Epic evolution

Following the relocation of the sailing boats to Port Canto, the Vieux Port will primarily be devoted to the motor boating industry with new boats, both monohulls and multihulls, in the water measuring more than 10 metres in length.

Equipment manufacturers and service companies primarily engaged in the motorboat sector will be located onshore. To improve and optimise the visit, a new layout of the Vieux Port will soon be unveiled. This configuration will be more consistent and will make it easier to identify the main categories of boat types and sizes, all while taking into account the port’s considerable technical constraints (height and space in front of quays, draughts, accessibility).

While the Jetée, which will continue to accommodate yachts and, for larger yachts, the Super Yachts Extension, will not undergo any noticeable changes, the situation is somewhat different for the other quays.

Thanks to the installation of new pontoons, the Terrasse Pantiero will accommodate boats of between 14 and 20 metres, creating a link between the yachts at the Jetée and the smaller boats at the Pantiero.

At this location, visitors will be able to discover motor boat yards of scaled sizes, with the smallest of them exhibiting their 10- to 12-metre boats at the end of the Pantiero. Opposite them will be a new site dedicated to our much-loved RIBs.

Enthusiasts will have the pleasure of finding all of these small and medium boats at the heart of the event in this new dedicated space, which will also allow them to take sea trials at their own discretion, free from any technical constraints. Quai Saint Pierre will welcome motor boats from 12 to 16 metres in length.

These units will also be exhibited on the Quai Max Laubeuf alongside the motor catamarans, the largest units of which (15 to 22 metres) will be situated next to select large yachts being showcased at the end of the quay.

These larger units, exhibited for the first time on this quay, are part of the extension (via the large traversante) of the Jetée and the Super Yachts Extension. In addition, on-land the Quai Max Laubeuf will accommodate a brand-new village devoted to inboard and outboard engines. The on-land signage for visitors will also be redesigned to take these developments into account and to offer even more simplicity and efficiency to the visitors’ circuit.

The Palais will remain the location of elegance with its dinghies at the entrance, as well as its equipment manufacturers and high-end service companies.

The Luxury Gallery, situated at the heart of the Palais, will be even larger and will remain the space dedicated to the unique excellence, expertise, craftsmanship and lifestyle of renowned and more exclusive brands. Thanks to the Luxury Gallery, the Yachting Festival confirms its position in the world of non-nautical luxury.

On the occasion of its next edition, the Yachting Festival will be present on three new quays of Port Canto: the Quai d’Honneur, the Quai de la Roseraie and the Quai Ouest, taking over nearly 1,000 additional linear metres to present in-water boats, alongside nearly 4,000-metres squared for on-land stands. These quays will host the brand new “Sailing Space”, reserved for new monohulls and multihulls sailing boats measuring more than 10 metres.

“The opening of the Sailing Space is fully in line with the history of the Yachting Festival at Port Canto which, up until now, was used as the Brokerage space,” explained Sylvie Ernoult.

“Originally discussed and supported by the Fédération des Industries Nautiques, the urgent need to spread the Yachting Festival beyond the Vieux Port resulted in the Sailing Space at Port Canto; in close collaboration with our exhibitors, our suppliers, the Cannes city council, and the Nice – Côte d’Azur Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“Now four months away from the opening of the next edition, I am happy to confirm that we will welcome more than 80 exhibitors dedicated to sailing and more than 120 boats presented by the largest registered French and international shipyards.

“Among them we will welcome 17 new exhibitors. Equipment manufacturers specialising in sailing boats have also come forward and will share the on-land spaces. This commitment is a sign of support for the show and confidence in the initiative we have taken to better showcase the sailing offer.”

Port Canto will continue to host the Brokerage Space, with about 50 boats over 22 metres long available for sale or lease, and the Toys Space, which will bring together the latest innovations in nautical toys.”

Catering too is a major focus.

“Catering is a key element of a good event,” continued Ms Ernoult. “We pay particular attention to ensuring the satisfaction of our visitors and exhibitors during their presence at the Yachting Festival. For the opening of the Sailing Space, we are creating a new upscale restaurant called Restaurant Skipper, which will be the counterpart of the Vieux Port’s Panoramic Restaurant.

“The menu will be sponsored by Dalloyau and Louis Roederer. The terrace will offer a breathtaking view of the masts and hulls of the exhibited sailing boats! A food truck village will also welcome our visitors, offering them a world tour of flavours in a chic, original and friendly setting. And just like every year, a catering area will also be available in the Brokerage & Toys area.”

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