The 8 Most Exciting Debuts at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival

The first hull in Azimut’s Grande 44M range is, contrary to what the name suggests, actually not too shabby. Not only is it the flagship of the Italian builder’s “Low Emission fleet” with a 30 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to other comparable sized yachts, but it also has a carbon fiber foil to reduce drag, while the “dual mode” hull gives it the agility of a fast displacement hull at the bow with the stability of a semi-planing hull at the stern. It’s easy on the eye, too, with a rich and tactile interior by m²atelier that includes latticed leather and an assortment of marble, not to mention a sporty profile by Alberto Mancini.

Forty-seven is the magic number for Forte Yachts’ Forte47 Gran Turismo, which carries taut exterior lines by Paolo Giordano. Reaching an eye-watering 47 knots in less the 30 seconds and measuring 47 feet in length, this pocket rocket is also the perfect weekend boat, with two double guest cabins with ensuites, deep lounge seating for lazy afternoons, and fold-down side-wings that extend the cockpit footprint to a considerable 430-square-feet. Customization sits at the heart of this speedy debut, from the bespoke “Porsche bronze” hull paint color to the option for an enclosed cockpit with heating for colder cruising grounds.

This 118-footer flagship from Sirena Marine didn’t just turn heads at Cannes, it snapped necks with its bold, maximalist interior decor. Taking inspiration from ocean explorers of the past, such as Jacques Cousteau and Robert Ballard, the use of riveted walls, vintage patinated mirrors and oversized luggage bags brings an industrial edge to the otherwise colorful moss green, burgundy, and mustard soft furnishings. Perhaps the best feature is the split configuration of the owner’s suite (an option that the bespoke first hull showcases), which is spread across two decks—the main deck featuring the bedroom and ensuite, while the lower deck is dedicated to a private cinema and study.

The Riva 56 Super Rivale burst onto the scene at Cannes this year with a denim-colored Blu Sera hull that gifts this slice of nautical heritage a little bold, contemporary swag. As an evolution of the original 56-footer that launched in 2017, the Super Rivale differentiates itself with a new deck profile in the windscreen area, featuring a counter-curve that gives the silhouette a sportier dynamic, along with side grilles for a little automotive nod. Grunt comes from two 1,200 hp MAN V8-1200 engines delivering a top speed of 38 knots.

This multihull finished off the week at Cannes on a celebratory high after winning Catamaran Best Design at the 2026 World Yachts Trophies. It was also one of our favorites for several reasons, namely the vast Ocean Lounge with opening bulwarks for easy living at the stern and a shallow draft ideal for cruising the Bahamas. The vessel is also one of the first hulls to be fitted with Sunreef’s new WETRA A.I.-driven operating system that makes this cat a dream to run for both owner and captain. Even tennis superstar Carlos Alcaraz approves, having recently signed for the third hull.

If the Ferretti Group’s Custom Line was aiming to debut a tri-deck yacht that delivers more space than is typically found on a 115-footer while satisfying the owner’s personalization requests, then the first hull in of its Navetta 35 has more than reached that feat. Goal dedicates more than 3,000 square feet of interior and exterior space to socializing, relaxing, and entertaining, wrapped in a palette of ivory, caramel, and cream. The heavy lifting comes from the removal of an external staircase on the main deck aft, turning the cockpit and upper deck aft into dedicated social hubs without giving up space to structure or service.

As the larger of the two Rivas to debut at Cannes this year, the 96 Argo Super cuts a fine balance between performance, comfort, and elegance. While the flybridge is where most guests will likely head, it’s the revamped stern and beach area that intensifies the onboard connection to water. In the full-beam owner’s suite, large windows fill the private sanctuary with light. Owners looking to put their stamp on the layout can choose between a lower deck three-cabin layout with a full-beam VIP (ideal for charterers wanting a second master) or a four-cabin cabin configuration (perfect for owners with a growing family.)

The third model in Pardo’s GT crossover range sits neatly between the builder’s existing GT52 and GT75, yet there is no middle child syndrome present here. The innovations are bountiful, ranging from a reduced number of deckhouse pillar to increase light and visibility to a cantilevered aft sunbed complete with integrated grill and sink to the raised galley that feels connected to both the interior lounge area and the exterior helm station. A full-beam owner’s suite forward with a walk-in wardrobe and a transverse bed that points straight out to sea belies the power that lurks beneath: when in full throttle, this little number hits 35 knots with ease.