Euphoria: this is the feeling you get walking through the stands at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2022, which opened on Tuesday 6 September and continues until Sunday 11 September, officially opening the great boat show season.

Since opening day, many people from all over Europe and beyond have filled the stands from one end to the other of the Croisette. Once again, this year the show has two locations: Vieux Port for motor boats and Port Canto for sailing. The two ports are connected by a free sea bus, following along the Croisette.

For six days, over 600 exhibitors, including some of the most important international shipyards, will display in the bay of Cannes, at the heart of the Cote d’Azur, nearly 650 exceptional boats and yachts, ranging from 5 to 45 metres: single hull, multi hull, sailing, motor, rigid or semi-rigid, new and used. Over 140 units will have their world première during this special event which is the Yachting Festival. Alongside them, on land, are accessory and equipment manufacturers, motors and services.

The 2022 iteration has returned in great style, without any restrictions imposed by the pandemic, unlike last year, when there were certain rules to follow, including having a Green Pass. Starting the afternoon before opening to the public, after the ribbon was cut, a busy programme of press conferences began, like every year, keeping journalists on the move at a quick pace amongst the stands, rooms and hotels of the Croisette. A buzz which also reflects this period for the boating industry.

“The official opening – says Sylvie Ernoult, director of the Cannes Yachting Festival – is the moment that my team and I wait for impatiently, and sometimes, stressfully. Creating and building a show of this size is not easy, but we always do it with passion and with the aim of satisfying our clients, working to help the boating industry and offer the best event possible to our visitors.”

“It is often said – adds the Festival director – that the show is a showcase for the most beautiful gems of the oceans of the world, and it is with this in mind that we positioned the boats and stands in two ports. We want to best highlight each unit, and each brand. I hope that our visitors find the boat or accessory of their dreams and that the new products presented by our exhibitors will be welcomed warmly. I hope everyone has a great show, and that these six days under in the sunshine of Cannes favour business and trade.”

Daily Nautica will continue to share updates on the Cannes Yachting Festival through its correspondents, with articles being published over the next few days.