This year’s Cannes Yachting Festival wrapped up yesterday with an impressive number of vessel debuts among the 700 yachts, crowds estimated at about 55,000 for its six-day run, and, of course, the stunning Mediterranean backdrop. It was a strong opening to the international yachting season. Cannes has made a substantial effort over the years to develop the show into zones that make more sense for visitors, including the Sailing Area and Power Boat Marina in Port Canto, and the Superyacht Extension in Vieux Port. This was the second year of the Innovation Route, which is a trail of boats and products that either have innovative designs or sustainability components—or both. The first Innovation Route Awards gave companies like SEA.AI show recognition with its AI-controlled Watchkeeper system while also recognizing Vaan Yachts’ 49-foot sailboat Vaan R5, which is almost totally (95 percent) built of recycled aluminum and circular materials for its unusually low..
