The Cannes Yachting Festival has named the five winners of its second Innovation Route Awards, selected from 47 projects taking part in the show’s Innovation Route.
The awards, launched in 2024, recognise projects intended to support a more innovative and lower-impact boating sector, from navigation and propulsion to materials, marina operations and marine biodiversity.
“The winning projects this year showcase the richness and diversity of the innovations driving the transformation of the boating industry,” said Cannes Yachting Festival director Constance Brément.
“These five winners demonstrate that performance, responsibility, the pleasure of being on the water and new experiences can go hand in hand.”
The winning projects were selected by a jury including representatives from the Fédération des Industries Nautiques, Boat & Sea Consulting, Yacht Carbon Offset, Figaro Nautisme and Adzurra.
Five winners
BlueNav won Best Navigation-Enhancing Equipment for Smart Mooring, an app-controlled system which allows users to monitor and adjust a boat’s position from anywhere on board. Used with BlueNav motors and its Precision+ GPS system, the system is designed to improve position-keeping and simplify mooring manoeuvres.
Suzuki Marine received Best Sustainable Product for Suzuki Edge Ecoat, an anodising technology used on selected outboard engine components, developed to improve corrosion protection and extend component life while reducing CO₂ emissions associated with drying and curing processes by 50%.
Excess Catamarans was awarded Best Innovative Boat for the Excess 11, a 37ft cruising catamaran designed around space, comfort and an engaging sailing experience. The model is also available in a hybrid version combining a generator with two electric motors for silent manoeuvring and electric sailing.
D-Marin won Best CSR Initiative for a marine biodiversity restoration programme developed with Ecocean. The project uses Biohut artificial habitats in D-Marin ports to provide refuge for juvenile fish and support local ecosystems.
The Special Jury Award was awarded to Azimut Yachts for the Grande 44M. The 43.6-metre yacht uses a carbon-fibre superstructure and carbon-tech construction to reduce weight by up to 30%, while its four-deck layout includes an upper deck that can be used as an open owner’s area overlooking the sea.
