At this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival, our mission was clear: take the sleek new Eagle 46 Carbon Edition from Leonardo Yachts out for a sail, and capture its grandeur with a VÉHICULE-branded spinnaker against the breathtaking French Riviera. Armed with precision equipment and a skilled crew, we were poised to make it happen.
Cannes, with its glittering sea of luxury yachts, provided the perfect backdrop—though the busy harbor presented its own set of challenges. Yet, the Eagle 46’s refined mix of classic beauty and cutting-edge design quickly made it the star of the show.
Three attempts and a touch of chaos later, we finally found ourselves on board, with the sun hanging low over the horizon, casting the kind of light that transforms moments into memories. Time was short, but we pushed off with the confidence that the Eagle 46 was more than capable of making this sunset sail a success.
As we sailed past the iconic Lérins Islands, the wind worked in our favor. Raising the VÉHICULE spinnaker just as the last rays of light danced across the water, we experienced that elusive blend of beauty and performance that defines the Eagle 46.
The Eagle 46 Carbon Edition: Crafted for Discerning Sailors
Leonardo Yachts has outdone themselves with the Eagle 46 Carbon Edition. This vessel, built with a carbon fiber hull and equipped with carbon rigging, feels effortlessly at home on the water. It features high-performance North Sails 3Di Endurance sails, delivering both power and grace.
For those preferring a more traditional setup, the alternative version with a foam core Vinylester hull and aluminum rigging offers similar elegance. Regardless of the configuration, the Eagle 46 is engineered for the discerning sailor who values both performance and understated luxury.
Design Meets Innovation
Measuring nearly 47 feet in length and just under 10 feet across the beam, the Eagle 46 glides through the water with ease. The meticulous deck design, featuring flush hatches and sustainable EcoDeck® materials, speaks to its uncompromising craftsmanship. Onboard controls are intuitive, with electric winches and powered furlers making navigation smooth and enjoyable, whether sailing solo or with a crew.
A Natural Fit for the Riviera
Sailing along the French Riviera, it became evident that the Eagle 46 is as much a part of this landscape as the glimmering Mediterranean itself. Its elegant lines turned heads, yet never in a way that felt ostentatious. The Eagle 46 exists for those who don’t seek attention but naturally command it through impeccable taste and quiet confidence.
Leonardo Yachts: A Legacy of Passion and Precision
The Eagle 46 represents more than just a sailboat—it embodies Leonardo Yachts’ commitment to excellence. Helmed by Steven and Rachel Boersma, this family-run business out of the Netherlands has built a reputation for delivering yachts that marry high performance with elegance.
Their approach goes beyond craftsmanship; it’s about personal connection. Each yacht handover feels like the start of a new relationship, a bond between the sailor and the sea that will only grow stronger over time.
A Lasting Impression
As we sailed back to shore, the French Riviera cloaked in twilight, we reflected on the day’s adventure. The Eagle 46 had not just met but exceeded every expectation, offering an effortless sailing experience wrapped in timeless design. For those who view luxury not as a statement, but as a quiet, personal indulgence, the Eagle 46 is a fitting companion for any voyage.
In the world of refined yachting, where true luxury lies in seamless performance and timeless elegance, the Eagle 46 stands in a class of its own.
