Major layout changes planned for 2019 Cannes Boat Show

Motorboats and sailing yachts will get their own dedicated sites at the 2019 Cannes Boat Show with regular sea and bus shuttle services linking the two

This year’s Cannes Yachting Festival is set to be the biggest yet thanks to a major redesign of the show’s layout. Instead of cramming new motor and sailing boats into the same venue, both types of craft will have their own dedicated sites, creating more space for everyone.

All the sailing yachts will now be displayed in Port Canto at the other end of the Croisette, leaving motor boats to fill the space vacated at the original Vieux Port location. The brokerage sector will stay at Port Canto as usual.

The two sites will be linked by regular sea and bus shuttle services departing every 15 minutes – visitors simply need to present their show tickets to access these free services. Organisers say that the change of layout has helped create 1,000 linear metres of extra berthing – enough for 529 craft on the water – representing a 7% increase on last year. Of these, 410 are motor and 119 are sail.

Last year’s Super Yacht Extension will remain in place just inside the entrance of the Vieux Port, however a new Terrasse Pantiero for boats of between 14m and 20m will create a link between the boats in the main show and the true superyachts of 24m or more. In addition, a new area dedicated to RIBs close to the harbour entrance will allow exhibitors to sea trial these boats during the show.

On shore, almost 4,000m²of space for stands will include a new village devoted to inboard and outboard engines. Port Canto will host about 50 second-hand boats over 22m for sale or lease while the toys’ space is dedicated to PWCs, inflatables, sea scooters and powered surf boards.