With the 2025 international boat show season now over, three standout events – the Cannes Yachting Festival, the Monaco Yacht Show, and the Southampton International Boat Show – have provided a fitting finale to an exceptional year for the yachting industry. Each delivered important premieres and announcements that are set to influence the line-up at the British Motor Yacht Show when it returns in May 2026.
For serious buyers, the British Motor Yacht Show remains the UK’s most focused environment for high-value acquisitions. Its appointment-led format allows private, considered discussions and offers the opportunity to secure advantageous new season show offers.
The innovations revealed on the Riviera and on the Solent therefore serve as valuable research for those planning a major purchase in the year ahead.
British partners signal their direction
The British Motor Yacht Show is defined by its founding partners – Princess Yachts, Sunseeker and Fairline – and each used this season’s international boat show finales to set out their ambitions.
At Cannes, Princess Yachts, staged the world premiere of the V65, a yacht that blends the performance of the V-Class with the interior refinement for which the Plymouth yard is renowned. Following the success of the S65 and V40 Anniversary Edition at the British Motor Yacht Show earlier this year, the V65 could become a key draw for buyers seeking open-air performance with superlative comfort.
Princess also announced the forthcoming F54, scheduled for its full public debut at boot Düsseldorf 2027. With larger dimensions, a sharper profile and – for the first time in this size range – the option of a hardtop, the F54 represents a notable evolution of the F-Class.
Sunseeker, meanwhile, unveiled the concept for its 134 Superyacht during its Cannes press conference. This striking new 40-metre flagship signals the Poole yard’s intent to expand its superyacht range.
At Southampton, Fairline revealed the Targa 55 GTO concept – an exclusive launch that combines the open-air freedom of the Targa line with the grand-touring elegance of the GT. This design direction, marrying performance with long-range comfort, could well feature prominently when the British Motor Yacht Show returns next spring.
International builders extend the story
Several leading international shipyards – many already familiar to British Motor Yacht Show visitors – added their own significant announcements.
At Monaco, Pearl Yachts introduced the Pearl 100 Hybrid, its most ambitious model to date and the first in the fleet to feature hybrid propulsion. Offering five luxurious staterooms and refined interiors alongside responsible engineering, the Pearl 100 Hybrid builds on the momentum of the all-new Pearl 63, which appeared at the British Motor Yacht Show earlier this year. A UK unveiling of the 100 Hybrid could well follow in coming seasons.
Sanlorenzo presented the SD132 at Cannes, blending long-range cruising capability with the shipyard’s signature minimalist aesthetic. With the brand’s growing UK client base, the SD132 might be a candidate for a future British Motor Yacht Show appearance.
Southampton: From Riviera previews to UK debuts
The Southampton International Boat Show provided the bridge between Mediterranean glamour and the UK market, with several key UK debuts from builders already well known to British Motor Yacht Show visitors.
Absolute Yachts, represented in the UK by Approved Boats, introduced the Navetta 53 and 52 FLY, both making their first UK appearances at Southampton. As regular exhibitors at the British Motor Yacht Show, Absolute’s latest models are likely to remain of keen interest to serious UK buyers.
Other notable UK debuts came from exhibitors also familiar to British Motor Yacht Show guests: the Nord Star 49+, the Prestige 5.7, and Bavaria’s SR41 and VIDA 33. Each offers a distinctive approach to versatile, performance-oriented cruising and each could feature on the pontoons in May.
Premier Marinas at Southampton
Premier Marinas also made a strong appearance at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show, welcoming visitors to its vibrant stand. A mixture of team members from across the company’s eleven south coast marina locations were on hand each day, offering a friendly face and expert insight.
Guests had the opportunity to discover more about Premier’s exceptional portfolio – including Europe’s largest indoor dry stack at Trafalgar Wharf – and the many advantages that come with being part of the Premier community. From stunning waterfront locations and quality boatyards to first-class facilities and exceptional service, Premier Marinas continues to set the benchmark for marina excellence.
For berth holders, the Premier Advantage offers an unrivalled package of rewards and benefits, further enhancing the experience of berthing with one of the UK’s most respected marina operators.
The Duchy 25: A British debut of distinction
Among the most talked-about domestic launches was the Duchy 25, the dynamic sister to the acclaimed Duchy 35, which was presented at the British Motor Yacht Show earlier this year. Lighter and slightly more compact than her sibling yet accommodating up to six guests in a spacious open-air cockpit, the 25 offers the freedom to explore rivers, estuaries or coastal waters and, at just 2.5 tonnes, can be transported by road trailer.
Given the warm reception for the Duchy range, the 25 could very well feature again at the British Motor Yacht Show 2026.
Towards May 2026: From international preview to purchase opportunity
The close of the 2025 yacht show season has celebrated the best of contemporary motor yacht design and set the agenda for what discerning buyers could encounter – and perhaps purchase – when the British Motor Yacht Show convenes next spring.
The innovations unveiled across Cannes, Monaco and Southampton – from hybrid propulsion and bold superyacht concepts to refined interior architecture and increasingly versatile hull designs – suggest a strong and diverse pipeline for the year ahead.
For prospective owners, these international launches provide both inspiration and a valuable head start in research. With the British Motor Yacht Show returning from 14–17 May 2026, serious buyers may now begin detailed evaluations, secure early build slots and prepare to finalise their acquisition at a show expressly designed to facilitate considered purchases and deliver the most advantageous boat show agreements.
2026 registration opens soon – watch this space.
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