From September 10 to 15, the prestigious city of Cannes hosted one of the world’s leading nautical events:: The Cannes Yachting Festival 2024. This edition stood out for its wide range of innovations, luxury yacht exhibitions, and a clear focus on sustainability and technological innovation.
Among the international participants, the Ports of Catalonia once again had their stand to promote the offer of 47 ports and position Catalonia as a high-quality nautical and tourist destination. Additionally, as in previous editions, they had the collaboration of the Ports of the Generalitat of Catalonia.
The festival brought together around 700 boats, spread between the Vieux Port and Port Canto, the two main ports of Cannes. The Vieux Port, located in the heart of the city, focused on motorboats, including mega yachts and super yachts up to 50 meters long, one of the main attractions for visitors.
Meanwhile, Port Canto, located to the east, hosted sailboats and other smaller vessels, featuring a new marina exclusively for boats up to 12 meters. These facilities provided participants with an excellent opportunity to establish new connections within the international nautical sector.
Innovations at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024
One of the main innovations was the creation of a specific area for outboard motorboats at Port Canto. Visitors were able to discover the latest innovations in this type of vessel and perform sea trials. This added great value for potential buyers, who could assess the boats’ performance in real conditions before making purchase decisions.
The festival included educational and interactive activities, with workshops and seminars on advancements in boat construction, sustainable technologies, and innovative materials. These events provided attendees with deeper insights into the challenges faced by the nautical industry in terms of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Environmental commitment and social responsibility
One of the pillars of this edition was the commitment to sustainability. Vessels with hybrid or fully electric propulsion played a prominent role in the event, offering visitors a clear vision of the eco-friendly future of navigation.
The organization also implemented measures to minimize the environmental impact of the festival: eliminating single-use plastics, promoting sustainable practices among exhibitors, and reducing waste. Additionally, specific areas dedicated to clean technologies were created, supporting manufacturers working on the development of more environmentally friendly systems.
The Cannes Yachting Festival 2024 also emphasized social responsibility. One of the most notable collaborations was with the Société Nationale des Sauveteurs en Mer (SNSM), an organization dedicated to maritime rescue in France. The festival contributed to raising awareness of their important work.
With over 54,000 visitors, the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024 has firmly established itself as a world-class event. It offered a unique experience for both professionals and sea enthusiasts, standing out for its luxury, innovation, and commitment to sustainability.
Undoubtedly, it remains an unmissable event on the nautical calendar!