Cannes Logbook - Day 2
My alarm clock and I got into a fight this morning—and my alarm clock won. It went off way too early, but we had a busy day ahead of us: three scheduled boat walkthroughs and four press events, all the way across the show in Port Canto. We had to be on-site at 7 a.m. sharp to meet with the product champion from Four Winns. Our goal was to get the boat introduction out of the way and start filming their new catamarans just as the sun was rising.
Four Winns, which has been building boats since 1975, started rolling out its catamaran line in 2022. We kicked things off with the Four Winns TH33, and I have to say, I was seriously impressed. It’s a super comfortable day boat, but it also has a cabin if you need to get out of the sun or just need a place to change. I loved that the entry to the cabin is forward-facing, so you could prop the door open and get a nice breeze when you’re at anchor. Personally, I’d go with the gray color scheme, but she was pretty no matter what.
With one down, we moved on to the Four Winns TH38. Now this is a boat I could really see myself on. As many of you know, my partner and I lived on a Leopard 40 sailing catamaran for more than three years, so I know a thing or two about catamarans. The TH38 is an upgrade from their 36 model, and my favorite part is that they incorporated side decks. So many other manufacturers sacrifice side decks to maximize interior space, which is great until you need to get to the sides of your boat to place fenders or load and unload while tied up. The two mirror-image cabins below make it easy to have friends overnight without having to share a sleeping space.
We wrapped up shooting at the Four Winns booth just as the show was officially opening for the day. Next, we made a quick stop at the Jeanneau booth to connect with their team and get a first look at the NC 1095. I’m pretty sure my jaw dropped a few times. I had to keep reminding myself that it was only a 34-foot boat because it felt so much bigger. I’ll have more on that one on day five!
After a quick cappuccino refuel, we were off to say hello to our favorite manufacturers and attend the first of two press events from Axopar. Today was the official unveiling of the Brabus Shadow 1500. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a more rugged vessel than this one, with its stealth green paint job. Brabus and Axopar collaborated to bring the supercar aesthetic and high-end luxury associated with the Brabus name to the marine world. Looking at the attention to detail, it’s clear that they’ve done exactly that. I did a quick personal walkthrough while scouting for the full walkthrough I’ll be shooting tomorrow. The Co-Founder and Chief Creator, Jan-Erik Viitala, is clearly passionate about what they’re doing at Axopar, and they’ve also just announced a new CEO, Kari Kulojärvi, to help with the company’s long-term strategic goals.
The show is split into two areas: Port Canto, on the west side of the Bay of Cannes, where sailing and smaller powerboats are shown, and Vieux Port, on the east side, where the larger yachts are moored. There are two ways to get between them: by taxi or by boat. Or, if you’re a glutton for punishment, you could walk. We hopped on a Cannes fast shuttle boat for our second boat ride of the trip—much less luxurious than yesterday’s ride on the Level 43ST, but still fun. We got to get up close to some of the huge superyachts anchored out in the bay.
We stopped at a few more booths on the way back to the apartment to refresh before our third walkthrough of the day. Of course, we got held up by the drawbridge. One of the unique things about the Cannes Yachting Festival is that almost every vessel can go out for a sea trial, so they have to keep the walkways moveable to let them in and out of the show. The bridge opens and stays open for 15 minutes to allow boat traffic, then it closes for 15 minutes for pedestrians. We never seemed to get the timing right. But we did get to wander out onto the Super Yacht extension to scout out for our Magesty and Fleming videos but Fleming was missing, but more on that on Day 3.
We found De Antonio and they showed us the world premiere of De Antonio D60, the largest outboard motor vessel on the market. I attempted a single cut walkthrough (didn't happen this time), but I think the reel will come out great anyway! Quad 600hp Mercury V12s under that sunbed!!
After all that, we headed back to Port Canto to shoot the Beneteau Antares 12 Coupe. The Antares 11 was incredibly successful, and the 12 is the next step up, bringing even more liveaboard functionality to the model. With a fold-out terrace, a helm door, a walk-in shower, and a sunroof, what more could a girl ask for?!
The day ended with a late pizza dinner and the weirdest Caesar salad I think I’ve ever had. We discussed our strategy for the next day, and then it was off to bed for another early start.