By Abdul Basit

The world’s most prestigious in-water yachting event is set to make waves once again as the Cannes Yachting Festival returns to the French Riviera from September 9 to 14, 2025. Against the stunning backdrop of the Croisette, this globally renowned showcase will bring together the finest names in luxury yachting, cutting-edge design, and maritime innovation.

Visitors will discover more than 710 exceptional vessels, from sleek sailing yachts and futuristic catamarans to powerful motor yachts and elegant tenders, spread across the iconic Vieux Port and Port Canto. Beyond the glamour, the 2025 edition shines a spotlight on the industry’s future, with a strong emphasis on sustainable technologies, alternative propulsion systems, and reimagined onboard experiences.

As anticipation builds, we’ve handpicked nine standout highlights that reflect the spirit of excellence, creativity, and craftsmanship defining this year’s festival.

FERRETTI SPA WALLY – WALLYWIND 110

The Wallywind 110, the new Wally sailing yacht of the Ferretti era, is the flagship of the sailing fleet unveiled at the show. Its contemporary design and outstanding performance are highlighted by a 100% carbon hull, ensuring lightness and agility. The vast 80 sqm cockpit offers a floating lounge comparable to that of a 60-metre superyacht. Inside, the bright volumes and interiors by Santa Maria Magnolfi embody the refined luxury of a high-end racer-cruiser yacht.

CANTIERE DEL PARDO SPA X VANDUTCH YACHTS – VANDUTCH 75

An icon of nautical style, the VanDutch 75 reinvents its signature “Black and White” aesthetic with a contemporary design featuring lacquered finishes and subtle contrasts. A true floating work of art, it blends Mediterranean elegance with technical innovation. A symbol of refinement, this model redefines the day cruiser as a genuine work of design in its own right.

OCEAN DEVELOPPEMENT – MODX70

Born from a collaboration between Océan Développement and VPLP Design, the MODX70 is a 70-foot, 100% electric catamaran designed without the use of fossil fuels. Equipped with two retractable inflatable wings and hydrogeneration engines, it represents a new era of sustainable blue-water cruising. This innovative multiyacht, winner of the Multihull of the Year Awards, is designed for total autonomy and full compatibility with marine protected areas.

FRAUSCHER BOOTSWERFT – FRAUSCHER X PORSCHE 850 FANTOM AIR

Limited to just 25 units, this masterpiece brings the essence of Porsche to the water, featuring 700 V propulsion, a 100 kW battery, and ultra-fast charging in just 30 minutes. Born from the collaboration between Frauscher Bootswerft and Porsche, the 850 Fantom Air is a premium electric dayboat that combines iconic design with sporty performance. Powered by a motor derived from the electric Porsche Macan, it delivers a silent, powerful, and sustainable cruising experience. This model embodies German elegance and innovation, on the water as on the road.

PALUMBO YACHTS – COLUMBUS CROSSOVER 42

A compact 42-metre superyacht with a bold, angular design. Featuring a pool, large tender, and explorer-style volumes in a more intimate format, the Columbus Crossover 42 embodies a new generation of explorer yachts, combining robustness, elegance, and versatility. Designed by Hydro Tec with a “muscular” aesthetic, it offers generous spaces, a 10 sqm pool, and an autonomy of over 5,500 nautical miles. A true floating private island, this 42-metre yacht is conceived to accommodate large tenders and deliver an immersive experience at sea.

PREMARE – AMER STEEL 41 EXPLORER

41 metres of power and silence: four Volvo Penta engines and a forward-looking vision of exploration yachting. Designed by Luiz de Basto and built by the Italian shipyard Premare, the Amer Steel 41 Explorer is a 41-metre superyacht crafted for blue-water exploration. Featuring an innovative hull, 8-ton integrated cranes, and an advanced propulsion system, it combines autonomy (4,500 nautical miles), quiet operation, and low environmental impact. Its elegant and functional design accommodates 10 guests in refined comfort, with a helipad and generous outdoor spaces.

SAY CARBON YACHTS – SAY 52

A 16-metre monohull crafted from ultra-light carbon fibre: just 7.5 tonnes for unprecedented performance and sleek design. Built in Germany from carbon fibre, the SAY 52 is a 16-metre dayboat that combines sculptural design, extreme performance, and low consumption. Thanks to its patented Petestep® hull and Volvo V8 or D6 engines, it reaches 45 knots while delivering agile and silent navigation. Its faceted glass roof, extended bathing platform, and hybrid option make this yacht both refined and environmentally responsible.

SANLORENZO – SD132

A 40-metre yacht by Sanlorenzo, combining generous volumes, refined comfort, and autonomy designed for long cruises in the purest Italian style. As the flagship of the semi-displacement range, the Sanlorenzo SD132 features an asymmetrical silhouette, exceptional volumes (420 GT), and a range of 3,200 nautical miles. Its design by Zuccon International Project incorporates a transformable aft deck, an 85 sqm flybridge, and a crystalline forward pool. Designed for a sensory and sustainable experience, it embodies Italian elegance and innovation. – abdulbasit@theuaenews.com