Full sail ahead

Cannes, Genoa and Monaco present the best of yachting all at a few kilometres and a few weeks of distance. For the "sea-addicts" who love to face the wind and salt water. And more besides

Full sail ahead, as is always the case in September, on the waters that lap the Ligurian and French coasts, to discover the nautical world in three excellent events, veterans in the sector as well as not-to-be-missed points of reference for professionals and buyers. Here one can touch the boats directly and trial in the sea, the best in terms of technology, luxury and design.

Starting with the Yachting Festival, held in Cannes from 11-16 September. In its 41st year it starts the season and look with a metamorphosis of Vieux Port and Port Canto that will welcome more than 600 boats fresh out of prestigious French and international shipyards. Almost 120 world innovations, in a sneak preview stretching from one end of the famous Croisette to the other, embracing an array from the smallest (with around 100 semi rigid boats) to the largest (more than 150 yachts of longer than 20 metres in length in the water), along with clippers (more than 110 mono and multi-hull units) and yachts proposed by brokerage companies that exceed 50 metres.  There will also be owners and collectors of motorised canoes and day boats under 12 metres, with the 4th edition of the Concours d’Elégance on Saturday 15 September.

Cannes Yachting Festival
Cannes Yachting Festival

On the other hand, the 58th Nautical Salone of Genoa, organised by UCINA Confindustria Nautica 20-25 September, stands out as an event that presents the latest innovations in production, engines, electronics, accessories, tourism and all related services in a single exhibition – in the sea, on the land and under cover. An increasingly multi-specialised event that will convey an even greater sense of identity to every segment in 2018.  The result is a layout in which four salons are presented in one, each fruit of careful analysis and discussion with the exhibitors. Along with the Cantiere Baglietto and Mylius Yachts fleets – the expression of quality and Italian strength  – there is the latest from Top motore, Motoryacht, Tender lusso, Vela, Top Vela Italia, Top di gamma, with an increase of exhibitors  (+7,2%), boats on display in the water (+ 46%), in the on-board engine (+13%) and the off-board engine segment  (+23%). The Nautical Salon of Genoa completes the offer with the new VIP Lounge that is designed and animated under the artistic direction of Margherita Celia Bertolotti and created by the architect Elisa Pedone. The aim is that of conveying the international elegance of a meeting of quality providers and top-end companies in the nautical, design, architecture, art and food and wine sectors and offer important business opportunities for professionals, entrepreneurs and top players.

Cantiere Baglietto, 48m T Line
Cantiere Baglietto, 48m T Line
Cantiere Mylius Yachts, Mylius 80
Cantiere Mylius Yachts, Mylius 80

The Monaco Yacht Show (26-29 September) will also “steer” towards a multi-disciplinary approach and offer a space for luxury cars upon the request of the same clientèle. Or rather, we should say made-to-measure vehicles – including the engines – that can reflect the personality of a young generation for whom price is no obstacle. The companies ready to make dreams come true include the Italian ARES Design that has redesigned the two-door Bentley Coupé.

Monaco Yacht Show Car Deck
Monaco Yacht Show Car Deck

 

The Principality has been the host of an event with the best reputation in super-yachts for 28 years, with the majority of boats exceeding 50 metres. The General Manager of the event, Gaëlle Tallarida, explains, “We work closely with the yacht brokers and shipyards, in the interest of every single client, to make it clear that luxury can be offered only by the super-yacht industry”.  The future buyer is the focus of much attention that ranges from the customised planning of guided visits with experts and architects to practical participation in the construction of the boat.

Monaco Yacht Show
Monaco Yacht Show

All three events have in common the marked trend towards eco-responsibility.  Cannes is at the apex with the first completely electric high-speed boat. The Aquamare 750 GTE made by LISO is equipped with a completely autonomous high-energy battery, along with five boats by the Italian brand ARCADIA, ranging from 18-35 metres that are made of solar panels and the Silverfin by TURBOCRAFT, with a semi-planing hull that is unique in its class, designed by the English architect Nigel Irens and offers faster navigation.  The Genoa Salon is first in its class in terms of rescue vehicles and bio-diversity, so much so that it is aiming for international ISO 20121 certification in all the organisation phases. Charity is also of concern with an evening on 21 September for the Giannina Gaslini Institute.  Then of course, Monaco is also opening its heart with a red carpet to support the Monte Carlo Gala for Global Ocean organised by Prince Albert.