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Yachting

The best in show at this year's Cannes International Boat Show

by Cornelia Marioglou | September 19th 2012 | 08:00 pm

This year marked the 35th anniversary of the Cannes International Boat Show, which took place from September 11th to 16th once again at Vieux Port on the glittering Bay of Cannes.

Arguably one of the most prestigious events on the yachting calendar in autumn, there were close to 500 boats on display, spanning from 10 to 61 metres on the water and incorporating a mix of sailing and motor yachts. Moreover, the show hosted several spectacular world premieres, as well as over 100 new model launches of all sizes, notably including the Couach 5000 Fly named La Pellegrina, the Azimut 55S, the Canados 120 and the brand new Sunreef 82 catamaran. We boarded some of the finest yachts at the show, and here are the ones that stood out the most:

Kanga is the first unit of the Wally Ace displacement range. Her hull lines are rather classic yet carry a contemporary feel, reflecting the unmistakable Wally style. In this case, the it's due to the unconventional hull colour 'Ice Blue', which makes the difference. Looks aside, the mission was to provide more volume, more comfort and more stability while reducing fuel consumption, noise and vibration levels. Mission accomplished. The outcome is a 26.23-metre power pack with ample social areas, sun decks and a 95-sq-m guest and service deck for up eight guests and a crew of four. The interior styling of the semi-custom line using GRP sandwich construction technology is as simple as it is fresh, with teak wood joinery and beige fabrics.

Visit Wally on the web

The 70-footer Monte Carlo Yacht Esmeralda follows her predecessors, the 76 and the 65, closing the gap between the two sizes. First off, we noticed the maximum usage of the beam by incorporating a folding door that opens up the interior and exterior deck on the main deck. Monte Carlo Yachts has introduced a modular construction process inspired by the lean concepts of the automotive sector, but even as the designers Nuvolari & Lenard stretched for innovation, they didn’t want to create a house moored in a harbour or a car that floats on water, but rather a real yacht. This is 100% boat with a simple, distinctively Mediterranean style. We especially like the Portuguese bridge with a fully convertible seating area.

Go to the Monte Carlo Yachts homepage

Imperial Princess, the first unit of the 40-metre M-class long-range cruising motor yacht, heralds a bold new era for British yacht builder Princess, based in Plymouth. Since Princess Yachts International was acquired in 2008 by L Capital 2 FCPR, an investment group sponsored by LVMH and Groupe Arnault, a number of major changes regarding the model range's character and look have transformed the series producer into a highly valuable semi-customised manufacturer. For Imperial Princess, it took a total of 38 months and more than 200,000 man hours to get her ready for delivery. Inside, she carries walnut, wenge and macassar ebony cabinetry, herring-bone and chequered marquetry, as well as precious hand-stitched and woven leathers. We like the fold-down balconies, which open out on both sides of the saloon to create a spectacular living area that's sophisticated and rather formal, contrasting with the sky lounge's cool and funky feel. The Imperial Princess more than deserves to be called a superyacht.

View the Princess Yachts webpage

'Petrus II', the first unit of the 40-metre Benetti Classic Supreme from Benetti Yachts

Petrus II, the first unit of the 40-metre Benetti Classic Supreme, is an evolution of the range that includes models from 28 to 44 metres. With a total length of 40.24 metres and a maximum beam of 8.28 metres, she completes the attention to innovation with some interesting new features, like full-sized windows on the main and upper decks that change the yacht's profile and allow for plenty of natural light on board. Furthermore, we noticed that the external rotating pilot wings are retractable and disappear in the sheerline. Architect Stefano Righini, a well-known designer for the Benetti staff, is responsible for the new exterior look, whereas the interior was created by François Zuretti in cooperation with the yard's design team. Lots of natural oak and wenge combinations enriched with handmade leather inserts make for a three-dimensional effect and can be fully customised to the owner's wishes. By far the best Benetti Classic we have ever boarded.

More at the Benetti Yachts website

Find out more about the event at the Cannes International Boat Show homepage