti/kozerski architecture stated: “In our first yacht with Benetti on the Oasis 40M we were excited to bring a fresh eye to the design of a boat that ended up being a ground-breaking step toward a more dynamic and relaxed yachting experience. We are very proud that now, with the Oasis 42M, we have a chance to create a true evolution of that concept. The focus is still on an open and fluid plan, unexpected and consistent materials that gradually progress toward a more refined and tactile quality of details, the deeper you enter the boat.”The exterior design by RWD features curved lines. Mark Gardner, Director of Exterior Design at RWD, said: “The Oasis 42M is an evolution, not a revolution. Its softer, pebble-like lines create a yacht that feels sleek, natural, and enduringly elegant.”The yacht utilizes a data-driven engineering package to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. A hybrid Siemens E-Mode system is available as an option. A garage can store a 6.25-meter tender and other water toys.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the storied Italian shipyard specialized in luxury yachts. Every yacht is unique, developed around its owner. Benetti designs, builds and sells vessels in fibreglass from 34 to 44 meters and boats in steel and aluminium from 37 to more than 100 meters. The range is made up of eight categories: Class, Motopanfilo, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now, B.Neos, B.Loft and Custom. By anticipating evolving lifestyles at sea, Benetti has introduced the Oasis family.Credits: Benetti
September 15, 2025