Cannes Yachting Festival launches new area for smaller boats in 2023
Grand Soleil Yachts at Cannes Yachting Festival 2022 © Grand Soleil Yachts
Europe’s largest in-water boat show, Cannes Yachting Festival, has released details of the upcoming 2023 edition as organisers confirm tickets are now on sale.
A major new feature of the 2023 event is the creation of an area afloat in Vieux Port, which will accommodate smaller boats from 8 metres.
Sylvie Ernoult, director of the Cannes Yachting Festival, says: “This new edition will highlight the small units with the creation of a brand new area, a marina in the heart of the Vieux Port, which will accommodate more than 50 small motor boats from 8 to 12 metres.
“As the show’s DNA is to offer the most eclectic offer possible, it seemed natural to us to host in the best way its small units, traditionally displayed ashore on the Quai Max Laubeuf, in a dedicated floating area.”
The six-day event, running 12-17 September 2023 in the south of France, features over 650 boats, with the latest nautical equipment, innovations and world previews being unveiled for nearly 55,000 expected visitors.
“Thanks to the renewed confidence of our exhibitors, this 2023 edition is looking very good with similar forecasts to the previous year — 600 exhibitors, more than 650 boats and 140 previews,” says Ernoult.
“Once again this year, our visitors will enjoy discovering some real gems in-water and on land, boats of all sizes and types, equipped with ‘traditional’ or carbon-free engines with the first on-board electric, hybrid or hydrogen power systems.”
The festival’s activities are centred around two areas: Port Canto, located at the end of the Croisette, which offers a showcase for sailing, brokerage, marine start-ups and toys; and Vieux Port, playing host to the motorboats and largest superyachts.
The ‘Green Route’, launched in 2021, showcases environmentally friendly solutions developed and exhibited at the trade fair by the exhibitors. Organisers concede they will ‘place more emphasis this year’ on the Green Route ‘to improve its visibility’ and ensure visitors notice it. The list of exhibitors on the Green Route will be confirmed in August.
Tickets are now on sale, ranging from €31 for a single day, one person pass; to €1,375 for two people for six days with VIP services. Tickets are also available for boat industry professionals – €39 for a four-day pass from Tuesday to Friday.
