A Bigger, Bolder Cannes: 2025 Ushers in 50m+ Yachts and Record Tonnage
As the yachting world gathers along the shimmering shores of the Côte d’Azur this September, the Cannes Yachting Festival reaffirms its position at the pinnacle of the global yacht show calendar. Now in its 48th edition, the event runs from 9 to 14 September 2025, transforming Cannes into an immersive showcase where elegance meets enterprise.
The 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival is poised to mark a notable evolution in scale, with average yacht size and gross tonnage both trending upward — and the highly anticipated return of the 50-metre-plus class, absent from last year’s show.
According to BOATPro data, 99 yachts measuring 24 metres and above are confirmed to attend, surpassing 2024’s count of 92. But the more significant trend lies not in the numbers, but in the magnitude: average length overall (LOA) has reached 32.5 metres, compared to 32.3 metres in 2024 and 31.3 metres in 2023.
Even more striking is the jump in gross tonnage. The 2025 fleet averages 242GT, up sharply from 216GT in 2024 — signaling a new era of larger, more voluminous vessels taking center stage at Europe’s most glamorous yacht show.
Stat-Savvy Splendor
This year’s edition delivers in both scope and scale:
- Over 700 yachts on display, ranging from stylish tenders to upscale superyachts.
- Approximately 670 exhibitors, representing shipyards, marine equipment innovators, charter operators, and more.
- About 150 world premieres, offering an unrivaled opportunity to see new flagship models before they begin their voyage.
- Visitor turnout remains strong, with an anticipated crowd exceeding 55,000 across the six-day event.
Two Ports, One Grand Stage
The show is artfully divided between Vieux Port and Port Canto, each serving a distinct segment of the yachting audience:
- Vieux Port plays host to a vibrant array of motor yachts (12–45 m), the Superyacht Extension, and essential thematic zones such as the Power Cat Village, Tender Area, Equipment Village, and motorized multihull display.
- Port Canto welcomes 125 new sailboats—both mono- and multihulls—with an average length of 17 m. The area also includes the Yacht Brokerage & Toys sector, a powerboat marina for offers up to 13 m, and a curated display of pre-owned superyachts (25–55 m).
Additionally, a dedicated New Motor Boat Marina—introduced in 2024—features more than 170 vessels under 13 m in a purpose-built 2,000 m² exhibition zone.
Innovation at the Forefront
Aiming to intertwine elegance with forward-looking innovation, this year’s Innovation Route spotlights eco‑design, next-gen materials, alternative propulsion, and digital services designed for tomorrow’s yachting lifestyle.
Why This Year Promises More
For brokers and buyers alike, Cannes 2025 promises unmatched exposure—not just to the fleet of newest yachts and premieres but to a vibrant convergence of marine technology, design, and commerce in the most scenic of settings. From shifting yacht dimensions to pressurized exclusivity, the festival continues to offer not just boats—but bold insight into the future of global yachting.
