September is a crucial month for the boating world, with two of Europe’s most important boat shows taking place just a few days apart: the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Genoa Boat Show.
These events represent an unmissable opportunity for boatyards, shipowners, enthusiasts and professionals to meet and discover the latest innovations. However, while having many points in common, the two events differ in size, objectives and pubblic. Here is how this year’s editions went:
Cannes Yachting Festival 2024: the most glamorous and international boat show
The Cannes Yachting Festival closed its 47th edition with a more than positive balance sheet. From Sept. 10 to 15, more than 55,000 visitors from 130 countries explored more than 700 boats on display between the Vieux Port and Port Canto, with a special emphasis on new boats. In fact, a total of more than 120 world premieres were presented, a sign of the international weight of the French show.
One of the least appreciated aspects of this edition was the new configuration of the exhibition area. Divided between Vieux Port, dedicated to power boats, and Port Canto, intended for sailboats and used yachts, the layout made the visiting experience a little less fluid and enjoyable.
The main novelty this year was the Power Boat Marina, located in Port Canto, a completely new area dedicated to power boats up to 12-13 meters.
“The 47th edition of the Cannes Yachting Festival has just ended and we are extremely proud of it. This year’s offer, both on land and on water, lived up to its promises. Our 640 exhibitors enjoyed the installations on offer and the quality of the visitors lived up to expectations. That is the most important thing for us.” declared Sylvie Ernoult, Director of the Cannes Yachting Festival. “Numerous eco-responsible innovations were highlighted in all areas of the exhibition, and the “Innovation Route”, which was particularly popular with our visitors, testified to the industry’s capacity for innovation.”
The Genoa Boat Show 2024: Tradition and Innovation
On the Italian side, the Genoa Boat Show, held from 19 to 24 September, celebrated its 64th edition. Although Genoa may not boast the same glamorous setting as Cannes, its boat show has a longer history and a strong connection to the Italian boating tradition. Once again this year, the Genoa Boat Show confirmed its role as the reference event for the Mediterranean region, at an international level, and for the Italian shipbuilding industry, attracting 120,864 visitors, marking an increase of 2.19% compared to 2023.
One of the distinctive features of the Genoa Boat Show is the emphasis on all segments of the boating industry, from small pleasure boats to large yachts, but also a special focus on the industrial supply chain. Italy, as is well known, is one of the world’s largest producers of yachts and superyachts, and this is clearly reflected in the quantity and quality of the boats on display in Genoa. More than 1,150 accredited journalists during the exhibition period alone published 2,416 articles, an increase of 5.3% compared to 2023.
In addition to product novelties (around 100, with 30 premieres), the Ligurian Show focused on key themes for the future of boating, such as sustainability, technology, and innovation. This year special attention was given to sustainable boating, with an entire pavilion dedicated to green solutions and new clean energy technologies.
“According to the vast majority of exhibitors, the Boat Show represented a turning point from a less dynamic start to the season. We are confident that the organisation’s great effort to rethink and update the exhibition is part of this success.” reported Andrea Razeto, President of I Saloni Nautici.
Boat shows compared
Comparisons between the two boat shows reveal complementary but distinct approaches to the nautical world. Cannes, with its international focus, aims to be a showcase for innovation and luxury, with an offer ranging from the most exclusive motor yachts to the most technological catamarans. The Power Boat Marina, with its 175 models on display, catalysed the attention of those seeking speed and performance, while the Innovation Route highlighted the central role of technology and sustainability for the future of the industry.
On the other hand, the Genoa Boat Show presents itself as the event of tradition, closely linked to Italy’s strong shipbuilding heritage. With 3,855 outings at sea (+24% compared to last year), 1,052 brands on display, and no less than 1,030 boats on display, it is a show that speaks to the entire industry, with a strong emphasis on Made in Italy, and that has consolidated its reputation as a not-to-be-missed event for the boating industry.
While the Cannes Yachting Festival stands out for its exclusive atmosphere, the Genoa Boat Show maintains its leading role in terms of tradition and the breadth of the exhibition offer. Together, these two events mark the global yachting calendar, offering enthusiasts and industry professionals a double date not to be missed.
SAVE THE DATE 2025
Cannes Yachting Festival: 9 to 14 September 2025 Genoa Boat Show: 18 to 23 September 2025
