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A record-breaking show
From September 9 to 14, 2025, the Cannes Yachting Festival attracted 56,000 visitors, up slightly on 2024. With 711 boats on display (+1.5%), 677 exhibitors (+5.8%) and 147 world premieres (+22.5%), the event confirmed its international appeal and its role as a showcase for nautical innovation.
In particular, the show highlighted structuring trends such as low-carbon propulsion, more sustainable materials, optimized on-board comfort and upmarket accommodation. However, behind this dynamic image and communication, the economic reality of shipyards remains more nuanced.
Sales struggling to take off
Although the stands were sometimes busy, and some order books were full, the consolidated sales figures show that the market is still hesitant. Registrations in France remained stable, with variations according to segment: medium-sized powerboats are doing well, while sailboats are experiencing a slowdown, particularly in certain intermediate lengths.
Rental continues to grow, with customers preferring use to ownership, confirming a structural trend already observed before the health crisis. This illustrates a change in consumer approach: more flexibility, but less investment in ownership.
Listed construction sites under pressure
The contrast between the success of the show and the financial results published by the industry's major players is striking. Bénéteau, the world's leading yacht manufacturer, saw its net profit fall by almost 40% in 2024, affected by rising production costs and slowing sales in several ranges.
Other European shipyards, such as Catana Group and Ferretti Group, also posted contrasting results: sustained demand for top-of-the-range boats and catamarans, but margins weakened by inflationary pressure and international competition. On the stock market, nautical stocks remain volatile, reflecting investors' uncertainty about a market that is struggling to find a clear trajectory.
A market in transition
The Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 illustrates the current paradox: a sector that attracts, innovates and inspires dreams, but which remains in search of economic benchmarks. Demand is there, particularly in the premium and luxury segments, but it is more selective, oriented towards customized, hybrid or environmentally conscious units.
For builders, the challenge now is to find the right balance between meeting these new expectations and remaining competitive in the face of persistently high production costs. International customers are still present on the Côte d'Azur, but they are more cautious and less inclined to sign up immediately.
Outlook
These few figures on the first results of the 2025 vintage confirm that the nautical sector is still very attractive, but the reality of order books shows that the market is still searching. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether the positive signals from the show will translate into actual sales volumes.
In the meantime, construction sites and dealers will have to cope with a demanding environment, political instability and an extremely dense trade show calendar.
