Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 Results

From September 9 to 14, Cannes hosted Yachting Festival 2025 — Europe's largest on-water exhibition. Despite the general economic strain, organizers recorded growth in attendance and participation. The exhibition once again proved its status as the premier showcase for the yachting industry in Western Europe.

Overall results and figures

This year, the festival attracted approximately 56,000 visitors (slightly more than in 2024), 711 boats on the water (+1.5%), 677 exhibitors (+5.8%), and 147 world premieres (+22.5%). The numbers speak for themselves: interest in yachts and new projects remains, even if the overall market is showing mixed signals.

Particular attention was paid to key trends—from low-carbon systems and eco-friendly materials to onboard comfort and premium interiors. But behind the impressive figures and big launches, the situation at shipyards appears more cautious. Production is facing rising costs, longer delivery times, and a slight contraction in demand. Let's take a closer look at the exhibition's key trends.

Electric drive and hybrids

The electric yacht market is growing rapidly. In 2024, it was valued at approximately $1.2 billion, and is projected to reach $7.4 billion by 2031, with an annual growth rate of approximately $14-15 billion.  

However, not all at once - hybrid schemes, “soft” electric solutions (for example, electric motors + batteries) still dominate the middle and upper segments of yachting. 

Eco-friendly materials and production

At the festival, more and more boats and catamarans used recycled or bio-composite resins and natural fibers—solutions that reduce the carbon footprint of the hull. 

One of the exhibits is - MODX 70 catamaran — combines inflatable sails, electric motors, and up to 70 m² of solar panels. Incidentally, this catamaran won the "Sustainable and Responsible Technologies" award at the Innovation Route Awards, held for the first time at this year's Cannes Yachting Festival.

Comfort and convenience on board

The trend toward improving the quality and comfort of life on board, optimizing ergonomics and lighting, is noticeable. Projects exhibited on the Innovation Route showcased optimized interior space, clearer passageways, and intelligent control systems (e.g., automated lighting and climate control).  

Noise reduction, vibration minimization, and soundproofing are all becoming standard expectations for future yacht owners. 

Security and new technologies

The innovations also include AI assistants, early obstacle detection systems, and camera- and thermal-based visualization. Sea.AI Watchkeeper, selected for the Innovation Route, is a prime example: a technology that warns of collisions using visual and thermal sensors before an object becomes a threat. Other projects announced include AI-optimized navigation, more accurate telemetry, and battery and energy monitoring systems.

The situation on the yachting market

Although the exhibition stands were bustling and order books looked impressive, the overall data shows that buyers are still keeping a low profile. In France, new boat registrations remain stable, but with noticeable segment differentiation. Mid-size motorboats are selling well, while sailing yachts are experiencing a decline—especially in the mid-length range. This reflects a shift in preferences: many now view a yacht not as a long-term investment, but as a means of recreation.

Yacht rentals and charters

The yacht charter and rental sector continues to gain momentum. People increasingly prefer convenience, flexibility, and minimal commitment over ownership. This is no longer just a fad, but a structural trend, reinforced by digital platforms and the convenience of online booking services.

According to reports, the European boat rental market was valued at approximately USD 6.35 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 41% in the coming years (Europe Boat Rental Market Analysis 2025). International reports indicate that yacht chartering is one of the most resilient sectors of the industry, particularly in the tourism and luxury leisure segment (Future Market Insights, Yacht Rental Market Report).

Some important points:

• Groupe Beneteau has reported a decline in sales of sailing yachts, especially catamarans, in 2024: the brand has seen a drop in sales volumes and predicted that the first half of 2025 will be challenging (according to a report by MarineIndustryNews).
• The French Nautical Industries Federation has recorded a decline in new recreational boat registrations for the period 2023-2024, indicating that part of the market has become saturated after surges during the pandemic (according to a report by the portal BoatIndustry).

Shipyards are trying to secure profits

The picture is quite contradictory. Exhibitions are regularly packed, with crowds of visitors, premieres, and presentations. From the outside, it might seem like the industry is enjoying a pre-COVID boom. But looking at the figures and financial statements of the shipyards themselves, it becomes clear that the market is in turmoil.

On the one hand, demand for the premium segment and large catamarans remains, with clients seeking more expensive and custom solutions, and brands focusing on superyachts and exclusive projects. On the other hand, rising costs of materials, energy, and logistics are significantly putting pressure on margins. Add to this the pressure, as international competition is taking its toll on the market.

Investors are seeing these fluctuations and reacting cautiously: yacht stocks remain a relatively risky investment, and reports continue to show declining margins and profits. So, despite the glitter of yachting festivals, in reality, many shipyards are seeking new footholds and a balance between innovation, eco-friendly technologies, and the basic economics of production.

Everyone is looking for the best option.

Shipyards are forced to strike a balance: satisfying demands for customization, sustainable technologies, environmental friendliness, and hybridity, while remaining competitive. This is happening in the face of ever-increasing production costs—from materials to energy consumption.

As for clients, the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 provided a good overview of the current situation. International buyers are still interested in yachts on the Côte d'Azur and other prestigious locations, but they're not rushing to sign contracts right away. They're increasingly postponing deals, renegotiating prices, and seeking offers with more flexible terms.

A cautious but optimistic view of the future of yachting

The first interim results of the 2025 season show that the yachting market remains attractive. Public interest is high, new projects are generating a lively response, and exhibitions are attracting record numbers of participants. However, actual order trends demonstrate that the industry is still searching for a sustainable development path.

The coming months will be crucial: they will determine whether the positive signals from the shows will translate into actual contracts and sales growth. Meanwhile, shipyards and distributors are facing intense competition, cost pressures, political instability, and a busy international yacht show calendar.

According to the European Boating Industry, the total European market is valued at over €30 billion, but growth is unevenly distributed: the premium segment is showing confidence, while the mass market continues to falter. Experts note that innovations in hybrid and electric boating, as well as the development of service-based ownership models (sharing and charter), will shape the industry's direction in the coming years.

Thus, the yachting sector has every chance to consolidate its success, but the path forward requires caution and adaptation to new realities.

New video on Interparus channel

Last time we told you in detail about our catamaran GARNA (Isla 40), and now we invite you on a trip along the French Riviera. The route, moorings, prices, the atmosphere of Saint-Tropez and morning croissants in the bakery - all this in the latest issue on the Interparus channel.

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18.09.2025