“SLOW” CRUISING, A NEW TREND AT THE 49TH CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL
From 8 to 13 September 2026, the Cannes Yachting Festival will shine a spotlight on a new way of experiencing life at sea: Slow Cruising. Inspired by the principles of slow tourism, this approach encourages leisurely coastal journeys, meaningful stopovers and a deeper respect for the marine environment. Rather than focusing on speed or distance, slow cruising prioritises comfort, thoughtful itinerary planning and the overall quality of the journey.
This philosophy is reflected in a new generation of boats designed for efficient, comfortable cruising, as well as in the growing network of marinas and nautical destinations supporting this style of travel. Exhibitors including Barbados, Catalonia, D-Marin, Sardinia and Tunisia will demonstrate how interconnected marina networks can create the ideal infrastructure for more responsible, locally focused cruising while enriching the overall travel experience.
“Slow sailing responds to a growing desire to rediscover the pleasure of travelling at sea at a gentler pace while placing greater value on the destinations visited,” says Constance Brément, Director of the Cannes Yachting Festival. “This year’s exhibitors from boat builders to marina networks and nautical destinations demonstrate that the journey itself, together with each stopover has become an essential part of a more sustainable, authentic and environmentally conscious boating experience.”
Marina networks supporting a new way to cruise effective slow cruising depends not only on mindset but also on infrastructure. Well-connected marina networks allow boaters to cruise along the coast at their own pace, adapt their routes to weather conditions and reduce engine use by planning shorter passages between destinations.
Beyond improving navigation, organised stopovers help distribute boating activity more evenly, directing vessels towards well-equipped facilities while reducing pressure on environmentally sensitive anchorages. Marinas also become gateways to local communities, offering visitors opportunities to discover regional gastronomy, heritage, craftsmanship and coastal culture, transforming each stop into an integral part of the voyage rather than simply a place to refuel.
Responding to Changing Travel Preferences the rise of slow cruising reflects broader changes in travel behaviour. Increasingly, travellers are seeking slower, more meaningful journeys, choosing destinations away from crowded tourist routes and placing greater value on authentic local experiences.
According to a 2023 study by the Fédération des Industries Nautiques, 72% of surveyed sailors expressed a desire to slow their cruising pace, while 65% wanted to reduce fuel consumption and 58% said they were looking beyond traditional cruising itineraries. The trend extends beyond boating: Booking.com’s survey of more than 27,000 travellers across 33 countries found that 67% wanted more immersive travel experiences in destinations with fewer visitors.
Against this backdrop, stopovers are becoming a strategic element of modern cruising, combining environmental responsibility with cultural discovery and a more rewarding experience on the water.
Boats designed for the slow living lifestyle the concept of slow cruising is also influencing yacht design. Several vessels on display at this year’s Festival have been created to support a more self-sufficient, relaxed and environmentally conscious lifestyle at sea.
Examples include Jeanneau’s Sea Loft and Caelum’s Oasis Meu Amor 1029, both designed to promote comfortable living on board with economical operation. Meanwhile, the growing popularity of trawlers highlights increasing demand for long-range cruising at moderate speeds, where efficiency and onboard comfort take precedence over outright performance.
What to expect at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival Europe’s largest in-water boat show returns to Cannes with more than 680 exhibitors and a fleet of 700 boats ranging from 5 to 50 metres, including motor yachts, sailing yachts, monohulls, multihulls, dayboats, trawlers and inflatable boats. Visitors can also look forward to nearly 150 world premieres.
The Festival brings together leading boat builders, equipment manufacturers, toy suppliers, yacht brokers, destinations and marine service providers, showcasing the full breadth of today’s boating industry while celebrating every way people experience life on the water.
