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Sardinia and superyachts, Cannes puts yachting at the heart of a development strategy

At the Cannes Yachting Festival, Sardinia will present a study on superyacht presence in Gallura and the economic opportunities generated by large yachts

Superyachts, investment, sustainability and education will take centre stage at a conference on Sardinia’s yachting industry on 9 September in Cannes

Sardinia is arriving at the Cannes Yachting Festival with a question that goes beyond the number of yachts choosing its coastline every summer: how much value can the large-yacht sector actually generate for the region?

On Wednesday, 9 September at 11:00 am, at the Sardinia stand – Palais 060, a press conference will focus on the relationship between the international presence of superyachts, the marine industry, sustainability and the island’s ability to attract new investment.

Measuring the superyachts choosing Gallura

One of the key moments of the event will be the presentation of a study carried out by the Cipnes Gallura – UniOlbia Research Centre on superyacht presence in north-eastern Sardinia during June, July and August 2026.

The research uses MMSI data from the Pelagus system of the Northern Sardinia Maritime Directorate, which is collaborating on the study, with the aim of building a picture based on official data concerning the arrivals and presence of large yachts in Gallura waters.

Now in its third edition, the study is particularly relevant because it seeks to transform a phenomenon that is clearly visible along the Costa Smeralda and north-eastern Sardinian coastline into something measurable through structured information.

Behind a yacht, a potential investor

The analysis will go beyond simply counting vessels. The study will include a closer examination of approximately one hundred identified superyachts, providing, where information is available, details on ownership, estimated yacht value and the personal wealth of their owners.

The stated objective is to gain a better understanding of the economic potential generated by large yachts and, above all, to look at the phenomenon from a different perspective.

A superyacht spending part of the summer in Sardinia is not simply a high-spending tourism presence. Behind that vessel may be international entrepreneurs and investors who already know the region and could potentially be interested in its industrial opportunities.

From yacht tourism to investment

This is perhaps the most interesting aspect of the strategy being presented in Cannes: the attempt to turn some of Sardinia’s high-profile international visitors into potential investors in the yachting industry and the wider marine economy.

Gallura already has a well-established relationship with international yachting through its coastline, marinas and the worldwide reputation of destinations such as the Costa Smeralda. The challenge is to use that ability to attract visitors beyond tourism alone.

Shipbuilding, refit, services, technology, infrastructure, education and new activities connected with the blue economy can all become areas in which more lasting economic relationships are developed.

Sustainability becomes part of the yachting supply chain

The conference will also provide an opportunity to present projects dedicated to the environmental sustainability of yachting.

This is increasingly connected with the development of destinations receiving significant yacht traffic. The growth of the sector creates a need to balance the presence of vessels with the protection of coastlines, waters and marine ecosystems.

For a region such as Sardinia, where environmental quality is an essential part of its appeal to yacht owners and visitors, sustainability and industrial development are therefore becoming difficult to separate.

Developing skills for the marine economy

Alongside environmental issues, another part of the strategy concerns university education focused on marine industries.

The involvement of UniOlbia, the University of Cagliari and Politecnico di Milano highlights how the development of the yachting industry is also being considered from the perspective of the skills required by businesses.

Technology, naval engineering, research and innovation are increasingly important components of an industry in which advances in propulsion, materials and onboard systems are rapidly changing the professional expertise required.

The speakers in Cannes

The conference will feature Giuseppe Meloni, Regional Councillor for Programming, Budget, Credit and Territorial Planning of the Sardinia Region; Livio Fideli, President of Cipnes Gallura; Antonio Loriga, Vice President of Cipnes Gallura; Aldo Carta, General Manager of Cipnes Gallura and President of UniOlbia; Francesco Mola, Rector of the University of Cagliari; Guido Piga, Head of the Cipnes Gallura – UniOlbia Research Centre; Flavio Manenti, Full Professor at Politecnico di Milano; Simone Bruckner, Chief R&D Officer at Sanlorenzo Yacht; and Angelo Colombo, Organisational Manager of the Sardinia Boat Show.

The joint presence of institutions, universities, research organisations and the marine industry reflects the broader approach of the project, which views yachting not as an isolated sector but as part of a much wider economic ecosystem.

Sardinia looks beyond the summer season

The initiative is part of the internationalisation plan for Sardinia’s yachting industry, funded by the Sardinia Region and implemented by Cipnes Gallura.

Moving from being a privileged destination for international yachting to becoming a territory capable of attracting industry, expertise and capital is undoubtedly more complex than simply increasing visitor numbers.

Starting with data, however, can provide a practical way to understand who is visiting these waters, what economic relationship already exists with the region and which opportunities could develop from that relationship.

From this perspective, the superyachts entering Gallura’s waters every summer are not merely one of Sardinia’s most recognisable images. They can also become a tool for understanding the role the island might play in the future Mediterranean marine economy.

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Cipnes Gallura

07 September 2026
© MED Yachting Editorial Team
Sardinia and superyachts, Cannes puts yachting at the heart of a development strategy
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The information in this article has been sourced from and adapted from official sources and/or press releases, in accordance with our editorial code of ethics.