In the midst of the glamorous Cannes Yachting Festival this year, our crew had a simple yet ambitious goal: to sea trial Leonardo Yachts’ new Eagle 46 carbon edition sailboat—and capture the perfect hero image of the yacht with a giant billowing VÉHICULE-branded spinnaker set against the timeless backdrop of the French Riviera. Armed with our cameras, drone and a skilled crew, we were ready for the mission.
Above: A Leonardo Eagle 46 sailboat with a VÉHICULE-branded spinnaker sail billowing in the wind off the coast of the French Riviera near Cannes. Photo by Ryan Ferraro for YachtWorld.
The festival, with its bustling array of luxury vessels docked at Port Pierre Canto, provided a stunning yet hectic setting for our endeavor, but the Eagle 46’s blend of timeless elegance and modern performance made it the ideal centerpiece for the day’s adventure.
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A Challenging Start
Our efforts to get onboard this beautiful yacht weren’t without their challenges. The first two attempts were thwarted by weather, sea state and general festival congestion. On our third attempt, we arrived at the port later than planned, navigating through the winding, narrow streets of Cannes, thanks to a deft local Uber driver who managed to dodge the worst of the traffic.
Above: Port Pierre Canto in Cannes France. Photo by Ryan McVinney for YachtWorld.
As we stepped onto the dock, the sun was already inching closer to the horizon, casting a golden glow over the bay. We knew time was short. Would we manage to get out on the water and raise the sails before the last rays of sunlight disappeared? The clock was ticking presenting a bit of a race against time, but with the wind at a favorable 6-8 knots and a relatively calm sea state in the bay, we pushed off.
Above: Passing by a line of superyachts docked in Cannes during the annual Cannes Yachting Festival. Photo by Ryan McVinney for YachtWorld.
Sailing to Ile Sainte-Marguerite
Setting sail from Port Pierre Canto, we glided across the Bay of Cannes, heading towards Ile Sainte-Marguerite, the largest of the Lérins Islands. Known for its historical significance, with the infamous Fort Royal that supposedly once held the “Man in the Iron Mask” as a prisoner, this tranquil island offered the perfect backdrop for our sailing adventure. The plateau between the islands was dotted with moored yachts and anchored dayboats, their occupants enjoying water sports in the protected, shallow waters.
Above: A Leonardo Eagle 46 sailing towards Ile Sainte-Marguerite near Cannes, France. Photo by Ryan Ferraro for YachtWorld.
Just southwest of the island, we turned off the motor and began to hoist the sails. The wind gods seemed to favor us, as we managed to get the VÉHICULE spinnaker up just in time for the final rays of sunlight to illuminate the bay. It was a perfect moment—the Eagle 46 in all her glory, silhouetted against the backdrop of the setting sun over Cannes.
Above: A stern view of the Eagle 46 Carbon Edition with the VÉHICULE-branded spinnaker sail billowing in the wind and sun setting in the background over the French Riviera. Photo by Ryan Ferraro for YachtWorld.
Above: Filming the Leonardo Eagle 46 with a drone off the coast of the French Riviera. Photo by Ryan McVinney for YachtWorld.
The Eagle 46: Classic Elegance Meets Modern Innovation
Our vessel for the day, the Eagle 46 Carbon Edition, showcases Leonardo Yachts’ craftsmanship at its finest. Offered in two configurations, we had the privilege of sailing the Carbon Edition, which boasts a full carbon fiber hull, carbon mast, and boom, paired with North Sails 3Di Endurance sails for peak performance. Alternatively, the other model features a foam-core, vacuum-injected Vinylester hull with aluminum rigging and North Sails NPC Cross-Cut Nordac sails.
Above: Starboard view of the Eagle 46 Carbon Edition under sail prior to raising the spinnaker sail. Photo by Ryan Ferraro for YachtWorld.
Specifications & Performance
The Eagle 46’s design combines timeless, classic lines with modern keel and rudder appendages, making her as visually striking as she is efficient. With a length overall of 46.78 feet, a beam of 9.94 feet, and a draft of 7.22 feet she cuts through the water with ease, offering exhilarating sailing performance. Sailing her is a pleasure, thanks to thoughtfully placed deck hardware and controls, all within easy reach of the helmsman. Whether single-handed or with a crew, the Eagle 46 is designed for effortless sailing—something we truly appreciated as we cruised across the calm waters of the French Riviera.
Above: Standing on deck under sail on the Eagle 46 with Oriana Schneps (foreground), Rachel Boersma (left) and Ryan Ferraro (right) with Steven Boersma in the stern. Photo by Ryan McVinney for YachtWorld.
Deck & Controls
The deck of the Eagle 46 is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring flush hatches and EcoDeck® decking, made from sustainable materials that can be easily recycled at the end of their life cycle. For ease of handling, even in tricky conditions, the yacht is equipped with an electric captive winch for trimming the mainsail and powered headsail furlers—both conveniently controlled from the helm.
Above: Steven Boersma at the helm of the Eagle 46 with the sun setting in the background. Photo by Ryan McVinney for YachtWorld.
A Perfect Fit for the French Riviera
The French Riviera, with its unique charm and glamorous ambiance, felt like the ideal home for the Eagle 46. As we sailed past the coastline of Cannes, the yacht turned heads and effortlessly blended with the elegance of the surroundings. If Daniel Craig were to take a break from his next mission, this would surely be the vessel to whisk his bond girl leading lady off for a romantic evening under the Mediterranean stars.
Above: Steven Boersma (left) and Ryan McVinney (right) talking at the helm of the Eagle 46 in the Bay of Cannes. Photo by Oriana Schneps for YachtWorld.
The Eagle 46’s blend of performance, style, and innovation ensures she stands out in any harbor. With her sleek lines backed and well-designed hull, Leonardo Yachts has built a vessel that combines beauty and practicality, turning sailing into an uncomplicated joy.
Above: Ryan Ferraro (left) catches a drone while the crew of the Leonardo Eagle 46 watches in the cockpit. Photo by Ryan McVinney for YachtWorld.
Leonardo Yachts: Craftsmanship with Heart
The journey aboard the Eagle 46 was made even more special by our hosts, the dedicated crew from Leonardo Yachts. Based in the northern Netherlands, this family-run business is helmed by Steven and Rachel Boersma, who have built a community of passionate sailors around their unique Eagle daysailers.
Steven previously started Da Vinci Yachts, before selling it to his partner and got into building sailboats with his brother Melle. Together they developed their first yacht, the Eagle 44 with Dykstra Naval Architects, as well as the Eagle 38 and Eagle 54 with Hoak Design. From their first yachts, to the newer Eagle 46 and the current Eagle 46 Carbon Edition, the Boersmas have consistently delivered yachts that are as high-performing as they are elegant.
Above: The moon rises over Ile Sainte-Marguerite in the background behind the Eagle 46 Carbon Edition under sail with a VÉHICULE spinnaker sail. Photo by Ryan Ferraro for YachtWorld.
Leonardo Yachts’ commitment to quality is evident in every detail of their boats, and their approach to customer service is just as personal. They personally deliver yachts to stunning locations, ensuring that each handover feels like welcoming a new member into the Eagle family.
Above: The Leonardo 46 Eagle with VÉHICULE spinnaker under sail with Cannes in the background. Photo by Ryan Ferraro for YachtWorld.
A Memorable Experience
As the sun dipped below the horizon and we sailed back into Port Pierre Canto, we counted our blessings and thanked our hosts for an epic experience. Despite the initial challenges, the combination of great company, a stunning yacht, and the captivating beauty of the French Riviera made for an unforgettable sailing adventure, and most importantly, we got the shot. The Eagle 46 had exceeded our expectations in every way, proving that Leonardo Yachts truly knows how to craft a vessel that offers both style and performance in equal measure.
Above: The VÉHICULE-branded spinnaker sail as seen from the cockpit of the Leonardo 46 Eagle. Photo by Ryan McVinney for YachtWorld.
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