Cannes Yachting FestivalBoats over 15 metres – The highlights

Jan-Ole Puls

 · 21.08.2026

The Vieux Port harbour.
Photo: Hersteller
​The 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival on the French Côte d’Azur is one of Europe’s largest and most important in-water boat shows. Every year, shipyards, dealers and water sports enthusiasts from all over the world gather here. More than 700 boats are on display in the two harbours, Vieux Port and Port Canto – ranging from compact day cruisers to luxurious superyachts. Numerous world premieres and technical innovations, such as sustainable propulsion systems and state-of-the-art on-board electronics, make the show a key industry gathering.

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For the BOOTE editorial team, this is Cannes Yachting Festival alongside boot Düsseldorf, one of the most important trade fairs of the year. A particular advantage of the festival is that the boats are moored directly in the water and, in some cases, can even be test-driven. Especially in the mornings and evenings, there is an opportunity to experience numerous models for yourself on the water. This not only gives you a first impression – it also allows you to get a real feel for the boat’s performance and handling.

With more than 700 motorboats and sailing boats on offer, however, it’s hard to choose. That’s why we’ve already been in touch with the shipyards in advance and taken a look at the most exciting new releases. Fairline is bringing new models to Cannes again after quite some time, and this year they’ve even got a houseboat in their line-up. Nimbus is also attracting attention with a new model and is therefore one of the manufacturers whose new releases we’ll be looking at particularly closely.


Samar 50

Fully electric, 50-footPhoto: SamarFully electric, 50-foot

The Samar 50 is fully electric. It is inspired by traditional boats. One of its distinctive features is its flexible propulsion system: up to four engines can be fitted – two diesel engines and two electric motors. Furthermore, particular emphasis has been placed on creating a spacious living and lounge area on deck.

  • Length: 15.80 m
  • Width: 4.20 m
  • Weight: 14,000 kg
  • Engine: 2 × 40 kW

Fiart SX5

Sleek design by FiartPhoto: FiartSleek design by Fiart

​Fiart is also unveiling a new motor yacht, the SX5. Striking features include the steep bow – typical of the shipyard – sheltered side decks and a spacious saloon with an open-plan living area – typical of this Italian shipyard. In the two-cabin version, the open galley creates a loft-like atmosphere, whilst the guest cabin offers a headroom of around two metres.

  • ​Length: 17.30 m
  • Width: 4.38 m
  • Weight: 15,000 kg
  • Engine: 2 x 600 PS

​Fairline Targa 58 GTO

The new Fairline Targa 58 GTOPhoto: FairlineThe new Fairline Targa 58 GTO

​The 17.96-metre-long Fairline Targa 58 GTO is set to become the new flagship of the sporty Targa range from England. The model features spacious outdoor areas, an open-plan cockpit and galley, and a beach club with a tender garage for a Williams 325.

  • ​Length: 17.96 m
  • Width: 4.99 m
  • Weight: 34,000 kg
  • Engine specifications: 2 × 1,000 PS

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Jan-Ole Puls

Jan-Ole Puls

Editor Test & Technology

Ole Puls was born in Schleswig in 1999. He quickly swapped the football pitch for the Schlei and grew up sailing a wide variety of dinghies and tall ships. From his grandfather's self-built wooden opti and a Europe to a 49er and an X362 Sport, there was a lot to choose from. After leaving school, Puls decided to train as a boat builder at the high-tech shipyard Knierim Yachtbau in Kiel in 2016. He successfully completed his training in 2020 and stayed at the shipyard as a bachelor. In 2022, he decided not only to build boats, but also to test them. Since then, he has been working for Delius Klasing Verlag in the Test & Technology section of BOOTE magazine. The training he received and the eye for detail and quality of workmanship he acquired help him immensely today. Even though he is a regatta sailor with heart and soul, he feels right at home on motorboats and enjoys separating his professional and private lives and yet combining them. Because we all know one thing: there is simply no better place to be than on the water.

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