Cannes Yachting Festival 2026: New Charter Yachts & Debuts

The Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 new charter yachts are already generating serious buzz, and with the show running 8–13 September 2026 across Vieux Port and Port Canto on the French Riviera, charter clients have a rare window to step aboard some of the most sought-after vessels in the Mediterranean fleet before committing to a booking. According to YATCO, the festival brings together motor yachts, sailing vessels, brokerage yachts, dayboats, and marine technology in one of Europe's largest in-water exhibitions — and this year's edition is shaping up to be one of the most debut-heavy in recent memory.

Why the 2026 Show Matters for Charter Clients

Building on a successful 2025 edition that showcased 57 luxury yacht charters — 30 of them making their show debuts — YachtCharterFleet reports that the 2026 festival is expected to deliver a fresh wave of show, regional, and global premieres. For anyone planning a Mediterranean charter in the coming season, attending in person or tracking the confirmed fleet closely is one of the smartest moves you can make. You get to assess layout, finish quality, and onboard atmosphere in a way that no brochure or video can replicate.

The two harbours serve distinct purposes. According to YATCO, Vieux Port concentrates on new motor yachts, equipment, and leading shipyards, while Port Canto presents the sailing area, pre-owned brokerage yachts, dayboats, and powerboats. Complimentary maritime transport connects the two sites, so covering both in a single day is entirely feasible.

Charter Yachts Already Confirmed for Display

YachtCharterFleet has begun tracking confirmed charter yachts for the 2026 show. The first six vessels to lock in their attendance are:

• AFTER YOU — At 180ft (55m), one of the largest charter yachts confirmed so far, benefiting from an extensive 2022 refit.
• DRUMBEAT — A well-regarded sailing yacht charter with a strong following among performance-oriented guests.
• STARBURST III — A Mediterranean cruising favourite returning to the show circuit.
• TIAMAT — An expedition-inspired platform drawing attention for its versatile layout.
• WILLOW — An award-winning sailing yacht charter making her presence felt at Cannes.
• LADY VOLANTIS — Rounding out the early confirmations with strong charter credentials.

This list will grow substantially as September approaches, so checking updated fleet announcements regularly is advisable for anyone with a specific yacht type or size in mind.

Global Debuts: The Yachts Making Their First-Ever Show Appearance

Beyond the confirmed charter fleet, several yachts are set to make headline-grabbing world premieres at Cannes 2026. YachtCharterFleet highlights four standout debuts:

RENEGADE — Largest Debut Charter Yacht at 163.7ft

Currently the largest charter yacht making her debut at the show, the 163.7ft (49.85m) superyacht RENEGADE is appearing at a boat show for the very first time. Launched in 1992 and freshly updated with a 2025 refit, she accommodates up to 10 guests in five cabins and is available for Mediterranean charters. As the largest Lloyd's Ships charter yacht, she carries an impressive toy inventory including F5S Seabobs, a Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300 Jet Ski, and a LIFT4 Foilboard.

LADY SARAH — Benetti Oasis 40M Global Debut

Brand new and making her global debut, the 133.1ft (40.8m) LADY SARAH is the latest Benetti Oasis 40M to enter the charter market. With accommodation for up to 10 guests in five cabins and a range of 4,000 nautical miles, she is built for extended Mediterranean exploration. YachtCharterFleet notes that her vast exterior spaces set the benchmark expected from the Italian builder's fleet.

AITANA — Third Benetti Oasis 34M for Charter

Fresh from her 2026 delivery, the 112.9ft (34.36m) AITANA joins the market as the third Benetti Oasis 34M available for charter, according to YachtCharterFleet. She features an inviting pool, generous exterior deck space, and multiple lounge configurations — ideal for relaxed South of France itineraries. Her Cannes debut runs across the full show period, 8–13 September.

INVICTUS — Sanlorenzo SD96 Global Premiere

The 94.11ft (28.93m) INVICTUS is one of eight Sanlorenzo SD96 charter yachts and arrives at Cannes for her global debut. Key highlights include gym equipment, Wi-Fi connectivity, and an outdoor cinema, making her a strong option for groups who want resort-style comfort at sea.

Production Debuts Worth Watching

Charter clients with an eye on future bookings — or prospective owners — should also note the production yacht premieres. YachtBuyer highlights several must-see unveilings:

• Azimut Grande 44M — At 43.6m, the largest yacht Azimut has ever built. Alberto Mancini penned the four-deck exterior, m²atelier designed the interiors, and the yacht features a Dual Mode hull, carbon-fiber Hull Vane foil, and a 188kWh Mild Hybrid system. Seven units had already been sold before the first hull launched in July, according to YachtBuyer.
• Sunreef Ultima 88 — The 26.8m power catamaran makes its world premiere with a claimed top speed of 26 knots, folding side terraces, and a hydraulic aft platform. YachtBuyer reports that tennis star Carlos Alcaraz ordered a fully customised Ultima 88 in March 2026, specifying four guest cabins and a full-beam main-deck owner's suite.
• Sirena 118 — Sirena's new flagship takes the builder into the 36m market for the first time.
• Riva 96' Argo Super — Riva's reworked Argo formula arrives at Cannes with updated styling and performance credentials.

Practical Tips for Charter Clients Attending the Show

Getting the most out of a visit requires a little planning. Here is what to keep in mind:

• Book yacht appointments early. According to YATCO, many yacht visits for larger and more exclusive vessels are managed directly by shipyards, dealers, or brokers, and access may depend on availability and exhibitor approval. Request viewings well in advance.
• Use Friday evening. YATCO confirms that Friday 11 September offers extended opening hours until 10:00 p.m., creating additional time for yacht viewings and waterfront meetings in a different atmosphere to the daytime crowds.
• Know your ticket type. General visitor tickets cover the weekend, while professional tickets are valid Tuesday through Friday. Children aged ten and younger receive free admission under the current policy.
• Plan your harbour route. Use the complimentary maritime transport between Vieux Port and Port Canto rather than trying to walk the distance, especially if you have multiple appointments across both sites.
• Talk to brokers on the dock. With over 680 exhibitors expected, according to YachtCharterFleet, the show floor is one of the best places to compare charter programmes, negotiate availability, and get a feel for what is actually on the market for the 2027 season.

What Charter Clients Should Book Right Now

If you are serious about chartering one of the debut yachts — RENEGADE, LADY SARAH, AITANA, or INVICTUS — the time to engage a broker is before the show, not after. First-season charter yachts often fill their prime summer weeks quickly once they receive public exposure at a major event like Cannes. Reaching out now means you can discuss itineraries, pricing, and availability before the post-show rush drives up demand.

For clients less focused on brand-new launches, the confirmed fleet of AFTER YOU, DRUMBEAT, STARBURST III, TIAMAT, WILLOW, and LADY VOLANTIS represents a strong cross-section of proven Mediterranean performers — each with established track records that make due diligence straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 take place?

The festival runs from 8 to 13 September 2026 across Vieux Port and Port Canto in Cannes, France. Friday 11 September features extended evening hours until 10:00 p.m., according to YATCO.

Can members of the public attend, or is it trade only?

Both professionals and the general public are welcome. Professional tickets are valid Tuesday through Friday; general visitor tickets cover the weekend. Children aged ten and under enter free under the current admissions policy, according to YATCO.

How many charter yachts will be at Cannes 2026?

The final number has not been confirmed, but YachtCharterFleet notes that the 2025 edition showcased 57 luxury yacht charters. The 2026 show is expected to match or exceed that figure, with a significant proportion making their show, regional, or global debuts.

Is it possible to charter a yacht directly at the show?

You cannot typically sign a charter contract on the dock, but the show is an excellent opportunity to meet brokers, tour yachts firsthand, and begin the booking process. Many of the charter yachts on display are actively marketed for the following season, so conversations started at Cannes often convert into confirmed bookings within weeks.