Cars & Concepts

These are the standout yachts at Cannes Yachting Festival 2026

8 september 2026Door Mégan van Kampen2 min lezen

Cannes harbour is the setting this week for considerable floating power. From 8 to 13 September, the international yachting world gathers for Cannes Yachting Festival 2026. Dozens of new yachts make their world debut, with price tags that are sometimes as impressive as their length. MASTERS presents the most striking standouts.

Sunreef ULTIMA 88

Cannes is traditionally the stage where yacht builders present their most important new models to an international audience for the first time. One of the standout vessels of 2026 is the Sunreef ULTIMA 88, a 26.8-metre motor catamaran that combines generous living space with a sportier design and attention to more efficient propulsion. A new model is currently offered for approximately €7.8 million.

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Numarine 27XP

Numarine also uses Cannes for a world premiere. The new 27XP is an almost 27-metre explorer yacht with space for up to ten guests and a range of approximately 2,200 nautical miles. Five models had already sold before the official debut. With a starting price of approximately €8.65 million, the model ranks among the most notable introductions of this edition. It demonstrates that interest in yachts that allow owners to undertake longer voyages remains strong.

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Not just bigger, but smarter

What stands out in 2026 is that innovation becomes at least as important as size. During the Innovation Route, 47 pioneering projects take centre stage, showing how sailing can change in the coming years. Think quieter electric propulsion, better batteries, systems that simplify mooring and solutions that reduce impact on the sea. From 120 submissions, 47 innovations were selected, with awards for sustainable products, new ship concepts and navigation technology among others. Cannes is therefore not only about new yachts, but also about technology that will make sailing quieter, more efficient and more sustainable.

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Cannes from the water or by helicopter

The way the festival is experienced can also be exclusive. A standard entrance ticket starts at €40. In addition to regular tickets, the festival offers various VIP packages with additional access and service. A Silver VIP ticket for one day costs €950 and includes separate entrances, VIP Clubs, personal service and special water taxis between both harbours.

At the top end is the six-day Platinum package for two people at €1,640. This includes an exclusive guided tour of the festival by boat, six pre-arranged yacht visits, lunch for two and even a helicopter transfer between Nice Airport and Cannes.