The 2016 Cannes Yachting Festival drew to a close on Sunday 11th September having welcomed 630 boats, a record number for Europe’s largest in-water show.
Boasting 191 new models, more than any other show, the Cannes Yachting Festival cemented its position as the leader in innovation and product launches. This year, the exhibitors have reported a high number of international visitors, among them new consumers. The show culminated with over 50% of sales taking place in the final weekend. Over 51,000 visitors filled the two ports at each end of the Croisette for an event not to be missed due to the range of products and services offered, its quality and the volume of business generated.
Of the 530 exhibitors involved in the Festival, 60% came from 40 different countries from around the world which, combined with 50% international visitors, makes the Cannes Yachting Festival the major event of the season for the global nautical industry. The Cannes Yachting Festival reaffirmed its status as the number one boat show internationally for multihulls. Extending the area with more space on land and a dedicated dock in the centre of the show, allowed the show to welcome 45 catamarans – the largest number in the world – ranging from 42 to 77 feet. It is also an important event for sail boats with 120 vessels which represents 20% of total boats. For the first time, a land marina was created at the entrance to the Quai Max Laubeuf to increase the number of boats that could be showcased in the area. 2016 marked the tenth anniversary of the Brokerage & Charter Area at the Cannes Yachting Festival on the Port Pierre Canto dock at the other end of the famous Croisette. Exhibitors remarked once again that they were impressed with the quality of visitors who made the trip over to the area and the deals generated.
LAUNCH OF ‘LA TERRASSE’
To round out an already rich offering and to confirm its top-of-the-range positioning, the Cannes Yachting Festival launched a new area devoted to luxury houses: La Terrasse.
Adjacent to the Festival beach, La Terrasse offered a 180-degree view of the biggest yachts on display at Vieux Port, the Bay of Cannes, the Croisette and the
Lérins Islands. This new area built on a pier created a unique experience for attendees, where they were able to satisfy their taste for these exceptional products and admire the unique craftsmanship and art de vivre of these luxury brands.
CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE
Inspired by the success of the 2015 launch, the Cannes Yachting Festival held its second edition of the Concours d’Elegance, a one-of-a-kind parade of vintage and modern day boats. Paying tribute to the rich history of boating on the French Riviera and taking place in Cannes’ Vieux Port, the Concours d’Elegance saw vessels under 12 meters parade by spectators on the Festival beach.
VIP Club and courtesy car by our official partner: Porsche.
KEY DATA FOR 2016
VISITORS
51,000 visitors
666 journalists
EXHIBITORS
530 exhibitors (60% from abroad)
48% of exhibitors are boat manufacturers/importers
52% represent other business sectors (equipment manufacturers, brokers,
service providers, etc.)
BOATS
630 boats from 2.10 to 52 metres
191 new boats and yachts showcased during the Cannes Yachting Festival,
including 107 world premieres
40 second-hand boats ranging from 22 to 52 metres on display at Port Pierre Canto
140 yachts longer than 20 metres
120 sail boats (20%)
45 multihulls, including 10 motor yachts
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
300,000 m2² of exhibition space
2 marinas
10 km of boats / 3 km of pontoons installed
4 through-ways: floating docks equipped with a motorised central section which closes
to enable visitors to move freely around the port
