Bill Springer Senior Contributor Boats & Planes
CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL
When it comes to international yacht shows (or any other large gathering), it’s almost impossible to say anything will happen “for sure.” But according to the latest reports, the Cannes Yachting Festival is scheduled to go on as planned—with significant safety protocols in place—from September 8th through the 13th on the Côte d’Azur.
“After many weeks of uncertainty in light of the context, intensive discussions with our clients, the City of Cannes, our partners and suppliers; and a great deal of work with local authorities, we are pleased to have reached the final stretch before the opening of the Festival,” explains show manager Sylvie Ernoult.
“We have adapted the festival format and its offer to best cater to our exhibitors’ needs in terms of space and budget constraints, and the new health standards,” she adds. “Thanks to our loyal exhibitors, who have really stepped up, and the commitment of all the stakeholders involved in the event, we are confident in holding the Festival.”
That means that the Yachting Festival will welcome over 340 motorboats and 80 sailing boats. The exhibitors registered to date that include almost all the major players in the French and international yachting industry will be divided between both ports in Cannes with the motorboats at the Vieux Port and the sailing boats in the Sailing Area at Port Canto.
And since I know I’m not the only one who is eager to see all the new yachts that can make social distancing both safe AND fun, here’s a preview of the top 10 largest yachts that are scheduled to be on display in Cannes next month.
Mangusta Oceano 43
I’m dying to see the beach club and lower deck on the 141-foot long Mangusta 43 in person. This will be one of the largest yachts at the show and its innovative interior design is sure to attract attention.
Navetta 42 Custom Line
Navetta 42 is Custom Line’s largest displacement yacht that features the very best of Italian design and construction.
Sunseeker 131
The 131-foot-long Sunseeker 131 features three decks and countless ways for a group of 12 to escape the stress of the everyday in style. It will also be one of the largest yacht on display in Cannes.
Benetti’s newest 130-footer features a massive party deck/beach club aft and plenty of lavishly appointed interior spaces.
Maiora 35 Exuma
Distinctive lines including a plumb bow, open stern and waterjet propulsion are just some of the innovations of this yacht that’s set to make its global debut.
Riva 110 Dolcevita
Dolcevita is Riva’s new fiberglass flybridge flagship and the result of a collaboration between Officina Italiana Design and the Ferretti Group Engineering department.
Majesty 100 by Gulf Craft
This new yacht is known for her enclosed sky-lounge and powerful but efficient propulsion system.
Pershing 108
This powerful yacht is touted to be able to blend speed, comfort and fuel consumption efficiency. And oh yeah, it can cruise at 42 knots too.
San Lorenzo SL102A
With the aim of obtaining greater usability of the interior spaces, and better access to the exterior, the SL102A features asymmetric configuration that has never tried before.
Gunboat 68
The all-carbon fiber Gunboat 68 is not only the largest sailing yacht in the show, chances are it will also be the fastest.
“Given the shutdown of many production sites and the ban on water-based pursuits, the nautical industry both in France and internationally has suffered a great deal and continues to suffer. This is why we have put all our efforts and expertise into ensuring that the 2020 edition takes place, thereby giving yachting industry figures the opportunity to come together, exhibit their products and new developments and be reunited with their clients face to face,” says Sylvie Ernoult.
Stay tuned and let’s hope for the best!
SOURCE: Forbes
