Amid the glitz and cinematic glamour of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, one presence stole every spotlight, not on the red carpet, but floating just offshore. The THIS IS IT superyacht, commissioned by entrepreneur Tasos Papanastasiou and managed by IYC, emerged as the true icon of the festival, culminating in a Bond-themed blowout so exclusive that A-listers were “begging for an invite,” according to sources close to the yacht’s elite guest list.

Anchored off the Croisette, THIS IS IT wasn’t just another luxury vessel. It was a symbol of the future of design, the pinnacle of innovation, and the most coveted venue of the week. “Our main goal was to create architecture on water… Nothing is straight, nothing is as it is supposed to be,” said lead designer Gian Marco Campanino, who, alongside Mattia Piro and The Italian Sea Group, masterminded the yacht’s concept.

On May 13th, under the direction of luxury event curator Christine Panagi and brought to life by Splendid Events, the yacht hosted what many are calling the most talked-about party in Cannes history. With a 007 James Bond theme, the event drew a guest list that read like a Hollywood credits roll. From global celebrities to industry power players, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and elite fashion royalty, THIS IS IT was the epicenter of festival buzz.

“THIS IS IT isn’t simply a yacht — it’s a living, breathing sculpture at sea,” said a member of the yacht’s design team. And indeed, guests were immersed in a sensory experience from the moment they boarded.

Futuristic Design That Defies Convention

The yacht’s aesthetic was unlike anything the industry — or Cannes — had ever seen. Described as a fusion of “automotive aesthetics, advanced technology, and organic forms,” THIS IS IT wowed onlookers with its aerodynamic curves and expansive, glass-clad walls. “Everyone who sees her in person is instantly captivated—photos and videos simply don’t do justice,” said Campanino.

The vessel features over 600 square meters of glass, including floor-to-ceiling windows and fold-out balconies that dissolve boundaries between inside and out. “These expansive windows turn every room into a floating observatory,” the team explained. Its 14.5-meter beam, wider than any yacht in its class, allowed the interior volume of a 60-meter yacht to be achieved in a 43.5-meter frame. 

An Interior That Reimagines Luxury

Stepping inside THIS IS IT feels like entering a futuristic art gallery designed for ultimate comfort. With six staterooms, each a study in asymmetrical luxury, the yacht accommodates 12 guests, including a full-deck master suite with a private balcony. “Every suite is designed with flowing, curved architecture and seamless indoor-outdoor living, delivering ultimate privacy and comfort,” said a spokesperson for the design team.

Amenities onboard include a massage room, sauna, steam room, sea-view gym, a fold-out beach club, two jet skis, and even a private sun deck cinema. “Thematic nights like Arabian Nights or 007 Evenings take place regularly onboard,” said one of the crew members. “Every moment is curated. Every detail is intentional.”

A Party That Lit Up Cannes

At the height of the Cannes Film Festival, THIS IS IT came alive with an energy rarely felt even among the festival’s most lavish affairs. International celebrity DJ Cruz electrified the upper deck with an unforgettable set, as champagne flowed, and A-listers danced beneath the stars. Gourmet cuisine, led by the yacht’s executive chef, offered a Mediterranean-meets-global menu with locally sourced ingredients presented with cinematic flair.

“THIS IS IT is redefining the future of luxury yacht chartering,” said an IYC representative. “It’s not just a superyacht — it’s a floating expression of innovation and elegance.”

Social media exploded in the aftermath. Hashtags like #THISISITyacht and #CannesOnWater trended globally as footage from the private event flooded Instagram and TikTok. Even those who weren’t lucky enough to step aboard clamored for just a glimpse of the curved, glowing silhouette cutting across the marina.

A Game-Changer in the Charter Market

Chartering for €350,000 to €390,000 per week (excluding fuel, food, and drink), THIS IS IT offers more than a stay. It promises a transformative journey. The yacht cruises through Mediterranean jewels like Greece, Italy, France, and Croatia in summer, and the Red Sea in winter.

Performance matches the beauty. As a power catamaran, the vessel boasts greater stability, a cruising speed of 12–14 knots, and top speeds approaching 19 knots. “THIS IS IT offers the volume and comfort of a much larger yacht, all while being nimbler and more efficient on the water,” said Lateral Naval Architects, who managed the naval architecture.

The Visionary Behind It All

At the center of this futuristic fairytale is Tasos Papanastasiou, the Cypriot entrepreneur behind global financial firm XM. “I didn’t want another yacht — I wanted something out of the norm,” he said. His vision became reality when THIS IS IT debuted at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2023, quickly earning accolades, including “Yacht Design of the Year.”

Final Word

From its awe-inspiring silhouette to its lavish, immersive interiors and viral Bond bash, THIS IS IT was more than a yacht at Cannes. It was the moment. As the yacht glided away into the night, its glowing form mirrored in the sea, one thing was clear: Cannes may celebrate the best in film, but THIS IS IT just premiered the future of luxury.

“THIS IS IT isn’t just a name — it’s a statement,” said one insider. “And after this week in Cannes, everyone knows it.”