S uccessfully launched in 2024, the Innovation Route quickly became an unmissable highlight of Europe’s largest in-water show. A showcase of cutting-edge technologies and eco-conscious approaches, this initiative features the most significant advances shaping the future of yachting. For the 2025 edition, the Cannes Yachting Festival is taking an additional step by launching the Innovation Route Awards, aimed at rewarding the most remarkable projects and promoting the players who are making sailing more attractive and sustainable.
A rigorous selection by a jury of experts
With more than 120 applications received, the selection was not obvious. After in-depth deliberations, the six members of the expert jury, all influential professionals in the nautical sector, carefully selected the 42 innovations that stand out for their boldness, relevance and ability to transform the industry.
The Innovation Route confirms that the boating revolution is underway, with increasingly tangible solutions. Among the standout innovations are the MODX 70, a 100% electric catamaran combining inflatable sails, electric motors, and 70 m² of solar panels; the Lagoon Eighty 2, the first catamaran incorporating 40% resin made from natural or recycled materials; and the Millikan M.10, an electro-solar catamaran capable of sailing with complete zero-emission autonomy. Safety is also advancing with AnchorGuardian, a groundbreaking ultra-precise anchor detection system, and SEA.AI Watchkeeper, which uses AI and night vision to prevent collisions. Finally, hybridisation is becoming more accessible thanks to BlueNav BlueSpin, the innovation of Seadrive and the Leopard 46 Electric Drive, while the Vaan R5 and Tortue 147 represent a new generation of boats built from recyclable and circular materials.
The jury consists of:
- Guillaume Arnaud des Lyons – Deputy General Delegate of the FIN,
- Thierry Berest – Founder of Boat & Sea Consulting, maritime consultant,
- Jean-Christophe Guillaumin – Editor, author, journalist, Figaro Nautisme editor,
- Geoffroy Langlade – Journalist and entrepreneur,
- Elena Patriarca – Director of Adzurra S.r.l.,
- Craig Ritchie – North America Editor for International Boat Industry (IBI).
The members of the jury share a common vision for innovation with a big “I”. As Thierry Berest explains: “Participating in this jury means promoting excellence and boldness in the nautical sector.” Craig Ritchie continues by emphasising the pivotal role of the Festival: “Innovation is what drives the entire boating industry, and Cannes is where we see many of the most impressive innovations every year,” The Cannes Yachting Festival is thus positioning itself as an essential barometer of trends and technological advances. Geoffroy Langlade, also a member of the Innovation Route jury, explains the main guidelines: “Innovations in pleasure sailing are focusing on more sustainable technologies to reduce the carbon footprint; AI and autonomous services make sailing safer and smarter.” In his opinion, these “major transformations” are the very reason for his involvement in this jury.
Innovations shaping the future of sailing
The 42 innovations selected embody the industry’s commitment to decarbonised yachting and an unparalleled user experience. They represent the best of the industry’s ingenuity and vision. The full list is available HERE.
Sylvie Ernoult, Director of the Cannes Yachting Festival, emphasises: “We are particularly proud to see the growing importance of major innovations at the Cannes Yachting Festival year after year. The 42 products, services or equipment selected by our expert jury demonstrate the industry’s deep commitment to more eco-friendly yachting while constantly focused on providing a better sailing experience.”
A selection of 10 innovations that caught the jury’s attention in particular:
BLUENAV – France
BlueSpin Outboard 15kw – Pantiero
With its BlueSpin engine, BlueNav offers an innovative hybrid solution that adapts to existing thermal boats. It combines electric technology, connectivity and quiet navigation.
CATARUGA SA – Switzerland
Tortoise 147 – Sailing Area
Designed for independence and sustainability, the Tortue 147 catamaran combines atypical design, living comfort and environmental awareness. Recyclable aluminium, responsible wood, solar panels: everything is designed for gentle, free and ocean-friendly navigation.
LAGOON – France
Lagoon EIGHTY 2 – Sailing Area
The new Lagoon EIGHTY 2 embodies the Beneteau Group’s commitment to more responsible sailing with 40% of the resin used derived from natural or recycled raw materials – a world first in catamaran construction.
MILLIKAN BOATS – France
M.10 – Power Boat Marina
100% solar-powered catamaran designed for performance and autonomy. With 35 kWh of solar energy per day and 41 kWh of batteries, it offers silent, emission-free navigation with all the comfort needed to live on board.
OCEAN DEVELOPMENT – France
MODX 70 – Sailing Area
This 70-foot catamaran combines the best of renewable energy: Aeroforce wing propulsion, electric motor, hydrogeneration and 70 m² of solar panels.
SAIM MARINE – Italy
SeaDrive – Pantiero
This is a state-of-the-art electric propulsion system. By adding the SeaDrive POD propulsion system to the existing petrol or diesel engine, it is possible to sail at low speed using clean electric power, with no noise or exhaust smell.
SEA.AI.SAS – USA
Watchkeeper – Pantiero
Onboard solution capable of detecting floating objects in real time, to avoid collisions even in poor visibility conditions, thanks to an intelligent system combining thermal camera, night vision and artificial intelligence.
SUNSAIL – THE MOORINGS – France
Leopard 46 Electric Drive – Sailing Area
The Leopard 46 features an optional hybrid electric motor, incorporating a power management box, electric propulsion pod, high-voltage lithium-ion battery and solar panels. A step towards more sustainable sailing, combining performance and respect for the environment.
SWISS OCEAN TECH – Switzerland
AnchorGuardian – Pantiero
This is an innovative real-time anchor monitoring system. Thanks to patented sensors and advanced algorithms, it detects the anchor’s movements with submeter accuracy – without relying on GPS. Designed to increase maritime safety and protect marine ecosystems, AnchorGuardian sets a new benchmark for reliable and responsible anchoring.
VAAN YACHTS BV – The Netherlands
Vaan R5 – Sailing Area
49-foot catamaran designed to explore the farthest destinations. Spacious and comfortable, it is suitable for couples and large families. True to the “Sail the Planet” mission, it is built from circular and almost fully recyclable materials, combining luxury with respect for the environment.
The Innovation Route Awards ceremony
Next step: The four winners of the Innovation Route Awards will be revealed when the show opens on Tuesday, 9 September! The prizes will be awarded in the following categories:
- solutions that improve the navigation experience
- sustainable and responsible technologies
- propulsion systems or alternative energies
- processes or products with low environmental impact
- A Special Jury Prize will also be awarded for a particularly bold or exemplary project, highlighting an exceptional innovation.
The members of the jury share a common vision for innovation with a big “I”. As Thierry Berest explains: “Participating in this jury means promoting excellence and boldness in the nautical sector.” Craig Ritchie continues by emphasising the pivotal role of the Festival: “Innovation is what drives the entire boating industry, and Cannes is where we see many of the most impressive innovations every year,” The Cannes Yachting Festival is thus positioning itself as an essential barometer of trends and technological advances. Geoffroy Langlade, also a member of the Innovation Route jury, explains the main guidelines: “Innovations in pleasure sailing are focusing on more sustainable technologies to reduce the carbon footprint; AI and autonomous services make sailing safer and smarter.” In his opinion, these “major transformations” are the very reason for his involvement in this jury.
