Published on Wednesday September 21, 2022
Cannes Yachting Festival made a big message to the world – “ Interest in Boats has never been Bigger”.
The major highlight of the world Boat Show circuit is Cannes Yachting Festival. It is a fantastic venue and spread over two large Port areas.
The Vieux Port (Old Port) was thrown over to the largest display of Power Boats one could ever think possible. The newer Port Canto at Pavillon Bleu saw an awesome number of Single and Multi-hulled vessels on display, many for the first time.
The most important take out from this years Cannes Boat Show, is that the business of boats is truly booming. In a period which has thrown up some serious global challenges, the appetite for people to enjoy activities out on the water has never been greater. Everything new and exciting is on display for everyone at the Cannes Yachting Festival!
Superyachts, Explorer Yachts, Sailing Boats from 40 to 120 feet. Electric powered vessels, Mono’s, Multi’s, day boats and Ocean cruisers – Yes!! Cannes certainly covers any interest in boats you could ever wish to see in one place.
For Vicsail, the show in Cannes offers a place to discover many of our brands and meet with our clients.
Nautor Swan – The Team at Swan see this show as the perfect launching platform for new models, and a connection with their strongest clients. On display they featured the Swan 55, the all-new Swan 58 and the stunning Swan 78. For me the highlight was the launch of the German Frers Swan 58.
I had the privilege of discovering this boat in person alongside the designer. He showed great pride and passion for the boat, and it reflects a very strong point in our own market. There remains a place for a larger sail boat, which has the familiar feel of Swans larger units, but remains suitable for an experienced sailing family or couple to handle without crew. The larger open deck spaces, the recessed dodger and bimini, the easy access for sailing controls are all exemplary of the very best design. The interior appears quite conventional with three and four cabin options, but the quality of the fit out achieved by the Nautor boatbuilders in Finland, exceeds the quality of any boatyard in the world.
For Swan there was also the striking 43’ day boat/tender on display in the Vieux Port. The Shadow is something we are yet to see in Australia, but it’s style, elegance and sea-kindly sports boat handling, are all features well suited for our market.
Sunreef Luxury Catamaran’s – The quality Cat builders from Poland were very strongly displayed in Cannes, with a Sunreef 80, 72 and a 60 all looking amazing in a livery of “Stealth” colours, with the 70 being a fully electric and solar powered vessel. It was the first opportunity for me to see a 70, and as usual this boat did not disappoint in any way shape or form. A blend of imposing presence, and opulent style made this boat a true stand out.
The Sunreef vessels never cease to amaze, with their imposing topsides, massive stern platforms, and towering masts. The Sunreef Sailing Cats were the standout Multihulls in Port Canto.
At the Vieux Port , there was a Sunreef Power 80 on display. This large Motor Cat has become the benchmark for Motor Cats of this size, almost a classic now after 5 years, and Sunreef always bring to each model innovative propulsion and power options.
McConaghy Yachts – Represented here with Ted Smith and Ole John from our compatriots at Ancasta. They reported incredible interest, in particular discussing and quoting for the Jason Ker designed, McConaghy 75 Sailing Cat, of which there are two currently under build in China.
The Cannes festival has risen from the quieter Covid-19 years and immerged once again as the premier venue in the world to display and introduce new models to the yachting world. Both in power and sail, this show remains the leader. Vicsail are excited to once again to make this again part of our meet and display program and to welcome and meet with our international travelling clients in a beautiful and exciting location.
Be sure to prepare for a visit with Vicsail to next years Yachting Festival in September 2023 in amazing Cannes.
