From the very small and nippy to the very big and luxurious, there are a wide variety of sportscruisers and dayboats set to be on show at Cannes this year
If your ideal day on the water revolves around high-speed runs between quiet anchorages, al fresco dining, and immediate access to the sea, the open sportcruiser segment is where your eyes should be focused. The 2026 Cannes lineup showcases an extraordinary array of open-air platforms, ranging from classic Mediterranean revivals to high-performance stepped-hull day boats capable of speeds over 50 knots.
Modern open designs are no longer just about fast thrills, however. Drop-down cockpit terraces, convertible bow lounges, multi-purpose wet bars, and surprisingly generous lower-deck accommodations ensure these boats function just as brilliantly as weekenders as they do day-charter head-turners. Here are the finest open-deck debuts set to turn heads along the French Riviera.
Nimbus Sport Tender 35
This first model from the new Nimbus Sport Cruiser 35 series is a classy-looking boat. Built on the basis of a newly developed twin-stepped hull, the idea is to offer three variants on the same platform – the Sport Tender, the Sport Weekender and the Sport Coupé. And as the open model, the deck layout on the Sport Tender certainly looks well equipped for the needs of day boaters.
In addition to a pair of swim platforms and cushion-topped storage boxes at the aft quarters, the new 35 also features a pair of drop-down terraces on either side of the cockpit’s big convertible dinette.
A split wet bar ahead of this helps keep movement to the twin helm seats wide open – and that’s especially handy when the integrated side canopies are zipped into place.
Further forward, you get peripheral U-shaped seating around the forepeak, plus a central sunbed to create a very natural lounge in the deep-set bow, which is apparently big enough for eight people. As for the ‘Sport’ element of the new boat, that also looks very well catered for. While you can (in principle) opt for a single V10 300hp outboard, the optional twin rig of V8 300s should see the new Nimbus Tender to a very juicy top end of around 45 knots.
Nimbus Sport Tender 35 specifications
LOA: 35ft 5in (10.80m)
BEAM: 10ft 6in (3.20m)
ENGINES: Single 350 – twin 300hp outboards
TOP SPEED: 45 knots
CONTACT: nimbus.se
Bluegame BG64
luegame has two core ranges of boats, the BGX series of explorer cruisers with enclosed main decks, and the more open BG series of adventure weekenders. While both ranges have models that are unique to them, there is some crossover in the middle where the BGX73 and BG74 share the same hull platform.
Now they are doing the same with this new model being launched at Cannes, the BG64. Based on the proven hull and engineering platform of the BGX63, which has been in build since 2020, but with an entirely new deck, superstructure and layout, it will have quite a different look and feel to its older sibling.
That starts at the aft end where the long open aft deck – a signature feature of all Bluegames – now gets a folding bulwark on the starboard side that extends the deck area even further. The port bulwark is fixed but has a hidden crane to launch and recover toys and tenders.
Steps lead up from here to the raised open aft cockpit and small enclosed helm area but also down to the fabulous ocean lounge with its water-level windows and sliding glass aft doors. There’s enough space ahead of this for an owner’s suite in the bow and either a VIP double amidships or a smaller twin and a third bunk cabin.
Bluegame BG64 specifications
LOA: Approx 64ft
BEAM: 17ft 5in (5.30m)
ENGINES: 2 x Volvo Penta IPS1050-1200
CONTACT: bluegame.it
Patrone 45 Convertible
Making its world debut in Cannes will be the new Patrone flagship – a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Ligurian gozzo (a broad, curved, double-ended fishing boat native to the region). Designed by Tommaso Spadolini, it certainly embodies that classical Mediterranean character but it’s also very flexible. Its cockpit, for instance, comes either with a central sofa that converts into an additional sunpad or with ranks of wraparound seating for maximum conviviality.
This is the first time Patrone has positioned the galley below decks and that also brings plenty of flexibility to the saloon. A convertible port dinette faces across to a starboard settee that incorporates the helm seat for extra scale and makes good use of the roving cushion-topped seat pods, both as extra seats and easy infills.
Accommodation below comprises an owner’s cabin and a VIP cabin, plus two occasional berths courtesy of the convertible dinette.
The use of large hull windows and limed and bleached oak means plenty of natural light down below but there are also lots of custom fabrics, finishes and colour palettes to choose from to personalise the interior.
Patrone 45 Convertible specifications
LOA: 17ft 5in (14.00m)
BEAM: 17ft 5in (4.40m)
ENGINES: 2 x Volvo Penta IPS-600
CONTACT: www.bluegame.it
Itama 70
Boat brand Itama is undergoing something of a resurgence at the moment, with two new models in as many years – at Cannes 2025 it was the Itama 54, this year it’s time for the new 70’s to take the spotlight.
While not quite the flagship of the range (the 75 still holds that mantel), the new 70 is the largest fully open model and one of very few boats this size that doesn’t have a hard top as standard. That’s because the whole Itama ethos revolves around old-school sportscruiser principals of sleek lines, long foredecks, muscular engines, straight shafts and deep-vee planing hulls.
The new 70 ticks all those boxes but with thoroughly modern engineering and all the latest mod cons. The hull sides, for instance, have a pair of elongated windows built into them to brighten up the interior. There’s also an option for a Seakeeper gyro stabiliser and the bathing platform has hydraulic power so it can launch and recover a 3.25m tender.
Although the focus is still on the big open cockpit with its lavish array of seats, sunpads and a fully kitted out wetbar (not to mention a stylish new foredeck sunpad that is recessed into an ocean of teak to maintain the 70’s clean profile), there is room down below for three ensuite cabins, a galley and a cosy dinette.
Itama 70 specifications
LOA: 69ft 8in (21.23m)
BEAM: 17ft 5in (5.30m)
ENGINES: 2 x 1,550hp MAN V12
TOP SPEED: 40 knots
CONTACT: www.itama-yacht.com
Saxdor 460 GTS
Arriving in the wake of the 460 GTC’s Düsseldorf debut, this new GTS model provides plenty of the benefits of that original walkaround cabin boat but with an open deck and a T-top to help prioritise sunny-weather day parties over four-season recreation. As you would expect then, big terraces have been used to expand the central part of the deck between the helm and the cockpit’s multi-purpose quarter modules.
And while the initial render suggests a convertible dinette, an aft sun pad and a transverse wet bar, we have no doubt that Saxdor will squeeze every conceivable bit of value out of the space with a concoction of extra options, reversible backrests and infills.
A pair of cabins comes as standard – a twin and a double in the bow – split by a central heads compartment. But you can also opt for a third cabin aft. As for power, that will also remain the same. Stripped of some of the weight and windage of the GTC’s superstructure, a choice of twin or triple outboards from 900-1,200hp should see speeds of up to 52 knots.
Saxdor 460 GTS specifications
LOA: 46ft 0in (14.00m)
BEAM: 11ft 10in (3.60m)
ENGINES: Twin/triple outboards from 900-1,200hp
TOP SPEED: 52 knots
CONTACT: saxdor.com
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