New on the pontoons
The Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 promises to be a strategic event for the industry, with many new products expected, especially in the top-of-the-range sailing segment.
No sooner have the lights of the spring boat shows gone out than the eyes of enthusiasts are already focused on the Cannes Yachting Festival. Perhaps because, from September 9 to 14, Europe’s largest in-water show will take on even greater importance for the entire nautical industry, which is facing an uncertain economic climate that has dampened post-Covid enthusiasm among buyers. Even multihulls, for the first time in their history, are experiencing a slowdown in growth. Faced with this situation, shipyards know the answer: offer new models to pique curiosity and seduce sailors. So, from the Old Port of Cannes to Port Canto, the Croisette will once again be the setting for a myriad of new models, especially in the larger sizes. Because the prestige of the venue and the show’s historic positioning lend themselves to this, but also because the top-of-the-range is the market segment that is most resilient to the crisis. Lagoon, after presenting the smallest catamaran in its range at La Grande-Motte, will take advantage of the Cannes boat show to unveil its new flagship: the Lagoon Eighty 2, the leader’s response to the success of the Thira 80. At Fountaine Pajot, not one but two new autumn models will be presented. Still known by their code names New 41 and New 44, these two sailing catamarans will be available with ODSea+ hybrid engines, as is now the case for 50% of the range. Catana Group will unveil the new Bali 5.2. Following in the footsteps of the larger 5.8, it offers a wide range of layout options, from three cabins in the owner’s version to 6 cabins / 6 heads plus crew, a rather unique version in this size range, particularly attractive to charter companies. From South Africa, the Balance 580 will also make its first appearance, as always with the aim of offering an optimized compromise between comfort and performance.
On the monohull front, while the arrival of two new Océanis 47 and 52 has not yet been officially confirmed, the smallest newcomer will be a 46-footer. The Saffier SL 46 MED will be exhibited afloat for the first time. The Dutch manufacturer of top-of-the-range dayboats is thus setting its sights on cruising, while remaining true to its manufacturing quality and attention to detail. On the Dufour stand, the big Dufour 54 will be in the spotlight. The new flagship of a completely revamped range, its length should give added power and a touch of elegance to the shapes designed by Umberto Felci and the interior fittings designed by Ardizio Design. Of course, we’re eagerly awaiting the future First 60, even though no information has yet been released on this future model. We do know, however, that its transalpine competitor, Italia Yachts 16.98, will be present, and that the elegant lines of the in-house design should turn heads. Last but not least, one of the attractions of the festival will undoubtedly be the brand-new CNB 62. Now built by Solaris, the successor to the legendary Bordeaux 60 has once again placed its trust in the Briand/Piaton duo.
Briand/Piaton to renew the success story.
The show
Although the International Multihull Show 2025 set a record for the number of boats exhibited (73, including 58 sailboats), the market remains under pressure, with declining attendance, more cautious buyers and red economic signals. Several brands are focusing on new products to keep buyers interested. The Leopard 46, Robertson & Caine’s fifth-generation successor to the 45, looks particularly accomplished. The Lagoon 38 takes over from the legendary 380, offering a quantum leap in performance. The Excess 13, with its new Lombard architecture, stands out for its even more seductive performance and refreshing design. The Dragonfly 36 confirms its immediate success, with 27 units already sold since January, a success that the brand-new Tricat 8.50 would like to emulate. Last but not least, two radical projects caught the eye: the MODX 70, with its automated rigid wings developed by Aeroforce, and the Tortue 147, with its radical styling and sustainable wood furnishings, a veritable laboratory of ideas.
Skippers and the show JT
In Cannes, as in La Grande-Motte, Skippers magazine provides daily, real-time coverage of the show. Interviews, visits, offbeat subjects – find out what’s on behind the QR Code.